View Full Version : Panera and The Veranda
Has anyone noticed whether Panera has started to take over the Veranda as yet? Sure hope they retain some of the special feel it has/had? LB &LB
graciegirl
09-11-2010, 07:24 AM
I feel sure they won't. Most national chains have a certain look that they repeat time and time again.
Some are decorated exactly the same in every restaurant. The Max and Erma chain of restaurants all have the exact decor in every one of their restaurants including the same photograph of a huge brewery worker family picnic taken in Columbus, Ohio in 1938. I know this because my dad and mother, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins are all in it.
AND I have tried in vain to get a copy of that photograph.
Now I have hijacked yet another thread.
memason
09-11-2010, 07:42 AM
Maybe I'm in the minority, but I was not that impressed with the Veranda; especially the food. So I'm glad Panera's is opening a restaurant in LSL, even if it is displacing the Veranda.
Just my opinion ... :shrug:
villages07
09-11-2010, 08:04 AM
I'm with you, Mike. I had lunch there maybe three times and always thought the food was just so-so. Service was fine and ambiance was special. But not the food. I've always liked panera and look forward to their arrival.
Perhaps a number of folks have sentimental attachment to veranda because of patronizing it during their lifestyle preview visit.
graciegirl
09-11-2010, 08:20 AM
I always agree with 07 and Memason.
I think the food is not so great anywhere in TV. I wonder why that is ? (There are exceptions and we know where they are and we frequent them)
Do all of the good cooks who do it for money still live outside of The Villages?
We need immigration from young people who know how to cook and want to cook here in The Villages.
Maybe they don't pay them enough? The prices are low in most restaurants. hmmm.
getdul981
09-11-2010, 08:30 AM
I feel sure they won't. Most national chains have a certain look that they repeat time and time again.
Some are decorated exactly the same in every restaurant. The Max and Erma chain of restaurants all have the exact decor in every one of their restaurants including the same photograph of a huge brewery worker family picnic taken in Columbus, Ohio in 1938. I know this because my dad and mother, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins are all in it.
AND I have tried in vain to get a copy of that photograph.
Now I have hijacked yet another thread.
Not necessarily so! McDonalds wanted to put a restaurant in a section of our town and the residents got up in arms. McD finally took over an existing location and just put up their golden arches out in the parking lot. Not nearly as large as most locations either. Actually, if you didn't know there was a McD there, you'd probably pass right on by it.
BogeyBoy
09-11-2010, 08:43 AM
In the construction update section:
Panera Bread (1010 Lake Sumter Landing): Design plans and permitting are pending on the new bakery and cafe that Covelli Family L.P., a Panera Bread franchisee, intends to open in the first quarter of next year.
Indy-Guy
09-11-2010, 09:30 AM
I had Breakfast at the Veranda yesterday and the lady that waited on me said that Sunday (tomarrow) is the last day that they will be open.
There were many hugs and some tears as many people were there to eat for the last time and say goodbye to the people who had served them Breakfast for several years.
I ate there frequently for Breakfast and always enjoyed it. This will cause a problem for us Breakfast eaters in the area South of 466 as there are not many places for Breakfast in the Lake Sumter Landing area other than Too Jays and Havana which I don't happen to care for either for Breakfast. Looks like I will be heading to the Southern Trace area for Breakfast but it is a longer golf cart ride from The Village of Poinciana. I will be taking the car to Southern Trace.
I know Panera is very good but I prefer a more traditional Breakfast.
Pturner
09-11-2010, 06:42 PM
Perhaps a number of folks have sentimental attachment to veranda because of patronizing it during their lifestyle preview visit.
Or because of GEORGE!
Long story.
Ohiogirl
09-11-2010, 06:53 PM
Guess I don't know about GEORGE (sounds, interesting though) but what I liked about Veranda, and some other places in TV, ibut noticeably Veranda (probably because they only served breakfast and lunch, and I think we 60 (or almost) and over wind down earlier) is that some of the servers are over that "certain age." Gave me hope.
