What does The Villages Need?

[joeyk]

Hi,
Just bought my new house in TV, absolutely adore it.

I just sold my last Business and now am looking for a new venture in TV.

So what does the Villages need? any ideas guys?

I have owned Photography Studios, Make Up Studios, Hair Studios

Any help would be great, i have seen a few shops to rent so would not be hard to get things in motion.
:crap2:

[another Linda]

What about an internet cafe? You'd be competing with some of the Rec centers though. But on the rare occasion when I've been there without my computer, the lines are often long.

[njbchbum]

we need a store called 'the christmas tree shops' - the best store for decorating goods and home goods - and we need a good competitor for joann's like a.c. moore. think ya could recruit either of them to come to t.v?

[another Linda]

we need a store called 'the christmas tree shops' - the best store for decorating goods and home goods - and we need a good competitor for joann's like a.c. moore. think ya could recruit either of them to come to t.v?

love love love the Christmas Tree Shops!!!

[Larryandlinda]

Hi,
Just bought my new house in TV, absolutely adore it.

I just sold my last Business and now am looking for a new venture in TV.

So what does the Villages need? any ideas guys?

I have owned Photography Studios, Make Up Studios, Hair Studios

Any help would be great, i have seen a few shops to rent so would not be hard to get things in motion.
:crap2:

What do you like to do? That would make it good for you as well as those you serve.

But remember, gotta be careful about what you do out of the home, from what we've seen on TOTV (find and read the posts on that thread) you cannot even work on your business on the home computer.
Hopefully, you can think about the business from home.

This is why in addition to our TV homes we snagged a place outside the compound 'just in case'

We will move our retail there once we are down for good and have been looking at leased retail space and commercial property

Send a PM and let us know what's up, we're always looking to network.

L&L

[l2ridehd]

The biggest issue with owning property in TV is no consolidated services. I hire someone to mow my lawn (they don't fertilize), someone else for termites, another to trim shrubs, someone else to weed, another for pool service, and someone else to fertilize the lawn, but they don't do shrubs, so another for that. Need someone else for the sprinkler system and another for home watch, and another for mulch. TOO MANY DIFFERENT PROVIDERS. Now I know that I will never find one to do it all, but if I could get it down to just 3 I would be happy. Everyone wants to do just one thing. If a service consolidated all outside maintenance they would put everyone else out of business. Even if they only did most of it and subbed the rest to someone else.

But they would have to mow the lawn, fertilize the lawn, weed the beds, trim the shrubs, fertilize the shrubs, spray the shrubs and lawn for bugs, mulch the beds, inspect the home while they are there, and fix and repair the sprinkler systems. Then just sub termite protection to someone and your done.

[saratogaman]

How about opening a nice Irish pub?

[cathyp]

How about a health/wellness club with reasonable rates and an indoor pool!!!

[sschuler1]

-There are no Big/Tall stores for men nearby. There is only one in Ocala.
-I miss the Coney Island restaurants that are all over the Metro Detroit area. Always ate there about once a week. Nothing comparable around here.
-There are no dance wear stores here. Many dance troops around The Villages, but everyone has to order their shoes and tights on line because there is no where to buy it here. Many dance wear stores also sell costumes, which would work well with the clown college. Also need to sell stage makeup, which works with the many theatre groups.
-Music stores are non-existant here, and there are so many musical groups here. Someplace that could repair instruments, sell pianos, and have a department for sheet music.
-There is no personalization store here. You know the ones where you can get glassware engraved, or monograms put on towels. That kind of place.

This is just a short list of all the kinds of places that I have wanted and that are not here. Many of the other places I have missed are chains, and wouldn't help you if I listed them. Pleeeeease, open one of these!!!!!!

[chuckinca]

Need a White Castle!

[Bosoxfan]

Someone to make a good pizza!!!!!!!! PLEASE

[Ceafolks]

Another vote..make it two..for Christmas Tree Shop.:eclipsee_gold_cup:

[Patty]

FYI to schuler - there is a music store in Mulberry Grove that does sell pianos and does sell music and some instrument repair. They are located on the west side of the Walgreens facing CR 42 and golf cart accessible.

[MSNPA]

I would love a cafe/pastry shop where you could sit down and have great coffee/teas and a wide selection of desserts. A place where you could relax and listen to great music. Nothing against Starbucks, Barnies or Dunkin Donuts, but a place with a European touch would be fantastic. So often after dinner my husband and I would love to go out for a treat, but there is really no place special to visit.

[graciegirl]

..

[Bogie Shooter]

:laugh:Need a White Castle!

[nkrifats]

White Castle

[Tamma49]

I agree with the consolidated lawn service....great idea!

[LELANDJANE]

Krispy Creme doughnuts! (not that I need them, but I don't let that stop me if the "hot" light's on)

[gary42651]

We need a `Heavenly Ham` Franchise I think there is only one in all of Florida and thats to far away, and with over 75,000 people in the `bubble` I think it would work.

[Larryandlinda]

I would love a cafe/pastry shop where you could sit down and have great coffee/teas and a wide selection of desserts. A place where you could relax and listen to great music. Nothing against Starbucks, Barnies or Dunkin Donuts, but a place with a European touch would be fantastic. So often after dinner my husband and I would love to go out for a treat, but there is really no place special to visit.

The one in old town
Winter Garden is the pefect model.
Maybe storejack it to TV
L&L

[Skip]

We need a cemetery. You'll never go out of business!

Skip

[uujudy]

We need a cemetery. You'll never go out of business!

Skip

Isn't that what Pack 'n Ship is for? :laugh:

I would love to have a place to buy art supplies, so I don't have to drive to Hobby Lobby in Ocala for a tube of pthalo blue. On the other hand, the Mexican restaurant in Ocala has 99 cent margaritas on Wednesdays. :icon_wink:

[graciegirl]

The one in old town
Winter Garden is the pefect model.
Maybe storejack it to TV
L&L

NOW THAT is an excellent idea.

[twalker919]

TV needs a McDonalds or a Burger King at each of the town squares. TV also needs a post office that is open at least 5 days (8 hours per days) a week at one of the squares.

[Hawkwind]

Trader Joe's

Swenson's Drive In

[meriboo]

Such great ideas.....I vote for......Heavenly Ham (they have terrific Turkey Salad), White Castle, or Traders Joe. Let's keep the uniqueness within the bubble and keep out McDonalds and Burger King.

[salpal]

No good cheesesteaks or hoagies. Subway sucks.

[yobeano]

Man, I second that motion. Cheesesteaks, hoagies. Make it a corner deli.

[graciegirl]

Until we get Graeters ice cream and Cincinnati Chili it is not completely perfect here.

[cashman]

The villages needs a Micro Brewery badly.

[BogeyBoy]

The villages needs a Micro Brewery badly.

Unfortunately we had one here that failed. Maybe with proper management it would do better - but maybe it wasn't the management, just not enough business. I don't think I would try something that has failed unless I was dead certain the demographics would support such a venture and the prior failure was due to some other circumstance - like a really bad brew.

[lightworker888]

There doesn't seem to be a good Chinese restaurant or buffet in TV. In Canada we have The Mandarin that is very large and has a great Chinese buffet and a salad bar, roast beef, pizza and waffle section as well. And great desserts. l'm sure with the demographics that such an establishment would do well, as long as the food was good. We were in a good one in Macon on our way down. It was called The New China Buffet I think. I don't know if it is a chain or independently owned.

Joyanne

[jblum315]

Trader Joe's, please, please, please,please

[Xavier]

I agree with the consolidated lawn service....great idea!

"Once a Year" does it all except pools

[Dougout]

How about one of those pizza delivery franchises?

