Nancy Lopez will be gone

[Chatbrat]

Got this from a very reliable source that Nancy Lopez is being sold to the same group that currently owns Havana

If this is true--its the end of fine dining in TV

[stan the man]

We still have the Golden Corral

[biker1]

aka "the trough"

We still have the Golden Corral

[Rapscallion St Croix]

Got this from a very reliable source that Nancy Lopez is being sold to the same group that currently owns Havana

If this is true--its the end of fine dining in TV

So, mushroom brie soup that comes to the restaurant in a 4lb pouch equals fine dining?

[Polar Bear]

Got this from a very reliable source that Nancy Lopez is being sold to the same group that currently owns Havana

If this is true--its the end of fine dining in TV
Hmmm. I thought you've always said there IS no fine dining in TV. :)

[Chatbrat]

There wasn't much fine dining, now its almost, nil & that's the truth-- its a shame

[graciegirl]

There wasn't much fine dining, now its almost, nil & that's the truth-- its a shame

You will be alright.

Trust me.

[Debfrommaine]

I better use my gift card soon..........

[JSR22]

So, mushroom brie soup that comes to the restaurant in a 4lb pouch equals fine dining?

Exactly!

[JSR22]

There wasn't much fine dining, now its almost, nil & that's the truth-- its a shame

I think Palmer is better than Lopez.

[JGVillages]

I believe both have been operated by the same owner for quite awhile.

[Chatbrat]

Nancy Lopez was operated by a mgt company & when the business is sold it will be operated by person is the current owner of Havana

[It's Hot There]

Not according to my hairdresser's son's father's girlfriend.

[GoodLife]

Not according to my hairdresser's son's father's girlfriend.

I was at the bar last night and the guy next to me was drinking expensive vodka shots and he told me he was buying Lopez and that they were bringing in a 3 star Michelin chef.

[Skip]

I was at the bar last night and the guy next to me was drinking expensive vodka shots and he told me he was buying Lopez and that they were bringing in a 3 star Michelin chef.

Yea, they put something in the Vodka that does that to people.

Skip

[Mikeod]

The thread title is a bit misleading. Even if the source is correct, why would Lopez be gone? Buying a restaurant with its reputation (whether some individuals believe it’s deserved or not) would be foolish if the intent is to drastically reduce food and/or service quality. To me, a hallmark of Villagers is that they are loyal to a place if they feel they are treated fairly for what they spend. And they will turn away from places that don’t. Most will give a place a chance, even if an initial visit doesn’t measure up.

[TheWarriors]

Nancy Lopez sent me a note that she is alive and well ;) far from gone!

[Chatbrat]

There are less than 20 3 star restaurants in the US--there is noway any restaurant in TV could afford a 3 star chef and make a profit-

The new owner currently owns 4 restaurants in TV, IMHO his business plan doesn't included catering to discriminating tastes-he'll make $ and that is all thats important to any business person--

His menu's do not have any high end entrees

Its Arnold Palmer for us from now on

[l2ridehd]

The issue with the same people owning several restaurants is when one goes bad, they all go bad. All have the same or very close to the same specials. Pricing is not competitive between them, and there is no originality. When it's good it works well, but when it fails, they all fail.

[vintageogauge]

There must be fine dining at O'shucks oysters, the parking lot is always full.

[Chatbrat]

So are all the McDonalds along the interstates--popularity usually means a place like O'Shucks is cheap and good value--would not want to go there to eat--doesn't look clean from the outside

[alwann]

Several posters say it's Palmer for them now. I think Palmer is tops, too. But I've always wondered who owns/runs Palmer and why they haven't taken over other places here and done their magic.

[OpusX1]

So are all the McDonalds along the interstates--popularity usually means a place like O'Shucks is cheap and good value--would not want to go there to eat--doesn't look clean from the outside

It's very clean and the food is great. Not fine dining for sure, fast friendly service, great oysters, a great burger for about $7-$8 bucks.. You miss a lot of good restaurants if you judge them from a drive by.

