Hacienda Hills Restaurant

[chewy]

It would be nice to see ANY update on the status of Hacienda Hills Restaurant. When people are not kept informed of such situations then they just make up their own "news" which can be inaccurate or even make the situation worse.

[kaydee]

Sure wish there was some positive news about HH. How can it continue to be closed up & ignored?

[CWGUY]

Sure wish there was some positive news about HH. How can it continue to be closed up & ignored?

Sure wish there was some positive news about HH. Me too!

How can it continue to be closed up & ignored? - It's a privately owned business..... unless you own it you have no say in the matter.

[starflyte1]

I wish that there was an organized effort started to let the developer know that we want our club back. Petitions or something.

For those who don't live near Hacienda CC, and don't care, maybe you should. Yours could be next!

[JSR22]

I know people who own restaurants in TV. Hacienda is not in good shape. They need somebody who is willing to spend a lot of money to renovate. It is an old building with an old kitchen. I have not heard any news of it reopening.

[Challenger]

I wish that there was an organized effort started to let the developer know that we want our club back. Petitions or something.

For those who don't live near Hacienda CC, and don't care, maybe you should. Yours could be next!

if someone was sure that they could run a profitable establishment there, it would open tomorrow.

[Two Bills]

Someone told me that if any new owner charged $5 for a water and lemon, the restaurant would probably make a profit! :icon_wink:

[Chatbrat]

Again,nothing in TV 's is ours with the exception of your own home and if its not paid in full you have a partner--

[stadry]

is hh 1 of the country clubs ? new to tv
tnx

[JSR22]

Hacienda Hills restaurant closed last Spring. It is located adjacent to the Hacienda Hills Championship Golf Course

[Mikee1]

Again,nothing in TV 's is ours with the exception of your own home and if its not paid in full you have a partner--

Even if it is paid for you still have a "partner" who will take it from you .... Try not paying the taxes and see who really owns the house.... chuckle.

[collie1228]

Someone told me that if any new owner charged $5 for a water and lemon, the restaurant would probably make a profit! :icon_wink:

There is a lot of truth to this. I have often been in restaurants with several other people, and the majority ordered water with lemon. And we wonder why the restaurant business struggles in many markets?

[Marathon Man]

Has anyone considered forming a group of residents willing to invest in the club? By invest, I mean, supply the cash needed to purchase the building and perform any updates. Then they could hire a good restaurant operator. Each would get a share of the profit, and a share of the risk. It seems that no one else sees potential in HH. At least not enough to take the business risk.

[jarodrig]

It would be nice to see ANY update on the status of Hacienda Hills Restaurant. When people are not kept informed of such situations then they just make up their own "news" which can be inaccurate or even make the situation worse.

There’s been no update probably because there’s nothing to pass along .

Plenty of other restaurants to go to in and around TV with new ones opening all the time ......

[starflyte1]

if someone was sure that they could run a profitable establishment there, it would open tomorrow.

From what I understand, directly from a restaurant owner, The Villages terms were not acceptable considering the condition of Hacienda.

It should be the developers responsibility to maintain the building.

[Chi-Town]

I really liked Hacienda Hills CC. It had the feel of a resort country club the way the property was laid out with the restaurant, pool, tiki bar, and tennis courts and golf course nearby.

[skip0358]

When the two very successful owners of several Restaurants in TV haven't jumped at the chance to purchase I'm sure there's a very good reason. Number one probably being the cost to refurbish the place. It needed a lot before it closed now plenty more and the fact that Water & Lemons don't pay the bills.

[Michael Charles]

Someone told me that if any new owner charged $5 for a water and lemon, the restaurant would probably make a profit! :icon_wink:

Well, I for one never drink anything but ice water at ANY restaurant I go to, not because I'm cheap, it's because I cannot drink alcohol (I never drink soda or ice tea) with my list of 7 medications a day. If they offered an alternative to tap water I would order a bottle of a nice Pellegrino or Perrier but 99% of restaurants don't offer these selections. I would think that most folks are in similar medication situations.

[jebartle]

Is a casino an option?????

[NotFromAroundHere]

There is a lot of truth to this. I have often been in restaurants with several other people, and the majority ordered water with lemon. And we wonder why the restaurant business struggles in many markets?

Am I supposed to order something I don't want just so the owner can make more money?

[Topspinmo]

Again,nothing in TV 's is ours with the exception of your own home and if its not paid in full you have a partner--

You mean the three foot around you’re home?

[JoMar]

Am I supposed to order something I don't want just so the owner can make more money?