If I ever decide, or need, to get a part-time job, I always thought I'd be a great server (or short order cook), although I've been told (during this packing/moving period) that I apparently have lost my ability to "multi-task."
Do any of the rest of you notice that the servers in your home-town are all like 30 or under? Did you notice I used the word "like"? I'm really trying to "get with it."
Caribbean Soul
09-11-2010, 07:14 PM
I liked the Veranda. The food was always fine and the ambiance was excellent. Getting another cold cookie cutter chain is a step down in my mind. Panero's doesn't appeal to me at all.
As for the food in the Villages, it's no better or worse than anywhere else in the country. If you don't like it there's a real simple solution.
RichieLion
09-11-2010, 07:22 PM
I had Breakfast at the Veranda yesterday and the lady that waited on me said that Sunday (tomarrow) is the last day that they will be open.
There were many hugs and some tears as many people were there to eat for the last time and say goodbye to the people who had served them Breakfast for several years.
I ate there frequently for Breakfast and always enjoyed it. This will cause a problem for us Breakfast eaters in the area South of 466 as there are not many places for Breakfast in the Lake Sumter Landing area other than Too Jays and Havana which I don't happen to care for either for Breakfast. Looks like I will be heading to the Southern Trace area for Breakfast but it is a longer golf cart ride from The Village of Poinciana. I will be taking the car to Southern Trace.
I know Panera is very good but I prefer a more traditional Breakfast.
You're right about their good traditional breakfasts. I guess I should have eaten there more often. Oh well, nothing is forever.
getdul981
09-11-2010, 08:27 PM
Guess I don't know about GEORGE (sounds, interesting though) but what I liked about Veranda, and some other places in TV, ibut noticeably Veranda (probably because they only served breakfast and lunch, and I think we 60 (or almost) and over wind down earlier) is that some of the servers are over that "certain age." Gave me hope.
If I ever decide, or need, to get a part-time job, I always thought I'd be a great server (or short order cook), although I've been told (during this packing/moving period) that I apparently have lost my ability to "multi-task."
Do any of the rest of you notice that the servers in your home-town are all like 30 or under? Did you notice I used the word "like"? I'm really trying to "get with it."
Careful there, your generation gap is showing.
Whalen
09-11-2010, 09:11 PM
Or because of GEORGE!
Long story.
LOL
Hey PT,
I remember George!
Doesn't somebody have a picture?
:girlneener:
G
Pturner
09-11-2010, 09:37 PM
LOL
Hey PT,
I remember George!
Doesn't somebody have a picture?
:girlneener:
G
Yes, and you're in it!
Can anyone guess which one is George? U U is excused from the test, because she has a note from home.
http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy292/pturner10/April%20Meet%20and%20Greet%20Lunches/HeleneGailGEORGEGwen.jpg
uujudy
09-11-2010, 10:43 PM
Thank you,
Judy's Mother
Helene2008
09-11-2010, 11:19 PM
Oh God George....I forgot all about him....Thanks for the laugh!!!
jmitchell
09-12-2010, 04:32 AM
I always agree with 07 and Memason.
I think the food is not so great anywhere in TV. I wonder why that is ? (There are exceptions and we know where they are and we frequent them)
Do all of the good cooks who do it for money still live outside of The Villages?
We need immigration from young people who know how to cook and want to cook here in The Villages.
Maybe they don't pay them enough? The prices are low in most restaurants. hmmm.
I agree with you GracieGirl! What's with this? and why are they almost all chain restaurants? Maybe the Morse's should start a Culinary School. :D
I was not impressed with the Veranda's food -- it was o.k. just nothing special (ate there twice - we have only been in TV twice, 3rd time will be when we close on our house) and I like Panera but the Veranda had such a great location I wish a more interesting and healthy restaurant was going in there.
One more thing -- my husband and I were quite surprised that with all the healthy, active people there were so few "really" healthy, fresh food restaurants -- or did we not find them????
mak44070
09-12-2010, 10:02 AM
I always agree with 07 and Memason.