[Chatbrat]

Sometimes bigger isn't always better, find a niche & perfect it=

[vintageogauge]

There are several good neighborhood restaurants outside TV that we enjoy, not fine dining buy very good food and service.

[Chatbrat]

It was a "Legacy"-hope I'm wrong buy I think it will be a Havana clone

[Skip]

Nancy Lopez sent me a note that she is alive and well ;) far from gone!

Her name hasn't been on the restaurant since about 2003. The correct name is Legacy Country Club Restaurant.

Skip

[Mama C]

The staff always make you feel special at N Lopez-that is part of the fine dining experience

[Bogie Shooter]

The staff always make you feel special at N Lopez-that is part of the fine dining experience

Did you read post #27?

[skip0358]

There are places I go to eat that are just OK others I like a lot. However what I like someone else might not. I for one haven't had a problem at Havana others have. IF the Rumor is true at least let the new owner open and give them a try before we shoot them down. You never know a Chef & a Good wait staff make all difference. If I want a really good meal I stay home as my Wife is 5 star in my book.

[Dan9871]

Her name hasn't been on the restaurant since about 2003. The correct name is Legacy Country Club Restaurant.

Skip

The title on its web page is

"Legacy Restaurant at the Nancy Lopez Country Club"

| Legacy Restaurant at the Nancy Lopez Country Club (http://legacyrestaurant.com/)

[fw102807]

There are places I go to eat that are just OK others I like a lot. However what I like someone else might not. I for one haven't had a problem at Havana others have. IF the Rumor is true at least let the new owner open and give them a try before we shoot them down. You never know a Chef & a Good wait staff make all difference. If I want a really good meal I stay home as my Wife is 5 star in my book.

You are right, not everyone likes the same thing. To me it's not so much about the food as it is getting out and dining with friends.

[bilcon]

I think Palmer is better than Lopez.

Not in a million years! Last time we ate at Palmer, on the terrace, there were three rats running amuck around the tables. When I complained the next day to Matt, one of the manager, he said: Yeah, we have a problem, but there are no rats inside. Sooooo, why did you put our group of 30 people outside? No love for Palmer, except at the bar.

[mrbgull]

Had some very good meals and memories there

[REDCART]

Dinner tonight at Legacy was excellent. The roast duck and stuffed filet of sole were each prepared nicely. If may not be “fine dining” but the service and food were as good as it needs to be for us.

[chuckinca]

Meat Loaf was very good too.

.

[Polar Bear]

...If may not be “fine dining” but the service and food were as good as it needs to be for us.
Sounds like fine dining to me. :)

[GoodLife]

Got this from a very reliable source that Nancy Lopez is being sold to the same group that currently owns Havana

If this is true--its the end of fine dining in TV

Here is Hemingway at Havana's website.

Our Story (http://www.hemingwaysathavana.com/our-story.html)

Hmmm.. looks like the same company has owned both restaurants since 2014

Here is an article about Hemingway opening in 2014 under John McDonough, owner of Legacy at Lopez.

The Havana country club restaurant is temporarily closed, but when it reopens as Hemingway’s at Havana, you can expect some big changes.
An all-star cast of Villages restaurant experts will be on board when the restaurant reopens and rebrands.
Here’s the lineup of the heavy hitters for the new restaurant:
• John McDonough who was originally brought in to run Katie Belle’s and now owns the Legacy Restaurant at the Nancy Lopez Country Club.

https://**************.com/havana-restaurant-closing-heavy-hitters-plan-re-opening/ (online news site)

So your reliable source is talking about what? It appears that he got it backwards, and about 4 years too late.

[Topspinmo]

No skin off my back, I don't like dining with snobs anyway:crap2:
:sigh::loco:

[Topspinmo]

Not in a million years! Last time we ate at Palmer, on the terrace, there were three rats running amuck around the tables. When I complained the next day to Matt, one of the manager, he said: Yeah, we have a problem, but there are no rats inside. Sooooo, why did you put our group of 30 people outside? No love for Palmer, except at the bar.