Absolutely not, but don't be surprised when if they disappear. Look what not ordering more than water and soda did to Katie Bells

[Michael Charles]

Absolutely not, but don't be surprised when if they disappear. Look what not ordering more than water and soda did to Katie Bells
I recall visiting friends here in TV (was asked to meet them at Katie Bells) a few years before I purchased a home here in 2012. They were involved in a line dance group and when I sat down waiting for them I noticed a table tent which read "there is a 2 drink minimum" during the daytime! I told the server I wanted to order lunch she said she would have to charge me for 2 beverages also! I ended up leaving there without purchasing lunch and the 2 drink minimum. I bought a home here in March of 2012, I never went back there while it was open because of that.

[Mleeja]

I have heard from a reliable source that the building’s roof is in such bad shape it needs to be completely replaced. This along with the cost of other renovations required is making it a non-starter. The building is coming down and replaced.

The building belongs to the developer, so they do not have to keep us informed. The best we can do is speculate on TOTV!

[asianthree]

I recall visiting friends here in TV (was asked to meet them at Katie Bells) a few years before I purchased a home here in 2012. They were involved in a line dance group and when I sat down waiting for them I noticed a table tent which read "there is a 2 drink minimum" during the daytime! I told the server I wanted to order lunch she said she would have to charge me for 2 beverages also! I ended up leaving there without purchasing lunch and the 2 drink minimum. I bought a home here in March of 2012, I never went back there while it was open because of that.

We first visited KBs in 07, place was packed, people ordered drinks, food and listened to entertainment. The reason, that’s one of the restaurants the developer used for free dinner on lifestyle. As those perks went away, so did KBs. By 2010, the food became ok, but every table was full, to watch entertainment and sip on water. 2011 was the last time we went. Prices went up food so so. And still the mass of people not eating, having water with lemon, sitting at the table all night. Great for those who wouldn’t spend money, bad for business plan. When the 2 drink min went into effect, empty table became abundant. So fast forward to that beautiful space that seem so historic to SS, is not a retail space, with what is left of KBs upstairs.

[ceguider]

The "RENT" that the Developer charges is a big factor. If someone (an entity) were to invest a lot of money, he'd have to get some substantial "relief" for the first few years. Furthermore, there are other factors on opening a business in the "older section".

[Marathon Man]

Am I supposed to order something I don't want just so the owner can make more money?

Of course not. But expecting free lemon is greedy and causing the owner to make less profit. So, when they close, maybe that is one reason.

[anothersteve]

Furthermore, there are other factors on opening a business in the "older section".

Like...........?
Steve

[karostay]

Developer put their share of profits every month in their pockets for years and years ..Obviously put nothing back into updating the building

[Chatbrat]

That's what any landlord does--a customer of mine constructed an office building with several business suites, one of the suites was for the landlord-his suite had the best energy efficient lighting, insulation--the renters suites had no insulation, the cheapest fixtures, etc

[Skip]

Is a casino an option?????

A casino? You must be kidding. Who proposed that?

Skip

[jarodrig]

A casino? You must be kidding. Who proposed that?

Skip

Just the “wishful thinkers”, the same group that whine about a Costco not being two blocks away from them ......

The casino idea is probably not a bad one ...... they would be hugely successful, IMO .....

[graciegirl]

The "RENT" that the Developer charges is a big factor. If someone (an entity) were to invest a lot of money, he'd have to get some substantial "relief" for the first few years. Furthermore, there are other factors on opening a business in the "older section".

That old saw is oft repeated. People in business will "get" what the traffic can bear. A non used building is a lot of money not making money. The developers are not dumb and know their business.

And it is a business. . I would have to guess they'd like to see it rented.

[graciegirl]

That's what any landlord does--a customer of mine constructed an office building with several business suites, one of the suites was for the landlord-his suite had the best energy efficient lighting, insulation--the renters suites had no insulation, the cheapest fixtures, etc

That building is older and has been rented until lately. It isn't vacant because it has not been maintained. It isn't maintained now because it isn't rented.

Like Dew says. Economics 101.

[Marathon Man]

The "RENT" that the Developer charges is a big factor. If someone (an entity) were to invest a lot of money, he'd have to get some substantial "relief" for the first few years. Furthermore, there are other factors on opening a business in the "older section".

Please continue.

[anothersteve]

Furthermore, there are other factors on opening a business in the "older section".

Please continue.

Yeah I asked the same question in post 28.

Steve

[Chatbrat]

From what I have seen, the restaurants in the older sections do not do as well as the restaurants in the newer sections, younger residents seem to spend more

[anothersteve]

From what I have seen, the restaurants in the older sections do not do as well as the restaurants in the newer sections, younger residents seem to spend more

If by "the older sections" you mean the Historical section, there is only one CC restaurant, Orange Blossom and that does quite well with us "older folk" here.

We hate it when you youngsters come here and disrupt our lifestyle.
;)
Steve

[Bogie Shooter]

If by "the older sections" you mean the Historical section, there is only one CC restaurant, Orange Blossom and that does quite well with us "older folk" here.