I also agree that we could use better post office service here.

[Julie]

I would love some type of container store to satiate my organizational fetishes.

On a different note, I liked the earlier post regarding a bakery with a european flair. Another type of commercial eatery business that I would love to see in TV is a cake shop. Cakes and cupcakes only. Keep it simple, make it delicious.

[uujudy]

Did anybody else notice that we all want more food/drinks/restaurants than we already have here? :icon_hungry::beer3::popcorn:
I'm just saying... ;)

[Pturner]

I would love it it we don't get more national food chains at TV. Most chains serve frozen, pre-packaged and/or re-heated food. Even if some have good recipes-- and some do-- a proliferation of chains will drive out good, affordable local establishments. Assembly-line food is simply cheaper to produce. It would sadden me to see the country clubs and other local establishments have to cut corners to compete, then lose quality, then inevitably die.

Make it it unique, excellent and memorable. Then if others scramble to compete, it will be by raising, not lowering the bar. :beer3:

[Stuart Jim]

Planet fitness. 10$per month.

_____________________________
East Orange ,NJ, Bloomfield,NJ, Staten Isl,NY, Middletown,NY

[Sonny2024]

A nice place to get a Gyro, or a Viener Schnitzel would be nice.

[gump1]

Not sure if Starbucks would allow it but I think most Canadians would love to see a Tim Hortons. As well as great coffee, bagels, muffins and donuts they have really good soups and sandwiches.

[Larryandlinda]

I would love some type of container store to satiate my organizational fetishes.

On a different note, I liked the earlier post regarding a bakery with a european flair. Another type of commercial eatery business that I would love to see in TV is a cake shop. Cakes and cupcakes only. Keep it simple, make it delicious.

This is the place we would like to see in TV

http://www.sweettraditionsbakery.com/index.html
there are choices for the indulgent epicure as well as for those like one of us that like simple, healthy fare.

Chinese Buffets?
While there are two we know of in TV, they are not what we consider above marginally average.

Trader Joes?, add in two more votes.

L&L

[Bosoxfan]

Trader Joe's

Swenson's Drive In

I second Trader Joes

[Hawkwind]

In - N - Out Burger I would love to try some of the items on their secret menu.

[lightworker888]

L&L,

Yes we tried both and they definitely were not worth returning to. That's why we would love to have a GOOD chinese buffet in TV!

[samaz]

We'd like to see more independent restaurants and shops - one of our concerns about TV is the rapid over-development of large stores and big brands on the highway - how is that the friendly, small town feel we wanted in the first place?!

[Number 6]

Not sure if Starbucks would allow it but I think most Canadians would love to see a Tim Hortons. As well as great coffee, bagels, muffins and donuts they have really good soups and sandwiches.


Not just Canadians, but all Western New Yorkers would flock to a Tim Horton's. It blows Duncan Donuts away, eh!?

[Double Bogie]

We Michiganians agree with the Tim Hortons! We are not there yet but inquiring minds want to know if CBC Hockey night in Canada is available on cable or satellite?

[Golf-Tinker]

I certainly enjoyed shopping at Trader Joe's in Massachusetts, but here - in The Villages? Who cooks? One of the standing jokes about paradise is when you buy a pre-owned home here, the kitchen appliances are still NEW in 50-60% of the homes. I think the percentage is higher.

We eat out almost every night and we're not alone.

[samaz]

To everyone who named a chain store - like Christmas Tree Shops - the question was about a small business an individual could add to the Villages - this type of small shop adds to the quality of life with unique products and services by an on-site owner. This is preferable to the "service" of an inexperienced teenager hawking cheap stuff made in China (about which he knows nothing).
One concern might be the over-building of big stores on the highway putting the town centers out of business. Thirty years ago regional malls killed downtowns in similar fashion.
Worries aside, I'll remind you of what you already know - there's always room for one more of anything, as long as you do it better, add more value for your customers, and find an affordable way to market it.

[annie2]

As a Canadian, I would like to add my vote to a Tim Hortons coffee shop. I would love to introduce my new American friends to another choice for excellent coffee. I am confident that Tim Hortons would thrive in The Villages.

[otherbruddaDarrell]

A nice place to get a Gyro, or a Viener Schnitzel would be nice.

I agree with you Ron.
There is not 1 place around TV that serves a fresh sliced, off the roast Gyro.
They all used pre packed lunchmeat!
It could also sell things like steak burritos, cheese steaks, Italian beef.
Not a national chain, just a nice mom and pop serving good quality food at a reasonable price.
Keep it simple and do it right....

[nkrifats]

I have to agree with Graciegirl about Graeters ice cream

[Bosoxfan]

HOW about an IMAX theater?

[jinker]

Hawkwind if you are going to ask for swenson's
don't forget strickland's
one of the famous barberton chicken places
hibachi japan
hartville kitchen
just transport summit county to florida but leave
behind our frigid weather

[NJblue]

Someone to make a good pizza!!!!!!!! PLEASE

Amen to that. Plus a decent bagel would be great.

[JUREK]

I agree with you Ron.
There is not 1 place around TV that serves a fresh sliced, off the roast Gyro.
They all used pre packed lunchmeat!
It could also sell things like steak burritos, cheese steaks, Italian beef.
Not a national chain, just a nice mom and pop serving good quality food at a reasonable price.
Keep it simple and do it right....

Darrell: Don't know where your from in NW Indiana. I still stop at Kings Gyros in Valpo every two weeks or so. Get one gyros dinner and order 5 pitas and still have gyros left over. Luv it. :agree::agree:

[ceejay]

Not just Canadians, but all Western New Yorkers would flock to a Tim Horton's. It blows Duncan Donuts away, eh!?

:sigh: How I miss my Tim Horton's...but I wouldn't trade my Villages for anything!

[Hawkwind]

Hawkwind if you are going to ask for swenson's
don't forget strickland's
one of the famous barberton chicken places
hibachi japan
hartville kitchen
just transport summit county to florida but leave
behind our frigid weather

Strickland's - Only the original one by the Akron Airport. Been to others and they are just not the same.

Barberton Chicken - I can honestly say I have never been to any of them.

Hibachi Japan - good place to eat

Hartville Kitchen - live only about 4 miles away and I am there almost every Friday for the turkey dinner. If they could move a scaled down version of The Kitchen and bakery to TV that would be a gold mine.

Akron weather - what can I say. Maybe by June it will warm up and oh yes there is that little thing about sunlight. We are currently in our version of a solar eclipse. November to May.

[JUREK]

:sigh: How I miss my Tim Horton's...but I wouldn't trade my Villages for anything!

Last month i spent 10 days on a business trip to Niagara Falls Canada. I spent probably 80% of my food money in Tims. I love their coffee plus that is about all I could afford food wise. Canadian food prices and taxes were ridiculous high. Thank goodness my company picked up the tab.
Yes give me TV any day.

[mikers31]

I would like to see a used book store. Paperbacks and hard cover. We have a store called Half Priced Books. You can sell and buy. Paperbacks are 1/2 price, CD's, DVD's, LP's are used and reduced in price. We also have a couple of independant used book stores also.

[soonfl]

fast food heaven.

Rita's Water ice would be nice. But not for today

[uujudy]

Mikers31, we have 2 used book stores that I know of in The Villages. One is down at the Colony shopping center, and the other is up in the Spanish Springs shopping center. I was able to find some Carl Hiaasen books that the library didn't have. :read:

[Rag Bagger]

Skyline, Graters and Montgomery Inn. All low fat and very very healthy LOL

[soonfl]

COSI sandwich shop

Pollo Tropical rotisserie chicken

[otherbruddaDarrell]

Darrell: Don't know where your from in NW Indiana. I still stop at Kings Gyros in Valpo every two weeks or so. Get one gyros dinner and order 5 pitas and still have gyros left over. Luv it. :agree::agree:

I have had the gyros there as well....along with the baklava.
When I worked for John Conti Coffee I delivered the coffee to all the family expresses including the one next door to King Gyros.
Northwest Indiana where we are from has great Gyros and Italian beefs!
p.s....I am from the Crown Point area (Dillenger jail escape) and my wife is from Highland.