Those were pet rats trained to clean up:wave:

[Chatbrat]

Goodlife you got it all wrong, John McDonough sold Hemmingways to the person who owns Red Sauce, Johhny Rockets and Amerikanos--Now he will,also, be acquiring "Legacy"

John McDonough will be out of the restaurant business inTV shortly

[Aloha1]

Here is Hemingway at Havana's website.
Hmmm.. looks like the same company has owned both restaurants since 2014
So your reliable source is talking about what? It appears that he got it backwards, and about 4 years too late..

No, he got it right. Those articles are 3 years old. Hemmingway's is gone as of this past summer and the new owners running it also own Johnny Rockets and Amerikanos. Word is that Mcdonough has had health issues and is no longer active at Lopez and that the restaurant will be sold. He lost his head chef at Hemmingways toward the end of 2016 and the menu deteriorated from then. It was the best fish house in TV and is sorely missed.

[Rapscallion St Croix]

Chatbrat, how about an update on one of your previous doomsday prophecies....

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/destined-fail-219437/

[GoodLife]

.

No, he got it right. Those articles are 3 years old. Hemmingway's is gone as of this past summer and the new owners running it also own Johnny Rockets and Amerikanos. Word is that Mcdonough has had health issues and is no longer active at Lopez and that the restaurant will be sold. He lost his head chef at Hemmingways toward the end of 2016 and the menu deteriorated from then. It was the best fish house in TV and is sorely missed.

Actually I cited one article that was 3 years old, the other cite was the current web page for Hemingway/Havana restaurant. They might need to update that.

[GoodLife]

Chatbrat, how about an update on one of your previous doomsday prophecies....

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/destined-fail-219437/

LOL I remember that, an "investor" in a company that no longer sells stock.

[asianthree]

Chatbrat, how about an update on one of your previous doomsday prophecies....

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/destined-fail-219437/

Talbots hay day was the 90s. If you spend $$$ you use a personal shopper, going to the mall and wasting your Saturday trying on clothes is long gone. Stitch fix and other companies do a great job. Clothes come to your house based on your ideas, you try on send back with free ship what you don’t like. But most selection groups are right on the money so I rarely send back. Men’s clothes closet never looked better

[Tkbonesdir]

Here is Hemingway at Havana's website.

Our Story (http://www.hemingwaysathavana.com/our-story.html)

Hmmm.. looks like the same company has owned both restaurants since 2014

Here is an article about Hemingway opening in 2014 under John McDonough, owner of Legacy at Lopez.

The Havana country club restaurant is temporarily closed, but when it reopens as Hemingway’s at Havana, you can expect some big changes.
An all-star cast of Villages restaurant experts will be on board when the restaurant reopens and rebrands.
Here’s the lineup of the heavy hitters for the new restaurant:
• John McDonough who was originally brought in to run Katie Belle’s and now owns the Legacy Restaurant at the Nancy Lopez Country Club.

https://**************.com/havana-restaurant-closing-heavy-hitters-plan-re-opening/ (online news site)

So your reliable source is talking about what? It appears that he got it backwards, and about 4 years too late.


That is the old owners website for Hemmingway's name.

The new owners website is havanacc dot com

We went there last week and the service and food was Awesome! I think they have done a really good job.

[784caroline]

I dont know where you re getting your info from but the Suleiman family or their agent is NOT in discussion with anyone regarding Nancy Lopez restaurant. This is not a rumor.

Now that is not to say that they would not be interested if the property came available. Time will tell.

