What type of new restaurant do we need?

[DylanTodd]

Hi,

My wife & I will be moving down shortly and I have 25 years in the restaurant business. I want to explore possibly opening up my own restaurant in the Villages. What type of new restaurant would you like to see open?

Cheers,

Dylan & Erin

[tophcfa]

Something that serves a variety of good low carb options. Most restaurants in the Villages carb load just about everything. I would gladly pay a premium for some decent low carb food.

[kathyspear]

Franchise: Red Robin.

Non-franchise: NJ diner.

Welcome and good luck!

kathy

[Garywt]

I would love a 99 type restaurant, good price, decent food, no sprouts. Comfort types, steak tips, chicken parm, baked potato, popcorn, chicken etc. Of course it could be difficult as Florida does not know what a steak tip is.

Red Robin sounds good as well.

A good variety with plates between $15-25. Hate paying $40-50 or more per plate.

[BRN_RI_FL]

Something that serves a variety of good low carb options. Most restaurants in the Villages carb load just about everything. I would gladly pay a premium for some decent low carb food.

I’ll second that request. I’ve been on a low carb diet for a little over 3 years and there aren’t a lot of low carb dining-out options. Whether medically necessary or not, I would think a lot of retirees should be cutting back on their carbs.

[wrestle1]

A sports bar/restaurant is needed

[retiredguy123]

Crab house with simple seafood without all the sauces and crust. Steamed blue crabs, steamed peal and eat shrimp, raw oysters, raw and steamed clams, lobster. Not fancy.

[Cheeks]

Bolay, ate at one in Gainesville, fantastic healthy. Like Chipotle but healthy. Check it out.

[ctmurray]

I live up north, near county 42 and we could use a new restaurant. A Cody's was built and opened a few years ago and was very popular but the pandemic shut them down and we hear they are not reopening. Large, free standing building with parking and an outdoor eating area where they had live music. Or a fast food restaurant with a drive through would be appreciated up here, we currently drive or cart down to Culver's and I think a Culver's would do very well up here. The existing restaurants are O'brady's (sports bar/restaurant), Sammy Joe's (small space but good Italian) and Subway. Please consider this location. There is still land available to build your own building or take over Cody's.

[bobdeb]

Another Metro Diner located somewhere on 466A or 44.

[oldtimes]

I would love to see someone buy the Cousins Maine Lobster franchise and bring the Lobster truck back. It was always busy.

[Klatu]

German. We have Italian, Mexican, sea food, Chinese, steak houses, hamburgers and barbecue. But no German.....where to go for Octoberfest!!!

[JSR22]

Greek Diner and a NY style deli

[MickeyStevens]

Greek Diner and a NY style deli

I second that thought and as someone else wrote NJ style diner but I guess that one is covered by "Green Diner."

[billethkid]

An upscale establishment like J Alexanders.

[dtennent]

We have a lot of the usual suspects for restaurants. As a result, I don't thing we need another burger, ribs, extra fries, pasta place. I would prefer a menu that provides a variety of healthy tasty plates as well as more decadent choices with an interesting selection of beers and wines.

Given the variety of responses here, good luck in making a decision!

[Foxtrot]

A good Tapas restaurant, and a good South American (Peru, Ecuador, Columbia) restaurant.

[John_W]

...

[John_W]

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[Tom52]

Portillo's

[John_W]

...

[stanley]

Calabash all you can eat buffet

[SafetyJeff]

ANYTHING but anouther fast food joint!

[Stu from NYC]

Greek Diner and a NY style deli

Would love a NY style deli as long as they knew how to make good pastrami and corned beef and refused to allow mayo in the place.

Please no boars head meats.

Where is Harold when we need him?

[Mlr4343]

How about seafood? We are in Florida

[5:00somewhere]

Steamed peel and eat shrimp with some Old Bay and some drawn butter. OMG

[5:00somewhere]

Calabash all you can eat buffet We visit Myrtle Beach once a year (non-covid years) just for the calabash seafood places.

[RedChariot]

A real NJ diner. Extensive menu where you can have breakfast, meatloaf or a fish platter any time of the day. Great array of baked goods available as dessert or buy to take home. In NJ these diners flourish with large portions and busy all the time. After working a night shift a diner is always open to have breakfast or meatloaf dinner, or chicken parm. Need one between 466A and 44. That would make it available to many including the new areas being built.

[stan the man]

I usually get paid for a survey, I do not give my opinion for free. (just like a doctor) but I would open a White Castle

[John_W]

...

[delima2000]

Everybody here misses food from their hometown me too. So if you can take a survey of those types for food you should have a winner. I myself miss a good old Detroit Coney Island (there is a place in Clearwater that serves Detroit Coney Island but it is so far away),white cream of broccoli soup (no cheese) like from Olgas and of course white castles.

[C4Boston]

Hi,

My wife & I will be moving down shortly and I have 25 years in the restaurant business. I want to explore possibly opening up my own restaurant in the Villages. What type of new restaurant would you like to see open?

Cheers,

Dylan & Erin

I have to agree burgers and fries we do not need. Our desire would be meals with sauces that are not bland. A nice variety of $15-$20 dishes, premium wines and beers, small but fun appetizers and most important, great customer service.
We wish you the best with whatever you decide and will be in line when you open.