I think the food is not so great anywhere in TV. I wonder why that is ? (There are exceptions and we know where they are and we frequent them)
Do all of the good cooks who do it for money still live outside of The Villages?
We need immigration from young people who know how to cook and want to cook here in The Villages.
Maybe they don't pay them enough? The prices are low in most restaurants. hmmm.
I think 'they' heard you. This is from The Villages Charter High School home page:
Our students appreciate the intense learning atmosphere. Setting high expectations for students and staff alike is an important key to the success The Villages High School enjoys. In the junior and senior years, the students are afforded the opportunity to study in one of six (6) academies including the Health Sciences Academy, the Entrepreneurship Academy (Culinary Arts and Communication Technology-Graphic Arts), the Engineering Academy, the Communication Academy (TV Production and Journalism), Fine Arts (Art, Dance and Music) and the Advanced Studies Academy. Through our Advanced Studies Academy, students may qualify for dual enrollment courses and earn up to 29 college semester hours here on our campus in Math, Science and English. Additionally, our goal in the immediate future is to work closely with Lake Sumter Community College to add additional Dual Enrollment programs to increase the number of semester hours our students may earn.
:popcorn:
rwhal
09-12-2010, 10:45 AM
I'm from the st. Louis, Mo. area. Interesting story: the original bread company was called St.Louis Bread Co. which the owners sold to Au Bon Pan in NY. They later bought it back and when they went international they changed the name to Panera. Love all of their items. Enjoy.
Wayne
memason
09-12-2010, 11:00 AM
I'm from the st. Louis, Mo. area. Interesting story: the original bread company was called St.Louis Bread Co. which the owners sold to Au Bon Pan in NY. They later bought it back and when they went international they changed the name to Panera. Love all of their items. Enjoy.
Wayne
Wayne.... the first Panera's I ever visited was in St. Louis and it was the St. Louis Bread Co.... downtown...
For all your Chicago folks out there...how about the best breakfast in the world at Lou Mitchell's on Jackson St. ...just one block from Union Station....
jaspal
09-12-2010, 12:48 PM
Wish I had bought Panera's stock when it took over St Louis bread CO. It was $5.00 a share. It has since--split many many times. My gut told me to buy it but w/o 5 years history I held back.
tpop1
09-12-2010, 01:22 PM
Three distinct points being raised here...
Veranda leaving, Panera coming in.
Veranda's food not recommend by many; ambience and quaintness obviously not enough or it would be staying open; it's all about ROI.
People like Panera (even though its a dreaded chain!)
Lack of good restaurants in T.V.
Let's face it we live in a time and in a location where value is desired over quality. There is a great amount of pressure on price / performance in restaurants these days; here and elsewhere...just look at the ads and the specials. With this much pressure on prices, its hard to keep the quality real high....cheaper ingredients being used .. hard to lure top chefs.
Chains vs. local
The eternal tug of war. Chains can provide more value..economy of scale in ordering supplies, menu development, etc. It's obivious that chains do better in T.V just look at the Golden Corall, Olive Garden, etc. parking lots. We've got to remember the our Country Clubs are "local" and most are rated highly; quality and value.
_
Chopper
09-12-2010, 02:25 PM
I was told that the Veranda officially closed for good today at 3:00 PM. Sorry to see it go. Some of the employees who didn't live in TV had children enrolled at the Charter School. If they don't find employment elsewhere in TV they will be required to remove their children from the school. I know this must be a stressful time for those employees. Hopefully something will come their way.
downeaster
09-12-2010, 05:05 PM
I was told that the Veranda officially closed for good today at 3:00 PM. Sorry to see it go. Some of the employees who didn't live in TV had children enrolled at the Charter School. If they don't find employment elsewhere in TV they will be required to remove their children from the school. I know this must be a stressful time for those employees. Hopefully something will come their way.