[CFrance]

Talbots hay day was the 90s. If you spend $$$ you use a personal shopper, going to the mall and wasting your Saturday trying on clothes is long gone. Stitch fix and other companies do a great job. Clothes come to your house based on your ideas, you try on send back with free ship what you don’t like. But most selection groups are right on the money so I rarely send back. Men’s clothes closet never looked better
Some people enjoy shopping at brick & mortar stores, trying many things on, seeing how they fit--the whole "shopping experience." Even with free shipping/free returns, internet shopping doesn't work as well for me as going into the store. Then there's the hassle of packing it back up and taking it to post office or UPS. Unless I'm familiar with a brand and how it fits on me, I prefer going into the store.

Talbot's seems to be doing well in SS. They still have decent quality clothing. Places like JJill and JCrew, Loft, and the like have gone downhill on quality in favor of keeping prices low.

[swkingry]

If the sale changes the quality, then it's a shame.
Lopez is my "go to" restaurant for visitors and for my own special occasions. :sad:

[photo1902]

:bowdown:No skin off my back, I don't like dining with snobs anyway:crap2:
:sigh::loco:

[karostay]

Not according to my hairdresser's son's father's girlfriend.

you forgot to mention auto mechanic brothers son inlaw

[mrf6969]

No biggy, the best meals we have seem to be the ones we have at home. No one around here knows how to prepare a really good steak!!

[JSR22]

No biggy, the best meals we have seem to be the ones we have at home. No one around here knows how to prepare a really good steak!!

Palmer Legends grills excellent steaks and veal chops.

[traveler9]

That never was fine dining so it won't be missed. Fine dining at Turners in Leesburg, Mesa de Notte in Ocala etc Not here. Plenty of decent restaurants here and are fine when you just want to go out and have fun but no fine dining. Rose plantation is also fine dining close by

[graciegirl]

That never was fine dining so it won't be missed. Fine dining at Turners in Leesburg, Mesa de Notte in Ocala etc Not here. Plenty of decent restaurants here and are fine when you just want to go out and have fun but no fine dining. Rose plantation is also fine dining close by

Nancy Lopez may not be fine dining but it is take your friends to a nice restaurant dining and where do you want to eat for your birthday dining...in our house anyway.

It all depends how you look at things. I have a hard time paying hundreds of dollars for a meal, even if I were to win the lottery which isn't going to happen, I don't buy tickets.

[mlmarr1]

haven't been impressed the last few visits.. New owners will be a upgrade .. have you tried Havana, big improvement.. owners are wonderful friendly people.. try a few of their other sites..

[graciegirl]

haven't been impressed the last few visits.. New owners will be a upgrade .. have you tried Havana, big improvement.. owners are wonderful friendly people.. try a few of their other sites..

What makes you say that?

[jrapinz]

Got this from a very reliable source that Nancy Lopez is being sold to the same group that currently owns Havana

If this is true--its the end of fine dining in TV
I have enjoyed exceptional meals and service at Havana!

[Chatbrat]

as long as most people don't have to cook they're happy with what is the prevalent restaurant theme in TV- entrees under $15.00 and two/fers on cheap cocktails & draft beer

we don't go out to eat we go out to dine and meet different people

[graciegirl]

as long as most people don't have to cook they're happy with what is the prevalent restaurant theme in TV- entrees under $15.00 and two/fers on cheap cocktails & draft beer

we don't go out to eat we go out to dine and meet different people

You seem to look down on such people, sir. I find people with varying tastes in food and tastes in décor and tastes in entertainment, and tastes in travel and tastes in life, ,almost always interesting and nice. They always add to my enjoyment and information about life in general.

[OhioBuckeye]

Got this from a very reliable source that Nancy Lopez is being sold to the same group that currently owns Havana

If this is true--its the end of fine dining in TV

I agree with you totally! I know they're a lot of people that have their favorite places to eat & some are less expensive & some more but just my opinion Havana isn't a cheaper place to eat. You can get the same exact thing at other places for less money & just as good or better, again unless Havana is where you like to spend your money. I bought Max N Cheese with tiny bits of Lobster in it for $21. Mac N Cheese, that probably cost them 3 or $4. & the cheese in it tasted like it was a very cheap brand that had no favor to it. These resturants (country clubs) gear everything to what people will spend & for some reason 4 or 5 of them in TV get the big spenders to come there. Sorry, I agree with CHATBRAT! The residents are the ones that drive up the prices, not how good the think the food is because just like everyone, you're going to say your favorite place is the best. Now this is just my opinion & I hope nobody gets offended my comment!