[John_W]

...

[russtcc]

A Texas Ice House like Willie's would be awesome!

[Stu from NYC]

Have you tried Toojays at Brownwood. I ate there last week, but instead got the chopped sirloin steak smothered in onions and mushrooms. I've had chopped steak at Cody's at LSL and at Texas Roadhouse, and Toojays was the best ever, the mash potatoes were better than Bob Evans, it was great, a little more expensive at $16.99.

They specialize in NY deli sandwiches, but I'm not into them. Here's a link to photos of all their sandwiches:

TooJay'''s Deli • Bakery • Restaurant (toojaysrestaurant) - Profile | Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/toojaysrestaurant/_created/)

https://www.toojays.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/brownwood.jpg

We have been to Toojay's quite a few times. Burgers and grilled chicken are pretty good but deli meats not up to our standards.

Fries are good as well as cole slaw.

[davefin]

KFC south of 466a, please!

[Joe V.]

KFC south of 466a, please!

If you are dying for this "stuff" there is one on the Turnpike rest stop.

[laboutj]

Waffle House :icon_wink::1rotfl:

[ohiosbestus]

I f I was going to put in a new Restaurant I would choose putting another franchise of Millers Ale House.....I think it is far and away the best quality food for the price without a doubt.

[kathyspear]

Would also love a Rita's (custard and water ice) in TV. There are some in the Tampa/Clearwater area and in Orlando. One of the things we miss from up north.

kathy

[Pairadocs]

German. We have Italian, Mexican, sea food, Chinese, steak houses, hamburgers and barbecue. But no German.....where to go for Octoberfest!!!

Just an FYI, last week I asked Jorge (crape suzettes stand at Brownwood market) if he ever does any German dinners at the Continental country club (retirement community near the Villages) any more. He and wife made wonderful authentic German dinner nights there once, but he said, just not enough interest in this area !

[Pairadocs]

Hi,

My wife & I will be moving down shortly and I have 25 years in the restaurant business. I want to explore possibly opening up my own restaurant in the Villages. What type of new restaurant would you like to see open?

Cheers,

Dylan & Erin

While there are many breakfast cafes here, and all seem to do very well, I have always wondered why no waffle house has ever opened ? It seems no matter where they are, or how much competition is nearby, the waffle house is always packed. Years ago when we had to go to Ocala for many thing for our newly built home, we'd always stop at WH for a pecan waffle lunch. Several times saw John Travolta and wife there, people didn't seem to be bothering them at all; later was told it was not unusual for them to be eating there ! ? Don't go to Ocala as much now that the V's has most anything one would need for home and home maintenance, but do miss Waffle house though there is one near the interstate in Wildwood area....obviously not golf cart accessible. Possibly (?) this is a very expensive franchise, that could be what has stopped it's expansion here, but so many workers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, roofers, constantly, can't imagine it not being a hit with residents and workers alike.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I’ll second that request. I’ve been on a low carb diet for a little over 3 years and there aren’t a lot of low carb dining-out options. Whether medically necessary or not, I would think a lot of retirees should be cutting back on their carbs.

Count me in for that as well.

[John_W]

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[laboutj]

Unfortunately they announced two weeks ago that KFC is going in on 466 in front of Southern Trace Shopping Center. That might be too close to the southside, but it is better than going all the way to SS. I'm going to stop at KFC tomorrow, I have a doctor's appointment over there. I also love their mashed potatoes and cole slaw.

Eat the chicken AFTER they take your vitals and blood. :)

[Smalley]

The German restaurant idea is intriguing. Please don't forget us vegetarians. So many menus have little or nothing for vegetarians. Also low carb and low sodium would help our health.
We much prefer independent restaurants to the chains. The quality is much higher and the local, independents understand their customers.

[Villagevip]

Waffle House!! Complete with the beautiful young "friendly" waitresses...

[Boilerman]

How about a nice sit down Chinese restaurant like PF Changs? Plenty of carryout, but no dine in options south of 466A.

[Topspinmo]

Hi,

My wife & I will be moving down shortly and I have 25 years in the restaurant business. I want to explore possibly opening up my own restaurant in the Villages. What type of new restaurant would you like to see open?

Cheers,

Dylan & Erin

One that worth returning to. Which IMO are very few.

[mamamia54]

I would think after being in the restaurant business for 25 years, you would want to come down and enjoy life. I agree with a good low carb option. A lot of Keto and health reasons here. Good luck!

[JerryLBell]

Everybody here misses food from their hometown me too. So if you can take a survey of those types for food you should have a winner. I myself miss a good old Detroit Coney Island (there is a place in Clearwater that serves Detroit Coney Island but it is so far away),white cream of broccoli soup (no cheese) like from Olgas and of course white castles.
You must be another Michigander! A Coney Island or an Olga's Kitchen would be awesome!

Of course, when you talk about Coney Islands, you risk starting religious wars about Detroit-style vs. Flint-style or Lafayette vs. American. I'm non-partisan because I like both main styles. Personally, I like to go to places like Capitol Coney Island in Flint because they have both Detroit-style and Flint-style. I order one of each with some shoestring fries and am a happy man. And I love a "loose burger with Coney sauce", too. And my wife loves the onion rings. The closest we get down here is when Koegels on the Road comes to town (which they did a couple of weekends ago) and I can buy several pounds of Koegels Viennas with Natural Casings and a frozen tube or two of Koegels Coney sauce and make them on my own.