We hate it when you youngsters come here and disrupt our lifestyle.
;)
Steve

:boom:

[pauld315]

That building is older and has been rented until lately. It isn't vacant because it has not been maintained. It isn't maintained now because it isn't rented.

Like Dew says. Economics 101.

Incorrect, look at what happened to the Santiago Rec Center. The developer sucks money out of a building and does minimal maintenance. I know the Sulieman's wanted to put a restaurant in there shortly after the previous owner vacated.T the cost to fix that place was just too much and the developer wouldn't work with them. The developer wanted to convert it into a Savannah like rec center so they can get cheap rental theater space to use. Thankful that the AAC shot that down

[pauld315]

If by "the older sections" you mean the Historical section, there is only one CC restaurant, Orange Blossom and that does quite well with us "older folk" here.

We hate it when you youngsters come here and disrupt our lifestyle.
;)
Steve

Most of the restaurants, bowling alleys, shopping etc etc are in the older sections and they just keep opening more especially on 466 and 441

[starflyte1]

That building is older and has been rented until lately. It isn't vacant because it has not been maintained. It isn't maintained now because it isn't rented.

Like Dew says. Economics 101.

It is not rented now BECAUSE it has not been maintained! The landload is responsible for the maintenance of a buildIng he rents! He has not provided a building to rent that could be profitable because the renter is expected to remodel the building, pay high rent and no doubt share profits. No break in the rent either.

Wonder which CC will be next?

[graciegirl]

Incorrect, look at what happened to the Santiago Rec Center. The developer sucks money out of a building and does minimal maintenance. I know the Sulieman's wanted to put a restaurant in there shortly after the previous owner vacated.T the cost to fix that place was just too much and the developer wouldn't work with them. The developer wanted to convert it into a Savannah like rec center so they can get cheap rental theater space to use. Thankful that the AAC shot that down

I don't agree with your assessment and don't recall any such interaction with the Suliemanns. Any business wants their buildings leased. The developer maintains infrastructure and buildings very well as we all can see. Many of the older restaurants in the earlier areas have closed and it is very possible it is because as people age they don't go out as much. Don't drink as much, simply don't financially support the restaurants in their neighborhoods.

Here is an old thread about El Santiago where people are complaining about five dollars to share an entrée and other issues. I think it is from 2007.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/restaurant-discussions-90/el-santiago-15377/?highlight=Santiago+country+club

[tophcfa]

In my humble opinion, for what's its worth, is that I would love to see a good restaurant in the location. But, I would rather see it stay closed than have a casino operating there. Casinos are not my thing, and from what I have observed, they cause more bad than good for the general population.

[Marathon Man]

There has been lots of talk about the need for repairs, updates, etc. to the building. Is this an actual fact? Or, is this in the same category as "the bridge over Lake Sumter is sinking" (not true, but enough people say it that is taken as fact by many)?

[graciegirl]

There has been lots of talk about the need for repairs, updates, etc. to the building. Is this an actual fact? Or, is this in the same category as "the bridge over Lake Sumter is sinking" (not true, but enough people say it that is taken as fact by many)?

Keeping restaurants running and open is a tricky business and requires so much dedication and hard work that fewer people are willing to commit to that life.... Also, I believe as areas in The Villages often have similar age groups, we see a drop in the older areas to come out and eat and drink and support the local "country club restaurants".

The developer's business plan was to build and often establish and run restaurants and then lease them to other people to run. This has met with a mixed bag of failure and success for the very reason that it is hard to keep a restaurant alive.

Does anyone know who footed the bill for the recent redecorating of Cane Garden? Was it the business who runs it or the developer who owns the building?

I think we need to understand the complexities of running a restaurant where we have enormous crowds for three months out of the year. What do you do with the help during the quiet season? It looks to me that it requires the same money skills that running our personal finances do, but saving money for the bad times is not everyone's skill.

[dhsmith]

Commercial rental properties are much different from residential the developer just leases the shell.Tenants are responsible for all modifications.We have a commercial property up north our tenant signed a 25 lease built the building, insures the building, pays the taxes, pays for liability insurance for us in case of a suit and maintains the building.
The brothers that operate Lopez spent thousands remodeling that restaurant and l can assure you the developer paid for none of it.

[pauld315]

I recall visiting friends here in TV (was asked to meet them at Katie Bells) a few years before I purchased a home here in 2012. They were involved in a line dance group and when I sat down waiting for them I noticed a table tent which read "there is a 2 drink minimum" during the daytime! I told the server I wanted to order lunch she said she would have to charge me for 2 beverages also! I ended up leaving there without purchasing lunch and the 2 drink minimum. I bought a home here in March of 2012, I never went back there while it was open because of that.

Guess what, Katie Belles is still open, do you live here ?