[JUREK]

I have had the gyros there as well....along with the baklava.
When I worked for John Conti Coffee I delivered the coffee to all the family expresses including the one next door to King Gyros.
Northwest Indiana where we are from has great Gyros and Italian beefs!
p.s....I am from the Crown Point area (Dillenger jail escape) and my wife is from Highland.

Yea the beef sandwiches are great. Just had one two days ago that came with one pound of fries. Gators that was once Dante's just outside LOFS.
Don't know if you've ever been to Broadway Cafe in Valpo but their Pork Chops are the best. About $12 for two pork chops that I would pay about $50 in Chi Town. I Still live half way between CP and Valpo. :agree::agree:

[carm310]

What a great post! I vote for Trader Joes!

[BaylorBear]

Ditto on Trader Joe's!!!!

[bluedog103]

Any place to get a good egg cream, knish, maybe a falafel push cart, dirty water frank. Celery soda, or maybe cream.

[Larryandlinda]

Any place to get a good egg cream, knish, maybe a falafel push cart, dirty water frank. Celery soda, or maybe cream.
Sounds great
but next time keep going down 95 a few more hours and don't be 10 years late!
Wolfie's in Miami was your place

We get strange stares when we buy the whole whitefish at TooJays
and it usually compares to fake food, lots
to
be desired!
The lox is even more disappointing.

Might be best to work with TooJays to
ramp up the selection and quality instead of starting over

L&L

[sschuler1]

Gracie - i went to go find the dance wear store that you said was next to Bargains and Treasures, and I couldn't find it. I was sooo excited when you said that we had one here, but where is it again? :confused:

If we are going to talk about chain restaurants, how about a Boston Market. I miss their chicken pot pies! Or a National Coney Island. Could definitely go for one of their gyros. Or some saganaki! Opa!!!

But all that aside, a nice family style restaurant with a wide variety of food choices is always welcome too. And make sure it has nice comfy booths!

[Coconuts]

I know it's not a "shop" but I'd LOVE a Christmas Tree Shop as well. For a little independent business, I vote for a nice full service bakery and a nice sit-down (NOT BUFFET YUK) Chinese restaurant.

[Whalen]

Gracie - i went to go find the dance wear store that you said was next to Bargains and Treasures, and I couldn't find it. I was sooo excited when you said that we had one here, but where is it again? :confused:

If we are going to talk about chain restaurants, how about a Boston Market. I miss their chicken pot pies! Or a National Coney Island. Could definitely go for one of their gyros. Or some saganaki! Opa!!!

But all that aside, a nice family style restaurant with a wide variety of food choices is always welcome too. And make sure it has nice comfy booths!

Could the dance store be disguised as a shoe store? There's a store near Bella Lighting which is near B & T that looks like it might sell dance shoes.

[mikers31]

Thanks for the info. I had asked this several months ago with a reply from someone that I need to go to Ocala. We are coming in February, I'll check it out. Thanks again.

[nkrifats]

Montgomery Inn - YES

[Sandy222]

Would love a Planet Fitness!!!

[jinker]

Hawkwind i forgot the new era, luigi's, the mustard seed, west point market, & the diamond grille

all of my favorites are locally owned and not national chains any of them would be successful if only they could be cloned in tv

my favorites at hartville are their key lime pie and german chocolate cake

as far as a good bakery near the villages check out the
yalaha country bakery near mt dora authentic german food
i read somewhere that they also have a location in ocala near top of the world

[Aceskaters]

A theater where we can see 3D movies in 3D.

[Hawkwind]

Hawkwind i forgot the new era, luigi's, the mustard seed, west point market, & the diamond grille

alworld

It is obvious that we both have the same tastes. The chicken paprikash from the New Era is close to what Mom use to make in only the juice needs to be a little thicker and the dumplings need to larger. Still the best I have had outside of home.

Luigi's, what can you say about that place. I remember going there when I was in high school and I was just there in November.

Diamond Grille steaks are the best around. The only think that I have found that comes close is the New York strip at The Pine Club in Dayton Ohio. I will have to someday try Burn's Steakhouse in Tampa.

[golfnut]

Authentic Coney Island retaurant (not just a hot dog with texas style chili on it) and White Castle get my vote.

[TCLaD]

How about a nice embroidery shop that does embroidery on blankets, napkins, apparel, etc. Maybe even doggie wear.

[marianne237]

For my Indiana friends....King Gyros' ribs....nothing like them down south! (We're from Valpo).

We also vote for White Castle and return of a Dairy Queen.

[schotzyb]

A Steak and Ale would be nice. It is a chain but very good with an excellent salad bar.

[chuckinca]

Sounds like White Castle is unanimous!

(don't need no mustard seed, chicken paprika, egg cream, knish, falafel push cart, dirty water frank, Celery soda or other weird NYC stuff, just need a few sliders!)

(spent many childhood summers at grandma's at Hudson Lake, IN and later many teenage week-ends at Cedar Lake, IN back in the days when a 2 hour drive from Chicago was like going to the end of the civilized world)


.

[downeaster]

A nice place to get a Gyro, or a Viener Schnitzel would be nice.

There is Takis for sorta Greek,

I second the motion for a good German restaurant.

Also an English pub for pub grub.

Someone mentioned Irish pub and I am all for that.

What, no French!! My vote for a French restaurant,

Other than restaurants we have good coverage of retail outlets.

[uujudy]

. . .
Other than restaurants we have good coverage of retail outlets.

Wait! OTHER than restaurants, you say? :1rotfl:
We have scads of restaurants! We have over 70 golf cart accessible restaurants according to the Villages gourmet club. I haven't been to all the restaurants we have.
On the other hand, I'm from a small town, so I'm easily impressed...

[teach232]

A Six o'clock Solution....check out http://www.thesixoclocksolution.com/

[shelagh.rose]

We experienced Trader Joe's while living in Scottsdale.
It was always busy. We all loved, loved it!!!!

[kb8tpw]

I have enjoyed this thread immensely and would like to second the White Castle and Trader Joes nominations. I am surprised that some of the Cincinnatians did not suggest Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen. I'm currently near Dayton and travel to southern Indiana on a regular basis and always try to arrange lunch or dinner time breaks, with a quick exit off of I275. It would provide stiff competition for Bone Fish Grill. Tough to mention food and the Cincinnati area without a second also to Cincinnati chili - grew up on it at the original Skyline on Glenway Ave. We'll be full timers after mid-summer so preparation for my wife's hobby - eating out - needs to kick into high gear. Just noticed 50 degrees in TV and we are single digits and in a snow travel advisory so summer can't get here too soon. St Charles here we come....:cold:

[DENNIS G]

HOW about an IMAX theater?

Vote for an IMAX also. Also Backyard B-B-Q from Tennessee.

[kregski]

Agree with Chuckinca ,,,White Castle,Its what I crave..darn you chuck I thought I beat this addiction,but you had to awaken the beast within.

[JeanneBeannie]

How about a Winter Clothing & Accessory Shop? A shop that sells warm jackets, shoes, mittens, hats. Ice skates, sleds, snow shovels, salt for the ice etc.?? Sorry I couldnt resist :1rotfl:.