To make me really happy though, you'd have to sit me down in an Olga's Kitchen. For those not fortunate enough to have eaten there, Olga's can be thought of a Mediterranean Lite. They make gyro-style meat and serve it on a soft pita bread that is made to order by a funky little machine they invented. The gyro-style meat is good, but the bread is utterly heavenly. Every type of meat I've ever tried on it makes for a fantastic sandwich. Their curly fries are great and my wife adores their spinach pie.

Needless to say, when we get back to Michigan, we eat at Olga's and one Coney Island or another as often as we can manage. We have missed them both not only since moving here but during the 20 years we spent in North Carolina.

Somebody mentioned Calabash-style seafood, which is popular in North Carolina and South Carolina (where the town of Calabash still serves it proudly). I'd easily got for a Calabash-style restaurant as well.

Another place we liked in both Michigan and North Carolina was a proper Mongolian Barbecue. At those places, you grab a bowl, fill it with raw meat, veggies, rice, egg, etc., drizzle over some kinds of oils and sauces and throw on a variety of seasonings and have the cooks sear it on a very hot, circular cooking surface. Throw in some rice (white or browned) and tortillas and you have meal custom-made to your particular tastes. Very, very yummy.

If you read this forum, you'll see a lot of people (myself included) complaining about the very mediocre Chinese restaurants at many of the shopping plazas around The Villages. It's just my opinion, but I think the Bourbon Chicken at the Chinese places in most mall food courts blows away anything I can get at any of them. There has been word that a P.F. Changs is suppose to come to Brownwood, but I haven't heard of any activity on that for months. And "Asian Fusion" may not equate to "Good Chinese" in a lot of people's minds.

If it has to be a fast-food place, I would like some place other than the chains currently here. We used to eat at the El Pollo Tropical outside Zoo Miami whenever we visited the area and just love it - grilled, lean, marinated chicken with Cuban-themed sides. Since moving here, the El Pollo Tropicals we've tried in Orlando have been fairly greasy and with so-so side dishes. Maybe they've all gone downhill or maybe that particular location was exceptionally good, but I'd love one of those if was as good as that location.

And where to put a new restaurant? In the heart of already-popular areas like around the town squares? In an existing location that didn't survive the pandemic? Somewhere on 44 or south of 44 to take advantage of the explosive growth at the south end of The Villages? Personally, I'd like to see some more choices on 466A and lots more choices on 44. There's only one developed retail area south of 44 and it looks like it's already filling in.

As far as the original poster, I wish you luck. Restaurants are a tough business. Do you copy what is already popular in an area or try something new, risking total failure for a chance at incredible success? Do you go high end for that quite small number of folks that clamor for high-end dining, low-end to get anybody and everybody or somewhere in the middle to try to get reasonable turnover with acceptable profits? I don't envy you but I wish you success!

[JerryLBell]

Eat the chicken AFTER they take your vitals and blood. :)
The first three bites of KFC always hit me the same:
1. This is so freakin' fantastic!
2. This is, OK, pretty good...
3. What was I thinking ordering this?

[DeanFL]

.
.
Since the average age of TV residents is, probably about 68-70... and associated "issues" (B/P, and sensitivity to acid, full-fat, sodium, carbs) many of that group may have, I would think that a nice casual restaurant specializing in most dishes that are Lower carb, lower fat, lower calories, lower sodium, perhaps gluten-free would do extremely well here. And perhaps mostly small plate Tapas style.

That said, the offerings must have nice taste, great variety - but still 'health conscious' with any added salt, pepper, heavy spices up to the consumer.

We certainly do go out to 'splurge', not really taking these matters into consideration. But we limit these trips. If there was a well-run medium-priced clean restaurant that offered the options above, there would be no guilt - and I believe many TVrs would give it great business.
.
.

[John_W]

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[thelegges]

OP if you stay within the bubble, the rent cost may be different than what you are accustomed to. You also need to take into consideration that high season is prime for restaurants in TV. Our population dwindles in off season. You have a percentage that will eat at mid to high end restaurants.

Breakfast here is on the high side, considering it’s a cheap date. Since we hail from Michigan, coney is always on our minds. Open breakfast until 2. Each time someone visits they bring a brick of coney with them. But that is a regional eatery, and would be booming for breakfast, lunch would be doable.

There are many restaurants in Ocala, seafood, and steak do well there. Hope you aren’t looking at a franchise, food trucked in frozen, and heated.

Good food from a great chef is always welcome

[John41]

Hi,

My wife & I will be moving down shortly and I have 25 years in the restaurant business. I want to explore possibly opening up my own restaurant in the Villages. What type of new restaurant would you like to see open?

Cheers,

Dylan & Erin

A good bakery is needed, one that knows how to make crumb cake. Also a Middle Eastern/Mediterranean restaurant. That food is both tasty and healthy. But Villagers are notoriously cheap so menu should be $ not $$$. There is a good Greek restaurant in Tarpon Springs and German restaurant, Hollerbachs, in Sanford. They are more upscale locations than would fly here.