I would hope those affected can finish the school year. If the school requires them to leave sooner my opinion of the school will take a nose dive. I guess if some are hired by Panera they will be able to continue at the school.
jmitchell
09-12-2010, 05:56 PM
I was told that the Veranda officially closed for good today at 3:00 PM. Sorry to see it go. Some of the employees who didn't live in TV had children enrolled at the Charter School. If they don't find employment elsewhere in TV they will be required to remove their children from the school. I know this must be a stressful time for those employees. Hopefully something will come their way.
That is very sad about their kids. I hope 1. that TV helps them find another job in TV and 2.) that there is some grace period (at least a year since this was a Villages owned business) before they have to pull their children out of the charter school.
I would hate to see any kids negatively affected. Does anyone know how this works?
chelsea24
09-12-2010, 07:19 PM
Wayne.... the first Panera's I ever visited was in St. Louis and it was the St. Louis Bread Co.... downtown...
For all your Chicago folks out there...how about the best breakfast in the world at Lou Mitchell's on Jackson St. ...just one block from Union Station....
ahhhhhh.... great memories! I have to admit, sometimes I miss that beautiful city. :thumbup:
nONIE
09-12-2010, 08:55 PM
So do I Chels, lately been thinking alot about Chicago. Wish I could find a reason to have to go back for a visit. (I know I dont need a reason) but so little time and I prefer to spend it in The Villages. We must keep our priorities straight!
MeMason, dont think I ever had breakfast there, but sure sounds like I should have!
BobKat1
09-12-2010, 09:48 PM
Off topic, but for those of you thinking about Chicago, it was beautiful today. 78 degrees very low humidity and a slight breeze.
However, as I was putting some things away in the garage I kept eyeballing the snowblower thinking that before long I'll have to gas it up and make sure it will run when needed.
getdul981
09-13-2010, 06:55 AM
Off topic, but for those of you thinking about Chicago, it was beautiful today. 78 degrees very low humidity and a slight breeze.
However, as I was putting some things away in the garage I kept eyeballing the snowblower thinking that before long I'll have to gas it up and make sure it will run when needed.
Reality check.
LuvItHere
10-08-2010, 10:47 PM
I read that the new Panera going into the Veranda building won't be opening until first quarter of 2011. That is too long to see the once-friendly and quaint Veranda sitting there dark and empty.
What could possibly take so long to get this prime venue operational?? A new village can be built in that amount of time!
The veranda with wicker chairs, ceiling fans and palms was such an attraction when we came for the Lifestyle Preview stay. Sitting there, watching people go by, was where we saw that this is a true hometown atmosphere.
I hope Panera keeps the outdoor portion furnished the same as it was--beckoning northerners and others with some relaxed, southern atmosphere.
Mikeod
10-09-2010, 08:15 PM
I would expect that clearing the current spaces, obtaining and installing kitchen equipment (ovens, vents, cooktops, etc.), getting the interior remodeled to fit the Panera model, as well as getting all the permits through channels could create that much delay.
Free2Roam
11-05-2010, 10:11 AM
I always agree with 07 and Memason.
I think the food is not so great anywhere in TV. I wonder why that is ? (There are exceptions and we know where they are and we frequent them)
Do all of the good cooks who do it for money still live outside of The Villages?
We need immigration from young people who know how to cook and want to cook here in The Villages.
Maybe they don't pay them enough? The prices are low in most restaurants. hmmm.
Hey graciegirl,
Nice to meet you. My wife and I are snowflake owners (bought in Bonita in 4/09) from northern Virginia. Recently found out about ToTV and have been eavesdropping when I can. Saw your comment "(there are exceptions and we know where they are...)". Would you mind sharing your secret places so we can also enjoy some good eats on our future visits?
Thanks a bunch,
OGP
elevatorman
01-18-2011, 08:10 AM
Anyone have an opening date yet, or are we still going with the first quarter of 2011?