Back to the original thread....so many great ideas from everyone, I've enjoyed reading them. :thumbup:

Jeanne :cold:

[kregski]

Jurek and OBDarrel are right no good gyros.Im afan of Mikeys in Hobart,great gyros

[NJblue]

What? Only 2 votes for a good pizza place? I though pizza was one of life's staples. Either people have had their tastebuds desensitized and are accepting what is offered around here as "pizza" or they have found something which we have not yet found - a good place for pizza. If the later, where are they?

[Hawkwind]

What? Only 2 votes for a good pizza place? I though pizza was one of life's staples.

One of the 4 basic food groups.

Pizza
Ribs
Chicken and
Beer

[grayesun]

This thread prompted my local search for a good Greek pizza-pie (see Takis review), we've been craving a good pizza since moving to TV a little over a month ago...suffice it to say, our search will continue.
PS. we had an ongoing similar search for the best burgers when living up in MA. and never really found that ultimate burger...so we may resume that search down here also. Maybe that's what TV needs; a great burger & pizza joint - no elaborate menu with 100 choices, simply the best burgers & pizza around.

[WCDANCR]

Isn't there a Heavenly Ham in the Shopping Center at 441and Rolling Acres?
How about Red Robin? Best burgers by far.
Baja Fresh, great fresh Mexican food.

Imax would be great, too. Would beat driving an hour and a half to Orlando, which I am doing tomorrow.

[PJOHNS2654]

:coolsmiley:Another vote for Trader Joe's and a great fast food, semi authentic "Mexican" like "Baja Fresh".

[WCDANCR]

Yes, dance shoes are at "All about Feet" but expensive and cobbler does lousy work

[golf2140]

We need a Tony Luke's, South Philadelphia cheese steak joint.

[Bosoxfan]

This thread prompted my local search for a good Greek pizza-pie (see Takis review), we've been craving a good pizza since moving to TV a little over a month ago...suffice it to say, our search will continue.
PS. we had an ongoing similar search for the best burgers when living up in MA. and never really found that ultimate burger...so we may resume that search down here also. Maybe that's what TV needs; a great burger & pizza joint - no elaborate menu with 100 choices, simply the best burgers & pizza around.

Red Robin in Massachusetts has a great burger....Five guys here has a great burger!! Still haven't found a pizza that I like here. Dominoes(which isn't very good) would be an improvement over any pizza here!! Please Please someone open a good pizza place!!!:22yikes:

[otherbruddaDarrell]

Jurek and OBDarrel are right no good gyros.Im afan of Mikeys in Hobart,great gyros

Also the place across from Red Rooster on rt. 6 in Lake Station has great take-out! The best Italian sausage......gettin hungry

[rabonkmontage@msn.com]

what? Only 2 votes for a good pizza place? I though pizza was one of life's staples. Either people have had their tastebuds desensitized and are accepting what is offered around here as "pizza" or they have found something which we have not yet found - a good place for pizza. If the later, where are they?

when my wife retires i will come down and make good pizza. I make trays for the neighbors when i come down to tv.

[Bosoxfan]

when my wife retires i will come down and make good pizza. I make trays for the neighbors when i come down to tv.
What neighborhood? I'll move if I'm not your neighbor:icon_hungry::icon_hungry:

[rabonkmontage@msn.com]

Calumet Grove. Its a square pizza and I make my own sauce with grated tomatoes. And a blend of three different cheeses.

[alemorkam]

how about Victoria's Secret?

[RichieLion]

I'm surprised nobody suggested an authentic Italian Deli. like there are all over NJ and NY. I know we have a small one next to Red Sauce restaurant, but I mean a big deli with all the cheeses and meats and prepared foods and cold cuts and Italian specialty food and cookies and such. Oh, how I would love to go to a place that will make an authentic Pizza Rustica for the Easter Holiday. I would camp out in front of an establishment that knew how to make crusty Italian bread and rolls.

[paulandjean]

how about a golf cart driving school. no make it, a automobile driving school.sorry just kidding

[gary42651]

golf2140 You had to mention `Tony Luke`s` Now I got to make a special trip there this weekend to get my fix before I leave for the Villages.

[Stuart Jim]

i2ridehd

just hired All Seasons Pest Contol but donet be misled by the one theam name of the business he (Julio Olivares 352-208-7274) does it all. I just recently moved in to my Sun Kissed model last week and he has been back three times for various reasons. Neighbours also using him for landscaping,lawn cutting, pest control

[Don H]

Trader Joe's !!

[Bosoxfan]

Trader Joe's !!

:agree::agree::agree::agree::agree::agree::agree:

[Shirleevee]

I'm surprised nobody suggested an authentic Italian Deli. like there are all over NJ and NY. I know we have a small one next to Red Sauce restaurant, but I mean a big deli with all the cheeses and meats and prepared foods and cold cuts and Italian specialty food and cookies and such. Oh, how I would love to go to a place that will make an authentic Pizza Rustica for the Easter Holiday. I would camp out in front of an establishment that knew how to make crusty Italian bread and rolls.

OMG! We talk about this all the time.............miss our NY specialities!:sad:

[graciegirl]

I'm surprised nobody suggested an authentic Italian Deli. like there are all over NJ and NY. I know we have a small one next to Red Sauce restaurant, but I mean a big deli with all the cheeses and meats and prepared foods and cold cuts and Italian specialty food and cookies and such. Oh, how I would love to go to a place that will make an authentic Pizza Rustica for the Easter Holiday. I would camp out in front of an establishment that knew how to make crusty Italian bread and rolls.

I find this interesting, being I am from the Midwest. Pizza Rustica for Easter? What is Pizza Rustica?We have King Cake but I think that is for Mardi Gras. We have hot cross buns for Easter. I thought that the Deli inside of Toojays was really nice. I miss good German lunch meats and crusty breads from German bakeries that you can't get ANYWHERE anymore. Souse, Thuringer, you can still get Braunschweiger for lunch meat. I think other people call them cold cuts.

The Villages is such a great melting pot.

[ceejay]

OMG! miss our NY specialities!:sad:

ESPECIALLY Cangiano's bread:bowdown:!! What I wouldn't give for a loaf of that bread, fresh out of the oven! 3 loaves for $2...except it was 2 1/2 loaves by the time I got it home!:icon_wink:

[MelZ]

Any place to get a good egg cream, knish, maybe a falafel push cart, dirty water frank. Celery soda, or maybe cream.

Toojays has Celery and cream soda and pretty good knishes.

But a good NY Pizza joint is desperately needed

[Bosoxfan]

A monorail...just came from disney and I thought the villages could run a monorail from spanish springs to sumter landing to brownwood:eek:Just a thought!!

[mac9]

The best pizza in TV is at Fratelli Pizzuto (Pizza Etc) in Spanish Plaines shopping center. It's baked in a wood-fired oven. Marco makes the most authentic Neopolitan pizza I have had outside of Naples!

[uujudy]

Bosox, that would be so cool! And it's not food! :laugh:

[Larryandlinda]

A monorail...just came from disney and I thought the villages could run a monorail from spanish springs to sumter landing to brownwood:eek:Just a thought!!

Terrrrific
and for less than what a couple miles of the tamorlando bullet train
L&L

[Hawkwind]

Whitey's

You have a hard time picking up any of their burgers.

http://www.whiteyschili.com/rest.htm

[Zass38]

Lots of individual contractors and the like ... but NOT very many organizations that will act as a "move-in-coordinator" that will take care of all the small and big projects that many newcomers want. An organization that would be a single contact for all of these issues would probably be very welcome for both newcomers, as well as persons who are renting of who just want to enjoy the finer points of TV Living.