Also beware the developer takes a large chunk of your gross as rent and I heard looks at your books so locate outside The Villages property.

[golfing eagles]

A sports bar/restaurant is needed

Cody's
Beef O'Brady's

[golfing eagles]

Crab house with simple seafood without all the sauces and crust. Steamed blue crabs, steamed peal and eat shrimp, raw oysters, raw and steamed clams, lobster. Not fancy.

O'shucks

[golfing eagles]

A good Tapas restaurant, and a good South American (Peru, Ecuador, Columbia) restaurant.

We had a tapas restaurant, it failed in less than a year (pre-covid)

[richdell]

Still looking for a decent Thai restaurant. I'm not impressed with Thai Ruby in LSL.

[brfree1411@aol.com]

Open a classic restaurant not inside the Villages but close to the Villages. I think most people would like to have a choice of fine dining and getting dressed up for an evening. Not a huge restaurant just an elite restaurant with excellent food & service.

[John_W]

...

[JSR22]

I've never read a negative review of Bamboo Bistro in Lady Lake in front of Target.

Bamboo Bistro (https://www.facebook.com/BambooBistroAsianFusion/)
Not a Thai restaurant.

[Pinball wizard]

Greek Diner and a NY style deli

I second the motion of a NY style deli. Hot corned beef/ pastrami, etc.

[CWGUY]

A good Tapas restaurant, and a good South American (Peru, Ecuador, Columbia) restaurant.

:laugh: That was tried here twice and they failed. 2 things that don't go over well here..... smaller portions and sharing. :1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Stu from NYC]

I've never read a negative review of Bamboo Bistro in Lady Lake in front of Target.

Bamboo Bistro (https://www.facebook.com/BambooBistroAsianFusion/)

We have gone there a bunch of times and always enjoyed our meal

[CWGUY]

We had a tapas restaurant, it failed in less than a year (pre-covid)

:icon_wink: Two

[CWGUY]

:) Anyone else ever eat at "Vic's Embers Supper Club" ?:mmmm:

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I'd love a GOOD quality Indian restaurant (one that doesn't blow your blood vessels out with sodium), or a Middle-Eastern falafel joint that makes their own tahini, halvah and falafels from scratch.


I miss gulab jamuns and a cheerful kheer, I miss papadam...and I really really miss home-made pistachio halvah.

[Bass56]

Portuguese cuisine restaurant. No one here knows how good Portuguese food is. Don't know what their missing.

[CFrance]

Everybody here misses food from their hometown me too. So if you can take a survey of those types for food you should have a winner. I myself miss a good old Detroit Coney Island (there is a place in Clearwater that serves Detroit Coney Island but it is so far away),white cream of broccoli soup (no cheese) like from Olgas and of course white castles.
Olgas. I miss Olgas! A week or so ago I was at Spanish Springs, standing in a line of 2800 Michiganders (!) for two hours to get some Koegel's pickled bologna ring for my husband. People started listing restaurants they miss. Olgas was high on the list.

[CWGUY]

Olgas. I miss Olgas! A week or so ago I was at Spanish Springs, standing in a line of 2800 Michiganders (!) for two hours to get some Koegel's pickled bologna ring for my husband. People started listing restaurants they miss. Olgas was high on the list.

:icon_wink: It's available on Amazon.

[Brandigirl]

Hi,

My wife & I will be moving down shortly and I have 25 years in the restaurant business. I want to explore possibly opening up my own restaurant in the Villages. What type of new restaurant would you like to see open?

Cheers,

Dylan & Erin

I would love to see a semi fast food Indian Restaurant. One where you order at the counter and then they bring the food to you. Check out this establishment in Fremont California. I used to live there and went here all the time. Place was packed with a line out the door at lunchtime. Chaat Cafe | Menu (http://www.chaatcafes.com/menu/)

[Jim from MI]

A Coney Island place that serves good breakfast and lunch fare. Ask anyone from Metro Detroit what they think of a Coney Island joint! Look up National Coney Island.

[JoMar]

Open a classic restaurant not inside the Villages but close to the Villages. I think most people would like to have a choice of fine dining and getting dressed up for an evening. Not a huge restaurant just an elite restaurant with excellent food & service.

Rose Plantation opened with that in mind....no shorts, no jeans, collared shirts etc. Not sure how that worked out?

[tophcfa]

I've never read a negative review of Bamboo Bistro in Lady Lake in front of Target.

Bamboo Bistro (https://www.facebook.com/BambooBistroAsianFusion/)

We go there sometimes, not bad. They are a Jack of all trades, but a master of none. They try to serve Chinese, Sushi, Thi, etc... All OK, but none are really good. That being said, I know of no other place where you can get a decent crab fried rice.

[Garywt]

Open a classic restaurant not inside the Villages but close to the Villages. I think most people would like to have a choice of fine dining and getting dressed up for an evening. Not a huge restaurant just an elite restaurant with excellent food & service.
Matpybe some want some expensive fancy place but I want to go in my shorts and T-shirt as that is all I have in Florida, no need for anything else. A good dining experience is common comfort food in an extremely clean facility at a good price.