[Allegiance]

Some people live to eat.

[BeetleBailey]

Lopez has always been our favorite place for an excellent meal for 15 years now, but recently it has gone down hill. Sad to say, but maybe they will notice the business going down & the feedback they receive from their frequent diner’s. We have heard this from our friends and neighbors, so it’s just not our opinion. Hope they return to the quality that they once had.

[Chatbrat]

I don't look down at anyone, what i really don't care for are people heaping praise on restaurants that are mediocre @ best.--great pizza compared to--what ? great steaks --compared to what?
most food here is OK--but far from great and awesome

[Allegiance]

I don't look down at anyone, what i really don't care for are people heaping praise on restaurants that are mediocre @ best.--great pizza compared to--what ? great steaks --compared to what?
most food here is OK--but far from great and awesomeI value your opinion. Where are the best steaks and pizza locally?

Thank you

[Chatbrat]

Best steaks used to be in Cuvee Bistro in Ocala, right now the Sky Fusion IMHO is # 1

In TV Arnold Palmer is the best steaks

As far as pizza goes-the best thin "floppy" crust pizza we have experienced is Flippers on the south side--as a restaurant --not a nice place to eat-better to take out

Still our homemade pizza's are the best of any restaurant in TV--went to Flippers--we were not in the mood to cook-that day

[Radioman41]

Wife called Legacy today and spoke with banquet manager who was with the owner. Their response was; 'This talk going around is all garbage". Lets hope this is true.

[Allegiance]

Best steaks used to be in Cuvee Bistro in Ocala, right now the Sky Fusion IMHO is # 1

In TV Arnold Palmer is the best steaks

As far as pizza goes-the best thin "floppy" crust pizza we have experienced is Flippers on the south side--as a restaurant --not a nice place to eat-better to take out

Still our homemade pizza's are the best of any restaurant in TV--went to Flippers--we were not in the mood to cook-that dayIs flippers in Spanish springs equal quality? Does Palmer have a special night to get steak?
Thank you

[Polar Bear]

I don't look down at anyone, what i really don't care for are people heaping praise on restaurants that are mediocre @ best...
That's walking a very fine line since liking or disliking a restaurant is a very personal, subjective opinion.

[Chatbrat]

The Flippers we tried was not in Spanish Springs--I eat th Cowboy steak @ Arnold Palmer--its a permanent menu item

[graciegirl]

Wife called Legacy today and spoke with banquet manager who was with the owner. Their response was; 'This talk going around is all garbage". Lets hope this is true.

So this rumor is a myth. Nancy Lopez is not changing hands. Thank you Mrs. Radio Man. I love it when rumors are scuttled.

[Jersey Joe]

I heard the same thing a couple of weeks ago. They are not accepting the frequent dinner card that I signed up for and
used since 2007.

[teach64]

Lopez was always my favorite fine dining restaurant, until recently. Went once a couple of months ago and had terrible food.There was also a new menu with higher prices. Gave it one more try, same results. Maybe new owners can bring it back to what it once was.

[Chatbrat]

When a restaurant has a problem stocking their bar --there is a problem- we too had a frequent diner card, there are problems there ==time will tell,

[tmbromley]

I’m sorry folks but there really isn’t any real fine dining in the Villagres. But Lopez is about the best we have!