I am not talking about just landscaping. How about a yearly inspection service that includes remediation.... or how about a shop that you could go to and arrange for the rental of specialized tools....such as a cutoff saw for that floor job (pickup and delivery), without having to go out to Ocala or Leesburg to find the right shop.

Just some ideas ......

[mikeandnancy1112]

I second that for a Big & Tall store.

[Shimpy]

Pittsburgh chip ham, like in Isley Dairy.

[Talk Host]

Pittsburgh chip ham, like in Isley Dairy.

Nobody knows what you're talking about. I'm from Weirton, I do. Chipped Ham?

[Shimpy]

Nobody knows what you're talking about. I'm from Weirton, I do. Chipped Ham?



If I say gum bands nobody knows what I'm talking about either.
Although I am a vegetarian now whenever I visit my home town of McKeesport Pa. I will eat chipped ham, its that good.
Even though I've lived in S Fla. since 1953 and TV as soon as I sell my home my roots are in the Pittsburgh area.
The original post was looking for what TV needed. The replys started to get to specific reagonal areas of the country that would appeal to only those people from those regions. I guess I got caught up in that fun.

[Hawkwind]

Nobody knows what you're talking about. I'm from Weirton, I do. Chipped Ham?

I know exactly what she is talking about and I live in Ohio. You can still find it being advertised on tv but the stores are now gone. The Isley Dairy started in the 1900's in Mansfield Ohio. I think you can still buy a type of bbq or hot sauce with the Isley's name on the bottle. I will look for it the next time I go shopping.

[Shimpy]

I know exactly what she is talking about and I live in Ohio. You can still find it being advertised on tv but the stores are now gone. The Isley Dairy started in the 1900's in Mansfield Ohio. I think you can still buy a type of bbq or hot sauce with the Isley's name on the bottle. I will look for it the next time I go shopping.

Hawkwind,
Thats "he" not "she"

[Hawkwind]

Sorry Les about the mistake. I did not go back and read your original post or I would have seen you name.

[CandJ]

From reading about gun clubs and shooting ranges, what about an indoor shooting range/club? I shoot in a pistol league here in Ohio - 22lr. From what I've read, this would be a welcome addition for many people in the area. Even if you limited it to certain calibers etc., I'm sure there are many who would make use of it.

[Shimpy]

From reading about gun clubs and shooting ranges, what about an indoor shooting range/club? I shoot in a pistol league here in Ohio - 22lr. From what I've read, this would be a welcome addition for many people in the area. Even if you limited it to certain calibers etc., I'm sure there are many who would make use of it.



I'll second that Candj. Indoor or outdoor I'd be there.

[Jeff Bieberfeld]

good bagels and other good rolls
an ice-cream stand (and water ice...like rita's)
a raw bar (clams, oysters, shrimp)...on the water
great pizza
and hoagies
and a philadelphia cheese-steak that won't make you homesick for a good one

and jacuzzis at the neighborhood pools.....how about some night swimming?
a pool party?

maybe a jitney service running up and down morse and buena vista, connecting us to lake sumter landing and spanish springs and some of the shopping center..maybe also along 466?

:a040: jeff is so happy to be there tho!!

[brostholder]

Oh no! I just bought a courtyard villa in Pennecamp and will be closing 4/7. I never considered a retirement without my belly bombers>

[shazam]

Ray' Famous. I can visualize the oil dripping down my chin.

[cybermuda]

maybe a jitney service running up and down morse and buena vista, connecting us to lake sumter landing and spanish springs and some of the shopping center..maybe also along 466?


I'm all in favor of this - it would get some of the traffic off the roads and help those who now find it hard driving for themselves - plus help we residents get rid of our visitors for a few hours without having to chauffeur them :-)

[scrapple]

I need a place like "Whole Foods", organic, lots of bulk bins, reasonably priced, chair massages, weekend cooking demos, great bakery, great deli, tables to sit at after picking up a healthy yum yum to chat with friends about world issues while sipping away from a recycled coffee cup. You really feel good after leaving a place like that!

[2BNTV]

Planet fitness. 10$per month.

_____________________________
East Orange ,NJ, Bloomfield,NJ, Staten Isl,NY, Middletown,NY

I agree. Another vote for Planet Fitness!!!!!

[REDCART]

maybe a jitney service running up and down morse and buena vista, connecting us to lake sumter landing and spanish springs and some of the shopping center..maybe also along 466?


I'm all in favor of this - it would get some of the traffic off the roads and help those who now find it hard driving for themselves - plus help we residents get rid of our visitors for a few hours without having to chauffeur them :-)

Sumter County recently started very basic service along the lines you suggested.
http://sumtercountyfl.gov/DocumentView.aspx?DID=36
It's not perfect but it's a start.

[EdV]

For those of you who posted in this thread wanting:

1. A family owned restaurant
2. A NY deli/diner style restaurant
3. A place to get Gyros
4. A restaurant that serves Greek food

The new Athens NY style Diner that just opened up next to Katie Belles might just be the answer.

If it’s as good as the majority of reviews here (http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/26/1461396/restaurant/Orlando/Mount-Dora/Athens-NY-Style-Diner-Mt-Dora) for their Mt. Dora location it should become quite popular with TV residents.

And here’s a link to their menu (http://www.athensdiner.com/menu/).

[pooh]

Costco, just in case no one has mentioned this.

[jblum8156]

Costco and Trader Joe's!

[Pturner]

Costco and Trader Joe's!

That would be great!

[chuckinca]

And as soon as the new Athens New York goes belly up - a proven winner for that location: White Castle.

A link to their menu: http://www.whitecastle.com/


.

[DeafDeaf]

Can we all write to Traders Joe to consider establishing a new branch here?

If you absolutely must speak with someone at the Trader Joe's corporate office you can call them at 626-599-3700 (customer service is extension 3035).

Why? The nearest ones are all in Georgia - none in FLORIDA!!!

[SALYBOW]

We need a Skyline Chili parlor like they have in the Cincinnati Ohio area. Also a trader Joes

[DeafDeaf]

Also, I want either Dick's Sporting Goods or Sport Authority in The Villages, not in Ocala!

[thistrucksforyou]

Need a White Castle!You probably already know but just incase you don't Crystals is a southern version of white castles....Owned by crystal gayle i am told....

[redwitch]

Several have contacted Trader Joe's in the past begging for a store here. No go. No plans to open one in Florida, either. Sure wish they would. I miss my weekly jaunt to that store. (Course, I'm saving a lot of money by not having one here.)

[GOJODO]

The things I already miss are:
Trader Joes's
Good Fabric store, ie.drapery, etc.
Consolidated Lawn care
:pepper2:

[jojo]

A reasonably priced gym located centrally to the built-out Villages - like near Colony. We belonged to Family Fitness in Ohio. They are Florida-based.

[Shirleevee]

that would be great!



costco and trader joes's pleeeeeeeese!

[jojo]

Ditto - Costco and Trader Joes - and a gym.

[barb1191]

Indoor pool(s)

[Bogie Shooter]

Ondoor pool(s)

What is an ondoor pool?

[The Great Fumar]

Hi,
Just bought my new house in TV, absolutely adore it.

I just sold my last Business and now am looking for a new venture in TV.

So what does the Villages need? any ideas guys?

I have owned Photography Studios, Make Up Studios, Hair Studios

Any help would be great, i have seen a few shops to rent so would not be hard to get things in motion.
:crap2:

INK WORLD.....

Back in Michigan there is a business called INK WORLD.....They refill used ink cartridges and resell them for all kinds of electronic gear for a fraction of the cost of new ....I used them all the time for my business and now my personal machine......to set one up here would be a SURE THING ......with 40.000 printers in The Villages and who knows how many in the outlying area's It can't miss ......I seriously thought about it myself until I decided that I really don't like work that well.........So let someone else do it and I'll go play golf

Low on ink fumar ......:024:

[barb1191]

What is an ondoor pool?