[Wing-nut2]

FORDs Garage. There's one in Orlando and one down toward Tampa. Good food and a fun place.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

The only "chain store" I'd want to see added to the ridiculous collection of chain stores we already have:

DINOSAUR BAR-B-QUE

It's not just a restaurant, it's not just a biker bar, it's not just a blues hall. It's an experience, and one of the best experiences I've ever had at any restaurant, ever.

[tophcfa]

Matpybe some want some expensive fancy place but I want to go in my shorts and T-shirt as that is all I have in Florida, no need for anything else. A good dining experience is common comfort food in an extremely clean facility at a good price.

About 25 years ago I ate at a place on the edge of the beach called Crabby Bills in St . Petersburg. I ordered a bucket of crabs with a wooden mallet to break them open. The server brought the bucket to our picnic table and dumped the whole bucket on the table. All I had on was my bathing suit and after smashing the entire bucket of crabs open and feasting, I was covered with crab shrapnel from head to toe. No problem, I got up and went for a quick swim in the ocean. My delicious crab dinner was supplemented by a large mug of something they called dumpster punch, which complemented the bucket of crabs perfectly. Now that’s my kind of restaurant, a dinning experience I will never forget : ). You gotta love a restaurant that cleans the table with a hose.

[Number 10 GI]

How about a nice sit down Chinese restaurant like PF Changs? Plenty of carryout, but no dine in options south of 466A.

We have tried a number of "Chinese" restaurants in the local area to include Ocala and haven't found one that we like, a few were terrible. I wish I could get the Chinese restaurant back in Tennessee where we lived to open in this area. For over 10 years we ate there frequently. The food was consistent in taste and quality all the time. Huge, huge buffet where the hot food was hot and cold food kept cold. Very clean restaurant to include the restrooms. Can you tell we miss that place?

[retiredguy123]

Open a classic restaurant not inside the Villages but close to the Villages. I think most people would like to have a choice of fine dining and getting dressed up for an evening. Not a huge restaurant just an elite restaurant with excellent food & service.
Maybe some people, but definitely not most. Even the Chop House doesn't have a dress code.

[dewilson58]

Hi,

My wife & I will be moving down shortly and I have 25 years in the restaurant business. I want to explore possibly opening up my own restaurant in the Villages. What type of new restaurant would you like to see open?

Cheers,

Dylan & Erin
Well, it should be clear as mud now.
:MOJE_whot:

[graciegirl]

OP. I hate to be a Debbie Downer but Florida is a much tougher market for Restaurant Business than other places that do not have seasonal residents flooding the place for three months and then disappearing. How do you budget? How do you keep help?? And for heavens sake don't take anyone's advice on some splinter theme like a German Restaurant. Wide appeal is best and not expensive. AND many if not most of us like chain restaurants. Their menu appeal has been tested and their processes have been proven. I love PFChang's and I love Bob Evans and I love Cracker Barrel. And so do a lot of people and a lot of people is who you need to court, not the folks who miss an obscure kind of menu. People have money here but they come from being very thrifty, MOST of them...and the more money they have the more thrifty most are. Please think twice before coming here and risking your life savings.

Why most restaurants fail within the first three years | QSR Web (https://www.qsrweb.com/articles/why-most-restaurants-fail-within-the-first-three-years/)

[CWGUY]

The only "chain store" I'd want to see added to the ridiculous collection of chain stores we already have:

DINOSAUR BAR-B-QUE

It's not just a restaurant, it's not just a biker bar, it's not just a blues hall. It's an experience, and one of the best experiences I've ever had at any restaurant, ever.

:) Which one did you go to?

[Stu from NYC]

OP you have gotten advise be very careful in learning the market before deciding what to open.

Unusual market we have found a number of places we like and amazed how empty they were even before the virus struck.

Surprised more have not folded.

[golfing eagles]

We have tried a number of "Chinese" restaurants in the local area to include Ocala and haven't found one that we like, a few were terrible. I wish I could get the Chinese restaurant back in Tennessee where we lived to open in this area. For over 10 years we ate there frequently. The food was consistent in taste and quality all the time. Huge, huge buffet where the hot food was hot and cold food kept cold. Very clean restaurant to include the restrooms. Can you tell we miss that place?

Tennessee???:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Try Wo Hop's or 4-5-6, both in Chinatown (NYC). At 4-5-6, the waiters do not speak English and there is one menu in English. We would go there with a Chinese-American, and she would just write what we wanted on a piece of paper. Do not order soup, it's included with the meal (If you are Chinese). Also, they do not collect sales tax (if you are Chinese)

[oldtimes]

People have money here but they come from being very thrifty, MOST of them...and the more money they have the more thrifty most are. [/url]

There are many people here who are well off and who are enjoying the fruits of their labor. The more upscale dining restaurants seem to be doing a very good business. Many are not "thrifty" and consider the chain restaurants swill.

[benj]

Hey you guys from Detroit ever try 3 brothers in Plymouth.?

[Doro22]

Hi,

My wife & I will be moving down shortly and I have 25 years in the restaurant business. I want to explore possibly opening up my own restaurant in the Villages. What type of new restaurant would you like to see open?

Cheers,

Dylan & Erin

Would love a Pollo Tropical, also a Boston Market. They aren’t really fast food...but very good for takeout.

[Stu from NYC]

How about a western themed bar/restaurant with a bronco riding machine and mud wrestling?