[pauld315]

I don't agree with your assessment and don't recall any such interaction with the Suliemanns. Any business wants their buildings leased. The developer maintains infrastructure and buildings very well as we all can see. Many of the older restaurants in the earlier areas have closed and it is very possible it is because as people age they don't go out as much. Don't drink as much, simply don't financially support the restaurants in their neighborhoods.

Here is an old thread about El Santiago where people are complaining about five dollars to share an entrée and other issues. I think it is from 2007.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/restaurant-discussions-90/el-santiago-15377/?highlight=Santiago+country+club

You are wrong once again, maybe you should stop by and ask the Suileman's because I did. If Hacienda was open and run correctly, it would be well attended. I know somebody who works at a WOB under the previous owner and they said he only had that place as a tax deduction. I don't care about an old thread from Santiago pointing out complainers about the prices. The fact is that the AAC bought the place from the developer stupidly and then had to tear it down because it hadn't been maintained

[Northwoods]

Developer put their share of profits every month in their pockets for years and years ..Obviously put nothing back into updating the building
A lot of people claim The Developer only sucks money out of everything and never invests in existing buildings. But what about the Rialto? I believe the Developer is putting in a significant amount of money to renovate that movie theater. They could easily just let it go. They have two other theaters. But... they are investing.
Perhaps it doesn't make financial sense to the Developer to invest in the La Hacienda building. That is their prerogative.

[tophcfa]

Keeping restaurants running and open is a tricky business and requires so much dedication and hard work that fewer people are willing to commit to that life.... Also, I believe as areas in The Villages often have similar age groups, we see a drop in the older areas to come out and eat and drink and support the local "country club restaurants".

The developer's business plan was to build and often establish and run restaurants and then lease them to other people to run. This has met with a mixed bag of failure and success for the very reason that it is hard to keep a restaurant alive.

Does anyone know who footed the bill for the recent redecorating of Cane Garden? Was it the business who runs it or the developer who owns the building?

I think we need to understand the complexities of running a restaurant where we have enormous crowds for three months out of the year. What do you do with the help during the quiet season? It looks to me that it requires the same money skills that running our personal finances do, but saving money for the bad times is not everyone's skill.

The restaurant business has both the highest bankruptcy rate and owner/manager alcoholism rate of any business. Very difficult business, regulations, increasing minimum wages and food/rent costs, which are difficult to pass on to consumers. Open all the time, most busy time weekends and holidays, when no one wants to work. Big time burn out for owner/operators. Very difficult to maintain good help and still turn a profit.

This was my mistake of a career choice when young. I have a college degree in Hotel Restaurant and Travel Administration. What I learned is that I needed to go to graduate school and get an MBA with a Finance concentration and start a real career. I admire and applaud anyone who can make a good living in the restaurant business, very difficult.

[Topspinmo]

I know people who own restaurants in TV. Hacienda is not in good shape. They need somebody who is willing to spend a lot of money to renovate. It is an old building with an old kitchen. I have not heard any news of it reopening.

IMO that’s responsible of the owner if wants lease it. But, we know trying to dump it on the district like the other three.

[Topspinmo]

A lot of people claim The Developer only sucks money out of everything and never invests in existing buildings. But what about the Rialto? I believe the Developer is putting in a significant amount of money to renovate that movie theater. They could easily just let it go. They have two other theaters. But... they are investing.
Perhaps it doesn't make financial sense to the Developer to invest in the La Hacienda building. That is their prerogative.

Well then they’re going to have to invest I tearing it down.

[aletarw]

It was completely renovated about 1 year ago under the previous owner/manager. It reopened and then closed again after about 3 - 6 months.

I love TOV because it is so full of rumors and inaccuracies. Many of the posts on this topic talk about the building needing renovations. Am I the only one who "knows" that it was completely renovated in the later part of 2018?

What is needed is someone with knowledge to post a response, and stop the guesses.

[Challenger]

It was completely renovated about 1 year ago under the previous owner/manager. It reopened and then closed again after about 3 - 6 months.

I love TOV because it is so full of rumors and inaccuracies. Many of the posts on this topic talk about the building needing renovations. Am I the only one who "knows" that it was completely renovated in the later part of 2018?

What is needed is someone with knowledge to post a response, and stop the guesses.

Get real- this is TOTV - This place is dangerous for the uninitiated reader. so much misinformation. That being said I still read for the very small percentage of gems that are posted by a very few knowledgeable people. :a040:

[bilcon]

:ohdear::ohdear::ohdear:Unfortunately, with the current situation with the flu in TV, the last thing on the mind of any business person, including the developer, is opening a restaurant at HH. My wife and I used to go there 2 or 3 times a week several years ago, before it went down hill. SAD, but like the El Santiago Restaurant and the Chula Vista Restaurant, I think HH will be gone forever.