WHA? You've never seen an ondoor pool? Sheez, you haven't been around much, huh? :1rotfl::clap2:

[mak44070]

INK WORLD.....

Back in Michigan there is a business called INK WORLD.....

I thought you were talking about a Tattoo Parlor!:girlneener:

[sands]

Definitely a Costco -- here's the link to their "Contact Us" for anyone else who wants to put in a request http://shop.costco.com/customer-service/contact-us
I've already sent them my request. Let's let them hear what they're missing in TV!:a040:

[catballou]

Fine dining!!!

[Tbugs]

Trader Joe's grocery store would go great.

[SALYBOW]

:agree::agree::agree::2excited:

[fofd1091]

HawkWind u get my vote ! IN-and OUT great junk food but GOOOD !

[raynan]

How about an Ace Hardware store? Sick of having to go to Lowe's or Home Depot for every little thing.

[Bogie Shooter]

How about an Ace Hardware store? Sick of having to go to Lowe's or Home Depot for every little thing.

There is an Ace Hardware on 466 in Southern Trace and another in Wildwood on 301.

[jebartle]

I agree with you Ron.
There is not 1 place around TV that serves a fresh sliced, off the roast Gyro.
They all used pre packed lunchmeat!
It could also sell things like steak burritos, cheese steaks, Italian beef.
Not a national chain, just a nice mom and pop serving good quality food at a reasonable price.
Keep it simple and do it right....

Went to new Greek restaurant(Athen's NY) next to Katie Belle's, asked if Gyro was on pit, server said that they were limited by size of restaurant but mainly due to
Fla. Restaurant laws that do not allow you to keep on pit for longer than one hour (In an area that caters to gyro interest, lamb would be replaced on pit more frequently....)

[jebartle]

How about a nice embroidery shop that does embroidery on blankets, napkins, apparel, etc. Maybe even doggie wear.


Near Winn Dixie strip mall (Spanish Springs), great guys run shop, very helpful

[jebartle]

How about a Cafeteria, I've never known a retired area, loaded with "blue hairs or NO hairs", that doesn't LOVE zipping in to a cafeteria....giggle
:a20::a20::a20::a20:

[taylor111947]

As a (hopefully) soon to be TV resident, I am overwhelmed with the idea of finding all the commercial places I will want to patronize. I know the Yellow Pages will give me a list of grocery stores, but where can I go to get groceries, wine and beer in the same shopping center? In PA they are all sold separately requiring several stops and careful planning on errand day. Also the Yellow pages don't always include the name of the shopping center and it isn't always clear by the address - especially for someone new to the area.

I would love to see a website that displays stores by shopping center - with a directory of store names, descriptions, addresses (for the GPS), shopping hours, websites (if available) and phone numbers. Not sure how much of a money making proposition this is unless stores paid to advertise, but it might be an interesting project for someone with the internet skills.

[memason]

I could probably sit here and think of a dozen things I'd like to see in TV, but the most important overriding thing that needs to be in TV right now is ME !!:loco:

About 15 more days!

[champion6]

I would love to see a website that displays stores by shopping center - with a directory of store names, descriptions, addresses (for the GPS), shopping hours, websites (if available) and phone numbers. Not sure how much of a money making proposition this is unless stores paid to advertise, but it might be an interesting project for someone with the internet skills.This doesn't have everything you're looking for, but it's a start...
http://www.thevillages.com/lifestyle/shoppingdiningmap.asp
(You might have to copy and paste the web address into your browser)

[Pturner]

This doesn't have everything you're looking for, but it's a start...
http://www.thevillages.com/lifestyle/shoppingdiningmap.asp
(You might have to copy and paste the web address into your browser)

Great link, Chamion6. Thanks!

[JUREK]

This doesn't have everything you're looking for, but it's a start...
http://www.thevillages.com/lifestyle/shoppingdiningmap.asp
(You might have to copy and paste the web address into your browser)

Never saw this one before. Thanx

[barb1191]

I would love to see a website that displays stores by shopping center - with a directory of store names, descriptions, addresses (for the GPS), shopping hours, websites (if available) and phone numbers. Not sure how much of a money making proposition this is unless stores paid to advertise, but it might be an interesting project for someone with the internet skills.

You will find pull-out pages in the Monthly TV Magazine (it's free) with maps of the town squares and adjoining pages with company names/phone #s (I think) with an ID# on the maps. Great magazine that you can pick up most anywhere in the supermarket and usually mailed to all residents.....b

[taylor111947]

This doesn't have everything you're looking for, but it's a start...
http://www.thevillages.com/lifestyle/shoppingdiningmap.asp
(You might have to copy and paste the web address into your browser)


Perfect - Thanks.

[Jane52]

Indoor Pool, even if it needs paid memberships.

[obxgal]

taylor111947 You can get you beer and wine at the grocery stores down here and even at Walmart. Most of the shopping centers also have a Kindred Spirits where you buy what you would in a state store in Pa.

[Barefoot]

This doesn't have everything you're looking for, but it's a start...
http://www.thevillages.com/lifestyle/shoppingdiningmap.asp
(You might have to copy and paste the web address into your browser)

What a great website ... totally new to me. :thumbup: Thanks Champion!

[ajbrown]

Based on last winter and this weeks forecast, I say we need to adjust our lattitude by about minus 2 to 2.5 degrees :throwtomatoes:

Nothing like Men's Day in a snow mobile outfit :cold:

[pauld315]

Need a Trader Joe's
Need a good bar with 30 or 40 different craft beers

[Barefoot]

How about a Country and Western Honkey Tonk? With a sing-along piano player.

[Larryandlinda]

We've gotten it down to two - we found someone who mows, weeds, trims the shrubs (including the palm trees), hauls away the debris and takes care of the sprinkler system, then we use a chemical company to do all the fertilizing, pesticides and termite protection.

Rex Shriver (352-470-4715) does the yard work and we've been pretty happy with him and his crew.

[brostholder]

A great club that serves craft ales and lagers on tap, great barbecue, and features blues music. We can call it "Beer, BBQ and Blues." Anyone want to go in with me?

[markchat]

TV really needs a Trader Joe's.

I ran out of cherry preserves and I think the nearest store is in Atlanta.

[DearPrudence]

what TV needs is a german restaurants. most of the people here have a german background or were stationed in germany. they know the german food and the german beer and a german restaurant would be very successful!

[villages07]

Prudence...it's a little bit of a drive, but, the Schnitzel Factory on the east side of Ocala is pretty good and very authentic.

[Jane52]

Great Harvest Bread Company

http://www.greatharvest.com/

I miss being able to stop in at this whole grain bread bakery to buy "real bread" that's freshly baked every morning. It's a franchise with local bakeries all across the U.S., and the couple that owns the one near our former place could not be happier. They have theirs in a small shopping plaza at a major intersection in the suburbs and customers rave about the breads.

They make about 7 whole-grain breads each day, plus honey white and whole wheat dinner rolls (to die for), and they make various sweet breads and cookies every day, too. They also make/sell beautiful catering trays of sandwiches made with their breads, and the bakery has a little coffee shop area in front with coffee, teas, soup and sandwich, where people can stay awhile and read the newspaper etc.

They also have a sample cart from which they give you a nice big slice of one of the breads made that day, with real butter if you want, so you can try it. Nobody leaves without buying at least 3 loaves and a dozen dinner rolls. It's reasonably priced too. A loaf of honey white or wheat is around $3.50 and it's hearty bread. The supermarket bakery breads here don't even come close to Great Harvest which is half their price.