[JerryLBell]

:icon_wink: It's available on Amazon.
Koegels products are available online but the shipping & handling is outrageous. It's tough to pay $6.75/pound for hot dogs, then add $7 or $8/pound for shipping. That definitely made it worth standing in line for Koegels on the Road. It's also nice to meet a bunch of Michiganders there. However, I had not considered Amazon for Koegels products and realizing that I can get it with free S&H as an Amazon Prime user, I may have to reconsider my next Koegels on the Road event!

EDIT:

I just checked Amazon and found that, yes, shipping and handling are free but the prices are inflated. They mentioned a "Koegel Viennas Qty 32" option for $52.99. Koegels Viennas come packed 8 to a pound, so that's really just another way of saying 4 pounds. AT $52.99, that's $13.25/pound. The Koegels on the Road event I keep harping about sells them for the normal retail of $6.75/pound. The $13.25/pound price is a 96% increase over retail pricing. Thanks, but I'll stick with Koegels on the Road unless I'm bloody desperate for a good hot dog!

[Gpsma]

We need a place that sells Halal Chicken and Rice. And more Mediterranean and Mid-Eat foods.
All healthy food

[JSR22]

We have too many chains and fast food places. Seafood would be great.

[Inexes@aol.com]

Still looking for a decent Thai restaurant. I'm not impressed with Thai Ruby in LSL.

My thought immediately. We moved to TV from St Pete and between St Pete and Tampa had great choices of real, authentic Thai food. Would not even consider Thai Ruby. Tried it once in that area, didn't like it. Tried again in TV because we wanted Thai food and it is the only choice and swore never again. There is NO resemblance.

[La lamy]

Still looking for a decent Thai restaurant. I'm not impressed with Thai Ruby in LSL.

Agreed.

[Stu from NYC]

My thought immediately. We moved to TV from St Pete and between St Pete and Tampa had great choices of real, authentic Thai food. Would not even consider Thai Ruby. Tried it once in that area, didn't like it. Tried again in TV because we wanted Thai food and it is the only choice and swore never again. There is NO resemblance.

Have you tried Kayame?

[valuemkt]

Franchise: Red Robin.

Non-franchise: NJ diner.

Welcome and good luck!

kathy

red robin ?? Ewwww .. isnt five guys greasy enough for u ?

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Have you tried Kayame?

Koyame isn't thai food.

[Stu from NYC]

Koyame isn't thai food.

It is both Chinese and Thai and we really enjoy their Thai dishes

[kathyspear]

red robin ?? Ewwww .. isnt five guys greasy enough for u ?

I don't eat at 5 Guys.

I don't eat burgers at Red Robin. I assume that is what you are referring to as greasy?

k.

[DylanTodd]

Hi, thanks so much for the suggestion. As I read further through the thread I saw this type of option come up multiple times. Sounds like we need some more health conscious options. Thanks for kicking off the thread with such a great suggestion.

Cheers, Dylan

[DylanTodd]

Hi John, thanks so much for the detailed reply and especially for the photos, I found it super helpful. I have always wanted a sports bar, but I totally heed the warnings of the competition. That's a lot of money to sink in and you'd better nail it. I think I am going to poke my head into these spots you suggested when I come down for my April visit. Cheers, Dylan PS - who do you have winning your NCAA bracket?

[DylanTodd]

Bahaha, loved this response!

[DylanTodd]

Thanks so much for the advice, I like this trend towards healthier foods and it has come up a lot in this thread. Cheers, Dylan

[GoHawks!]

B-Dubs!

[delima2000]

Here is a sample of the menu at olgas kitchen for you to look at. Yes me too stand in line for koegels on the road.

[PugMom]

I would love a 99 type restaurant, good price, decent food, no sprouts. Comfort types, steak tips, chicken parm, baked potato, popcorn, chicken etc. Of course it could be difficult as Florida does not know what a steak tip is.

Red Robin sounds good as well.

A good variety with plates between $15-25. Hate paying $40-50 or more per plate.

that's one of the places i really miss, where else could you get a $10 steak that's good enough to eat, lol. i think it would fit the lifestyle very well. we also need a really good Chinese SIT DOWN place, there's enough of the small-storefront types

[PugMom]

How about a western themed bar/restaurant with a bronco riding machine and mud wrestling?

only in Village of Stu, :1rotfl:

[RICH1]

Something that serves a variety of good low carb options. Most restaurants in the Villages carb load just about everything. I would gladly pay a premium for some decent low carb food.
High in fiber and soft bland foods! Organic , our medications don't mix well with Fertilizers that contain nitrogen... good luck ...I'd call the Restaurant Clickbait... jailbait is long gone

[PugMom]

red robin ?? Ewwww .. isnt five guys greasy enough for u ?

red robin really has its devoted fan base. ours was always packed up north, & the kids liked the ice cream sodas

[graciegirl]

Hi, thanks so much for the suggestion. As I read further through the thread I saw this type of option come up multiple times. Sounds like we need some more health conscious options. Thanks for kicking off the thread with such a great suggestion.

Cheers, Dylan

What kind of restaurant did you own or run before? In what state? People are very free with suggestions to your hard earned money. Ask people what restaurants that they NOW frequent most? Find the need, not the want.