[bobthegolfer]

We have been going to Lopez for 15 years. It was considered Fine Dining the place for Birthday or other celebrations It was always packed! You couldn't get in on Sunday after Church. I know it has changed managers many times. I know they did a bit of renovating and I know Cooks came and went. We were there for Brunch yesterday about 1:30. We were one of four tables on the Porch overlooking the Golf Course. The food was great as was the Service. Our complaints were the music was WAY too loud and their choice of music made me think some young Teeny Bopper chose it. The other complaint I have had for a long time is they need NEW Chairs. They have had the same chairs on the Porch for 15 years. They are very uncomfortable and look Shabby. Our Server had the music turned down, then someone who I assumed was a Manager came to our table and asked if it was at a good level. It was, but the music was not Fine Dining Music, it was Outdoor Bar kind of music! Little things like that matter. We will keep going there as long as the food is as good as it was on Sunday. Since we live five minutes from Lopez, we certainly hope to see it open for Business.

[LYeager]

That's sad - maybe they will up their game(menu, service, staff training) or NOT -

[hillyridge]

Sadly Nancy Lopez was the one consistently good restaurant we went to. We have seen it decline over the years and made sure we used the remainder of our dining card because we felt it would soon be gone. Not surprised if it too leaves.

[tedquick]

Just a “quick” note: I have spoken to two of the Sulieman (hope I spelled their name correctly) brothers in the last two days. They are the family who own Amerikanos, Red Sauce, Johnny Rockets and now Havana. When they purchased Havana, Lopez was temporarily on the table but the owner chose not to sell at that time. So as of right now, apparently nothing is going to change. The “brothers” indicated that if Lopez were to become available they might discuss it but their primary efforts at this time are to improve the food and service in the four restaurants they currently own. And, BTW, they are very interested in feedback from their visitors.

[784caroline]

Just a “quick” note: I have spoken to two of the Sulieman (hope I spelled their name correctly) brothers in the last two days. They are the family who own Amerikanos, Red Sauce, Johnny Rockets and now Havana. When they purchased Havana, Lopez was temporarily on the table but the owner chose not to sell at that time. So as of right now, apparently nothing is going to change. The “brothers” indicated that if Lopez were to become available they might discuss it but their primary efforts at this time are to improve the food and service in the four restaurants they currently own. And, BTW, they are very interested in feedback from their visitors.

Exactly what I heard...same source..no rumor!

[Rapscallion St Croix]

Just a “quick” note: I have spoken to two of the Sulieman (hope I spelled their name correctly) brothers in the last two days. They are the family who own Amerikanos, Red Sauce, Johnny Rockets and now Havana. When they purchased Havana, Lopez was temporarily on the table but the owner chose not to sell at that time. So as of right now, apparently nothing is going to change. The “brothers” indicated that if Lopez were to become available they might discuss it but their primary efforts at this time are to improve the food and service in the four restaurants they currently own. And, BTW, they are very interested in feedback from their visitors.

Sure, sure, but OP got his info from "a very reliable source".

[tedquick]

Sure, sure, but OP got his info from "a very reliable source".


Then don't believe me. Choose to believe whatever you want to believe.

[asianthree]

So there was a deal on the table, but deal fell apart. It happens. So OP heard of the deal, before negotiations fell apart.

[CFrance]

Then don't believe me. Choose to believe whatever you want to believe.
I think Rapscalion meant to be humorous.

[bella2272]

Oh how sad. Nancy Lopez Ledgends is my favorite place to have lunch or dinner.

[bella2272]

I hope they will improve the quality of the food at Americans. It is the worst.

[tedquick]

I think Rapscalion meant to be humorous.

I choose to believe what you suggest as Rapscalion's post seemed to be out of character. If I mistook your post "Rap" here is a public apology.

[Skip]

Oh how sad. Nancy Lopez Ledgends is my favorite place to have lunch or dinner.

Nancy Lopez Legends? Where is that one?

Skip

[pjwjpb]

Sorry but I've yet to find good food here in TV.

[Portia998]

New Year's Eve at Havana was a FIASCO, so you may be absolutely right about the demise of fine dining in The Villages.