I wish we had this in Colony Plaza or at LSL near Sweetbay etc.

[actor]

what TV needs is a german restaurants. most of the people here have a german background or were stationed in germany. they know the german food and the german beer and a german restaurant would be very successful!

and you know that most are of German extraction? That's a good one.

[FrankD]

Chicago style deep dish pizza, like Gino's, Uno's and Lou Malnattis

[Jane52]

and you know that most are of German extraction? That's a good one.

I think that writer had never been outside of Milwaukee (pronounced MWAUkee) before this.

[DearPrudence]

The SchnitzelFactory in Ocala is not authentic. They are german but the only american there (the dishwasher) is the only one cooking there. They deepfry everything even the Schnitzel. The food is just terrible. If you know the real german food you will not go there anymore. And the next german restaurant is in sanford, I think. It would be a wonderful idea to have one in TV.

[Pturner]

A great club that serves craft ales and lagers on tap, great barbecue, and features blues music. We can call it "Beer, BBQ and Blues." Anyone want to go in with me?

We do!

[Pturner]

How about a Country and Western Honkey Tonk? With a sing-along piano player.

:coolsmiley: That would be fun and probably do very well here!

[inda50]

good pastery and bread, and a good gym,a Planet Fitness!!!,good chinese food, performance arts center, in any order you want.

[caltex63]

Would love to see a TRADER JOE'S

[brostholder]

a pub that serves great craft beers on tap, serves great barbecue and plays some blues!!!

[Pturner]

a pub that serves great craft beers on tap, serves great barbecue and plays some blues!!!

Open it and we will come! :)

[Debfrommaine]

A good bakery..........

[jblum8156]

Trader Joe's, Trader Joe's, Trader Joe's

[natickdan]

Trader Joe's will be one of the places I'll miss most while in TV.

Dunkin Donuts - I don't recall seeing one around TV.

Chistmas Tree Shop - Speaking for my wife.

[EdV]

DD is in the Southern Trace Plaza on 466.

[jfinnoh]

PF Chang's. Are there any good Chinese restaurants in the area?

[skyguy79]

Hey, it's Christmas! Has anyone suggested a Christmas Tree Shop yet? I hear a lot of people love them.

http://www.christmastreeshops.com/

[Tweety Bird]

-There are no Big/Tall stores for men nearby. There is only one in Ocala.
-I miss the Coney Island restaurants that are all over the Metro Detroit area. Always ate there about once a week. Nothing comparable around here.
-There are no dance wear stores here. Many dance troops around The Villages, but everyone has to order their shoes and tights on line because there is no where to buy it here. Many dance wear stores also sell costumes, which would work well with the clown college. Also need to sell stage makeup, which works with the many theatre groups.
-Music stores are non-existant here, and there are so many musical groups here. Someplace that could repair instruments, sell pianos, and have a department for sheet music.
-There is no personalization store here. You know the ones where you can get glassware engraved, or monograms put on towels. That kind of place.

This is just a short list of all the kinds of places that I have wanted and that are not here. Many of the other places I have missed are chains, and wouldn't help you if I listed them. Pleeeeease, open one of these!!!!!!

Ditto on The Big and Tall Men Stores...we could also use a good Lane Bryant. I ALWAYS have to go out of town. All the skinny people have all the luck! grrrrrrr :rant-rave: tee hee

[Tweety Bird]

We need a cemetery. You'll never go out of business!

Skip

LMAO!!!!! Which Village should that be close to? Any amenity fees? With the older population being here, those grave sites might grow larger than The Villages? Maybe houses backing up to graveyards will have to pay a premium for "extra quiet areas". :a20:

[skyguy79]

Ditto on The Big and Tall Men Stores...we could also use a good Lane Bryant. I ALWAYS have to go out of town. All the skinny people have all the luck! grrrrrrr :rant-rave: tee hee:agree: I'll second that emotion!

[batman911]

How about a members only mens club where you could have your designer beer on tap, friendly card games and snooker tables, a library for reading and a small dining area, and maybe a few rooms to rent for those in need. I'm not talking about the VFW style, something along the line of an English mens club. quality decor and patrons.

Now all you of the opposite gender can comence the rock throwing.

[barb1191]

How about a members only mens club where you could have your designer beer on tap, friendly card games and snooker tables, a library for reading and a small dining area, and maybe a few rooms to rent for those in need. I'm not talking about the VFW style, something along the line of an English mens club. quality decor and patrons.

Now all you of the opposite gender can comence the rock throwing.

chilout :censored: :a20: :rant-rave: :ohdear: :1rotfl:

[Rob Stevens]

A travel agency that specializes in one way tickets back to "When we lived in...". Also, as others have said, a really good sandwich/sub shop. Please don't make me tell you every item to put on it. I order it, you make it.
_________
Florida, Florida, then Florida (saves on moving expenses)

[Rob Stevens]

If I set PF Changs and Smitty's Real Good Chinese in front of you I don't think you could tell the difference.

[graciegirl]

If I set PF Changs and Smitty's Real Good Chinese in front of you I don't think you could tell the difference.

What is Smitty's Real Good Chinese? Is it in The Villages?

I like PF Changs, but suspect they microwave some of it to heat it. Sometimes the meat has that warmed up in the microwave toughness, at least here in West Chester.

[batman911]

Try Panda Express. Food made fresh in open kitchen so you can watch and inspect. Good prices and free item selection every visit if you log in to their website and answer a few questions. Wife and I ask for separate billing so we can both get a free selection.

[Shimpy]

A travel agency that specializes in one way tickets back to "When we lived in...". Also, as others have said, a really good sandwich/sub shop. Please don't make me tell you every item to put on it. I order it, you make it.
_________
Florida, Florida, then Florida (saves on moving expenses)

You got me laughing on "Where we lived in...". We also hear, "Everything was better in..." and the one that really gets me is "Of course we're spoiled because were from ..."

[jackz]

Trader Joe's, Honey Baked Ham Company or El Pollo Tropical

[graciegirl]

Trader Joe's, Honey Baked Ham Company or El Pollo Tropical

Am I the only person in the universe that doesn't like honey baked ham...from the company that is....?

I don't like it because it is spiral sliced and tooooo thin for my tastes.

Instead I like Cooks ham from Krogers and I punch holes around the bone and around the fat divisions and pour in at least a half cup of honey down in the openings. (More if I can) The put it in my dutch oven and cover with foil tightly because it us usually sticking out the top and my lid won't fit and bake low and slow for about four hours. (300 degrees) Depending on the size of the ham

I know, I highjacked yet another thread. I am antsy and anxious to return to TV, and hungry too as the kraut and pork are perfuming the house.

That is if you like kraut....if you don't, it is stinking up the house.

[skyguy79]

Am I the only person in the universe that doesn't like honey baked ham?WOW! Your honey bakes ham and you don't like it? That doesn't sound like the graciegirl I've been given an impression about here on TOTV. I sure hope your honey doesn't feel saddened about it! :ohdear:

[mak44070]

I know, I highjacked yet another thread. I am antsy and anxious to return to TV, and hungry too as the kraut and pork are perfuming the house.

That is if you like kraut....if you don't, it is stinking up the house.

The aromas are wafting up to Marblehead, OH. Mmmmm.....can we come for Dinner???????:icon_hungry::icon_hungry:

[Pturner]

WOW! Your honey bakes ham and you don't like it? That doesn't sound like the graciegirl I've been given an impression about here on TOTV. I sure hope your honey doesn't feel saddened about it! :ohdear:

Oh Skyguy, I see your confusion. GG is married to Sweetie, not Honey. :jester:

[English Ivy]

Trader Joe's, Honey Baked Ham Company or El Pollo Tropical

We have a Honey Baked Ham store. Over by Best Buy and Kohls.