[Stu from NYC]

red robin really has its devoted fan base. ours was always packed up north, & the kids liked the ice cream sodas

Not all all healthy but did like the unlimited fries and the onion rings.

[Stu from NYC]

only in Village of Stu, :1rotfl:

We are looking for a manager so please send in your application with the $ 25 entry fee.

[bobdeb]

Would love a Durgin-Park type restaurant in TV. If you have ever been to Boston it was one place to experience.

The wait staff was encouraged to be intentionally surly towards customers and everyone loved the experience.

Considering the "complain about everything in every restaurant" mentality from some it would be a refreshing change.

Was open in downtown Boston for generations and closed in 2019. I think there's still one in Logan?

[CWGUY]

Hi, thanks so much for the suggestion. As I read further through the thread I saw this type of option come up multiple times. Sounds like we need some more health conscious options. Thanks for kicking off the thread with such a great suggestion.

Cheers, Dylan

:) Do your homework buddy and good luck if you are serious. :coolsmiley:

:shocked: As far as "health conscious" options, we had a "Nature's Table" franchise here ..... it closed and a Tapas restaurant opened in it's place. That restaurant had a piano bar as well...... it also closed. :oops: Another Tapas restaurant opened and closed in Brownwood.

Most posters/experts on this site never saw any of them. :1rotfl:

[oldtimes]

Would love a Durgin-Park type restaurant in TV. If you have ever been to Boston it was one place to experience.

The wait staff was encouraged to be intentionally surly towards customers and everyone loved the experience.

Considering the "complain about everything in every restaurant" mentality from some it would be a refreshing change.

Was open in downtown Boston for generations and closed in 2019. I think there's still one in Logan?

I remember Durgin Park. It had communal seating at long tables. It was an experience but probably not one that would go over over well here.

[sail33or]

Few ideas:

In and Out Burger (mostly in California) (makes 5 guys taste like mud)

What A Burger (mostly in Texas) (makes 5 guys taste like mud)

Cajun (Only for Southerners)(Gumbo) (Northeast folks would cry)

Real Mexican (mostly in Texas and Mexico)(Not sure what it is here)

Gulf Coast Seafood (Red Snapper, Flounder, Shrimp, Grouper, etc.)

BBQ (Texas Style) with sliced bread, 18 hr Brisket, Fig Pie

Now that I listed all this there really is not much in the way of "good" food here.

[kathyspear]

In and Out Burger (mostly in California) (makes 5 guys taste like mud)


I didn't bother to mention In-n-Out in my earlier post because they are not franchised. It is a family-owned company and they only open in areas where they can deliver fresh beef and potatoes to each restaurant daily. Took a long time for them to expand to Texas. (Now there are quite a few there.) Same for the NW.

Few things would make me happier than seeing them move into Florida. Will it happen in my lifetime? Hope springs eternal!

kathy

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

What kind of restaurant did you own or run before? In what state? People are very free with suggestions to your hard earned money. Ask people what restaurants that they NOW frequent most? Find the need, not the want.

If we already frequent those other places, there is definitely not a need for more of what we already have plenty of.

The need is for what we don't have. That's why we need it. If we had it, we wouldn't need it.

I frequent the places I frequent now, because there is a lack of alternative.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

:) Do your homework buddy and good luck if you are serious. :coolsmiley:

:shocked: As far as "health conscious" options, we had a "Nature's Table" franchise here ..... it closed and a Tapas restaurant opened in it's place. That restaurant had a piano bar as well...... it also closed. :oops: Another Tapas restaurant opened and closed in Brownwood.

Most posters/experts on this site never saw any of them. :1rotfl:

I didn't live here til after they closed. And if they were overpriced in order to recover the exorbitant rents paid to the Landlord in the squares, I wouldn't have been going there often at all anyway.

But a decent Indian place, or middle-eastern/falafel joint anywhere between Leesburg and Summerville on Rte 441 would be amazing. Or down on 466/a between 441 and 301.

It'd be a part of my usual rotation for "treat-time for moi."

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

:) Which one did you go to?

New York state (I want to say it was in or near Syracuse?). Absolutely amazing. And I'm not even all that fond of BBQ food, I've never met a Mac & Cheese made by any restaurant that is as good as mine, and if I'm stuck with inferior I'd rather go all the way to the dark side and have Kraft. Their corn bread with honey - OMG. That's how I serve my corn bread now - with honey that came from bees that gathered pollen from MY oregano garden back in Connecticut. Nothing better.

They had some delicious chicken. This was MANY years ago and I still remember how good it was.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Tennessee???:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Try Wo Hop's or 4-5-6, both in Chinatown (NYC). At 4-5-6, the waiters do not speak English and there is one menu in English. We would go there with a Chinese-American, and she would just write what we wanted on a piece of paper. Do not order soup, it's included with the meal (If you are Chinese). Also, they do not collect sales tax (if you are Chinese)

That's like the taqueria I used to go to, back in CT. They had the usual taqueria food on the menu, which was on the wall, and was all in Spanish. And then you could order caldo de pescado, which wasn't on the menu. You'd have to know they made it. Spicy and rich. And the only thing you had to do, to get it, is ask for it in Spanish.

[Stu from NYC]

I didn't live here til after they closed. And if they were overpriced in order to recover the exorbitant rents paid to the Landlord in the squares, I wouldn't have been going there often at all anyway.

But a decent Indian place, or middle-eastern/falafel joint anywhere between Leesburg and Summerville on Rte 441 would be amazing. Or down on 466/a between 441 and 301.

It'd be a part of my usual rotation for "treat-time for moi."

Falaffel and a place that sells real Gyro's would be awesome. Takis is ok but do not offer regular gyro meat cooked on a spit. When asked the owner said that people here prefer it that way. This former NYer does not.

[kathyspear]

If we already frequent those other places, there is definitely not a need for more of what we already have plenty of.

The need is for what we don't have. That's why we need it. If we had it, we wouldn't need it.

I frequent the places I frequent now, because there is a lack of alternative.

"Sometimes the road less traveled is less traveled for a reason."
-Seinfeld

k.

[Shadow8IA]

It’s hard to get decent pizza here.

Hi,

My wife & I will be moving down shortly and I have 25 years in the restaurant business. I want to explore possibly opening up my own restaurant in the Villages. What type of new restaurant would you like to see open?

Cheers,

Dylan & Erin

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Falaffel and a place that sells real Gyro's would be awesome. Takis is ok but do not offer regular gyro meat cooked on a spit. When asked the owner said that people here prefer it that way. This former NYer does not.

They also don't make tahini.

I like my greek salads with tahini, not greek dressing (which really is just a vinaigrette).

[Two Bills]

The only advice I would offer to any prospective restauranteur in The Villages.
Is charge at least $5 for lemon and water!:icon_wink:

[Stu from NYC]

"Sometimes the road less traveled is less traveled for a reason."
-Seinfeld

k.

Or as Yogi Berra used to say, when you come to a fork in the road take it!

[Phoneman]

Portillos would be a good one. They started in Chicago and have spread out, there’s two in Tampa.

[laryb]

Portuguese cuisine restaurant. No one here knows how good Portuguese food is. Don't know what their missing.I know how good Portuguese food is. Was born and raised in southeast Ma. where the population is a majority of Portuguese descent (I'm 50%). There are Portuguese restaurants everywhere. The dishes feature a lot of seafood and meats, the portions are huge, and priced very reasonably. I always have a freezer full of chourico and linguica for sandwiches, sauces, kale soup (caldo verde),etc. Everyone I've made Shrimp Mozambique for down here just loves it. So yes, Portuguese for me

[Ben Franklin]

Hi,

My wife & I will be moving down shortly and I have 25 years in the restaurant business. I want to explore possibly opening up my own restaurant in the Villages. What type of new restaurant would you like to see open?

Cheers,

Dylan & Erin

A good one. The one's here are all pretty mediocre. An excellent fish and steak restaurant would be nice. Something along the lines of Traders, and I'd be in heaven.

TRADERS SANIBEL (https://traderssanibel.com/)

[Road-Runner]

Personally, more seafood options. I'd even go for a Red Lobster on the southside. But based on my street of new homeowners alone, catering to a New York crowd will be a winning formula for sure. EVERYBODY is from New York!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Personally, more seafood options. I'd even go for a Red Lobster on the southside. But based on my street of new homeowners alone, catering to a New York crowd will be a winning formula for sure. EVERYBODY is from New York!

We're all either from NY, from somewhere near NY, have eaten in NY, had a mother from NY who cooked for her family, or who recognizes the superior quality of foods from the general vicinity thereof. Even their crappiest burrito joint is better than the best one in Florida!

[Notsocrates]

Hi,

My wife & I will be moving down shortly and I have 25 years in the restaurant business. I want to explore possibly opening up my own restaurant in the Villages. What type of new restaurant would you like to see open?

Cheers,

Dylan & Erin
Something Bourdain would like.
Doesn't have to,be fancy, just good.

[Notsocrates]

Something Bourdain would like.
Doesn't have to,be fancy, just good.

[Notsocrates]

With very few exceptions, what we have here is chain-restaurant-quality fare. Maybe a place that offers fresh food, well-prepared, a simple menu maybe with 4 entrees a day that could change with posted calory-counts because most of us are overweight.

[giorgio1948]

Franchise or your own concept? I have 35 yrs as a major franchisee and franchisor.
What is your expertise in?

[Road-Runner]

We're all either from NY, from somewhere near NY, have eaten in NY, had a mother from NY who cooked for her family, or who recognizes the superior quality of foods from the general vicinity thereof. Even their crappiest burrito joint is better than the best one in Florida!

Funny you should mention that, my mother was born & raised in Tarrytown, NY. I've also traveled to NY on business numerous times so I very much resemble your remark!

[xcaligirl]

Something that serves a variety of good low carb options. Most restaurants in the Villages carb load just about everything. I would gladly pay a premium for some decent low carb food.
along with low sodium!! Seems like all of them enjoy adding salt as the 'go to seasoning'. I can't eat at most restaurants due to the sodium

[Stu from NYC]

along with low sodium!! Seems like all of them enjoy adding salt as the 'go to seasoning'. I can't eat at most restaurants due to the sodium

Salt is way too cheap so it is a cheap thing for restaurants to add in much too large quantities

[DonH57]

I wish we had one near Spanish Springs.