[mitchbr47]

If I set PF Changs and Smitty's Real Good Chinese in front of you I don't think you could tell the difference.

How about a Pei Wei Asian diner? http://www.peiwei.com/index.aspx

The closest is Orlando.

[jackz]

Thanks, I was not aware of its location.

[gongoozler]

Harry's, Cheesecake Factory, Bertucci's Pizza, Papa Razzi, Houston's, and Mimi's restaurants . . . for starters but most importantly a brew house restaurant like John Harvard's.
A good sports store, Dick's or Sports Authority. (Have heard that
SA is going to open off Rolling Acres along with COSTO).
More stores and shopping in the Route 42 area of TV.
A local "Y" (aka, YMCA) another bowling alley along route 466 and another one in Sumter Landing or along 466A, a racketball club or our own courts, an indoor recreational facility of our own for badminton, floor hockey, etc for we do not have to go off site for such activities, and without a doubt a new entertainment center to bring in better shows and entertainment.

:popcorn:

[Mikeod]

Where did you hear about Costco?

[teachnmo]

We need an automatic car wash in the south side of The Villages. I can't believe having this many senior citizens and the small amount of car washes in the area.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

We need an automatic car wash in the south side of The Villages. I can't believe having this many senior citizens and the small amount of car washes in the area.


Sam's Club has a choice of two types of automatic car washes at the facility by their gas pumps. There's also another place on 27/441 south of 466, east side of the road.

Is the Village Car Wash on Bichara an automatic wash? Not sure.......

Bill

[teachnmo]

Didn't know about the Sam's Club Carwash. We did use the one south on 441 on the east side.

[pooh]

........ (Have heard that
SA is going to open off Rolling Acres along with COSTO).


:popcorn:

You've offered great suggestions, but where did you hear about Costco? Oh I do so hope that's true!!!

[Bill-n-Brillo]

The one at Sam's is a deal: Only one choice - it includes "everything"......$6! Two lanes to choose from: one is touch-free, the other isn't.

Bill

[mcleandkmm]

Currently living in Germany with the military. We have these Chicken trucks that sell half and whole Chickens roasted with special seasoning on rotating spits...A couple (or more) of these moving through the Villages would be a big hit...sellout everyday (low overhead, fresh and easy):icon_wink:! However, probably prohibited...don't know all the rules yet, but will be in the TV around 2016

[Dan =^..^=]

Currently living in Germany with the military. We have these Chicken trucks that sell half and whole Chickens roasted with special seasoning on rotating spits...A couple (or more) of these moving through the Villages would be a big hit...sellout everyday (low overhead, fresh and easy):icon_wink:! However, probably prohibited...don't know all the rules yet, but will be in the TV around 2016

I see "taco trucks" daily selling food mostly to the construction trade but must admit that the other day one stopped in front of my house and I had to "sample" a few items. Wow, I think the chicken tamale with green salsa for $1 has got to be the best tamale I've ever eaten!

Sam's automated car wash works very good and when done, go inside and get one of their roasted chickens. Yummy! :icon_hungry:

[k2at]

Trader joes

[sands]

But remember, gotta be careful about what you do out of the home, from what we've seen on TOTV (find and read the posts on that thread) you cannot even work on your business on the home computer.
Hopefully, you can think about the business from home.


Larryandlinda, I tried briefly after I first read your post to find the posts/thread that you mention. Can you share more detail? I'm a Mary Kay consultant and really enjoy it. I was hoping to continue down here (once I'm finished moving in.) I can't imagine it's the type of activity that would be any sort of problem. But I'm still interested in reading the thread you mentioned. Can you help me find the one you're talking about?

Thanks!

[Walt.]

I'd also love to have a Costco here...
I don't know how "official" this site is but they apparently don't think there is a Costco in our (near) future:
http://addictedtocostco.com/costco-locations/

[mulligan]

Larryandlinda, I tried briefly after I first read your post to find the posts/thread that you mention. Can you share more detail? I'm a Mary Kay consultant and really enjoy it. I was hoping to continue down here (once I'm finished moving in.) I can't imagine it's the type of activity that would be any sort of problem. But I'm still interested in reading the thread you mentioned. Can you help me find the one you're talking about?

Thanks!

If you read your deed restrictions, you will see that you are prohibited from running a business from your home in TV. This restriction is the same throughout the villages.

[jblum8156]

Whole Foods is known in NY as Whole Paycheck.

[pooh]

I'd also love to have a Costco here...
I don't know how "official" this site is but they apparently don't think there is a Costco in our (near) future:
http://addictedtocostco.com/costco-locations/

Thanks, Walt. We were spoiled, lived about 1 mile from Costco in our CA home. Well, maybe it's a good thing.....I alone could support one store.... ;)

[skyguy79]

If you read your deed restrictions, you will see that you are prohibited from running a business from your home in TV. This restriction is the same throughout the villages.Maybe TV needs a commercial service, like providing a phone, desk & meeting space etc., to assist those who would like to run a small business (like Mary Kay, Amway, Avon, etc.) where they can't in their own home because of deed restrictions! :024:

[mulligan]

Good idea, but the developer gets a percentage of the gross sales in a leased space.

[skyguy79]

Good idea, but the developer gets a percentage of the gross sales in a leased space.Depends on if the business is established on property owned by the developer or not.

[Pturner]

Depends on if the business is established on property owned by the developer or not.

Doesn't the developer own all the commercial property in TV?

[skyguy79]

Doesn't the developer own all the commercial property in TV?Not necessarily! Around the parimiters of the Villages I doubt that the developer ownes all the properties. Even within, if you check the ownership on the assessors websites of commercial lots, the ownership of several are other than the developer or are the holdings of the developer that are difficult to identify.

[maryjd1950]

I really miss the christmas tree shops

[barb1191]

The BEST Italian (family-owned restaurant in the world......The Chateau in Waltham, MA <drool>

[swissy]

And what about a cosy Swiss restaurant with cheese specialities like fondue and raclette and delicious chocolate desserts?

[Dapper Zapper]

Just bought my new home in Buttonwood...I would love top see a 4 wall racketball court, a staem sauna, and hot tub pool area, and I too love the xmas tree stores as well, and who can say no to an Irish pub.

NYC, NY, ( Manhattan ), Bayridge Brooklyn, Eastern Pa, Bergen County NJ, and now Buttowood in the Villages....

[Happinow]

I vote for a Cheesecake Factory or I'll go along with a bakery. Love those sweets! (I don't even live here yet!)

[Figmo Bohica]

Indoor 25 yard pistol range.

[TommyT]

Indoor 25 yard pistol range.

:pepper2::pepper2:

:bigbow:

[ladydoc]

The biggest issue with owning property in TV is no consolidated services. I hire someone to mow my lawn (they don't fertilize), someone else for termites, another to trim shrubs, someone else to weed, another for pool service, and someone else to fertilize the lawn, but they don't do shrubs, so another for that. Need someone else for the sprinkler system and another for home watch, and another for mulch. TOO MANY DIFFERENT PROVIDERS. Now I know that I will never find one to do it all, but if I could get it down to just 3 I would be happy. Everyone wants to do just one thing. If a service consolidated all outside maintenance they would put everyone else out of business. Even if they only did most of it and subbed the rest to someone else.

But they would have to mow the lawn, fertilize the lawn, weed the beds, trim the shrubs, fertilize the shrubs, spray the shrubs and lawn for bugs, mulch the beds, inspect the home while they are there, and fix and repair the sprinkler systems. Then just sub termite protection to someone and your done.

Stellar does ALL of this and does it extremely well and with a smile on their faces.