Jane52
01-18-2011, 10:48 AM
I like Panera but NOT in the Veranda location. People come from other states where everything is noisy and rush, rush, rush, and it was a pleasant surprise to come to Lake Sumter Landing and have a quiet, pretty southern hometown restaurant there where one can sit and be served.
The place was peaceful and warm as The Veranda, and now, knowing how Panera is at Spanish Springs, it will be just another Panera where you have to push and shove to crawl between people standing in the long lines, to get to the condiments bar, and people are trying to push and shove thru the people without spilling their drinks and food.
I think it is an obnoxious, loud atmosphere, having all the sights and sounds of an airport bar selling 25 cent shots of booze at 9:00 a.m.
Jane:agree::agree::agree:
Freeda
01-18-2011, 12:30 PM
. . . an obnoxious, loud atmosphere, having all the sights and sounds of an airport bar selling 25 cent shots of booze at 9:00 a.m. . . .
Careful ... don't give the merchants here an idea! ... and ...errr ... what airport is that?
kb8tpw
01-18-2011, 12:54 PM
The ambiance of the veranda will never in a million years be duplicated by Panera, and as much as I have liked them they will not have my business. The "veranda experience" , as expressed by others, is on the top five reasons we decided that the villages was for us on our two lifestyle previews. In recent months we have begun to concentrate on patronizing the various country clubs and have rarely been disappointed, though we are forming our list of favorites. I must say that the 25 pounds I have had to shed since our first few months here attest to the quality and number of fine eating experiences in the general villages area. The culinary experience may not equal the golf experience, but everyone eats and not everyone golfs...
Whether we like it or not, Panera is coming and The Veranda is no more. Life is ever changing and this is one example of it.
One thing to remember is that this particular Panera might not be at all like other Panera restaurants in the chain for noise or crowds. It's more off the "beaten path" than the one in Spanish Springs, which is very close to 441.
We'll adjust and have either good or bad memories of one eatery in our home town, The Veranda....just like we did of other restaurants in other communities we've lived in.
Will I miss The Veranda? Yes, though I was not a frequent patron. Will I enjoy Panera? Who knows, I don't go there much anyway.
Taj44
01-18-2011, 01:50 PM
Good points Pooh, about adapting to change. Personally I love Panera, especially their soups. I'm looking forward to having them in town. A great place to go after golf. We've found the country clubs to be pretty mediocre as far as the food, and very busy and noisy.
Pturner
01-18-2011, 03:47 PM
...it will be just another Panera where you have to push and shove to crawl between people standing in the long lines, to get to the condiments bar, and people are trying to push and shove thru the people without spilling their drinks and food.
I think it is an obnoxious, loud atmosphere, having all the sights and sounds of an airport bar selling 25 cent shots of booze at 9:00 a.m.
To misquote a former President, "You won't have me to push around anymore".
P(andora) Fan-- Not
Bill-n-Brillo
01-18-2011, 04:21 PM
P(andora) Fan-- Not
Sooooooooo......I guess I probably ought to just keep that Panera gift card we got you for your b-day. :icon_wink:
Bill
Anyone have an opening date yet, or are we still going with the first quarter of 2011?
Gourmet Club says May, 2011.
Skip
Pturner
01-18-2011, 06:44 PM
Sooooooooo......I guess I probably ought to just keep that Panera gift card we got you for your b-day. :icon_wink:
Bill
I'm sure I could find something there I like. :p
Bill-n-Brillo
01-18-2011, 08:05 PM
I'm sure I could find something there I like. :p....she muttered quietly under her breath.
Bill :jester:
jaspal
01-19-2011, 08:14 AM
I'm with you. The restaurant was charming BUT the food was inferior. I vote for Panera which has great food.
natickdan
01-19-2011, 08:33 AM
We have a Panera Bread about a mile from our home in MA and I enjoy going there for lunch or just a cup of coffee and a pastry. They have a good selection of breads, pastry, sandwiches and soups and I think they'll do well when they open this spring.
REDCART
01-28-2011, 02:23 AM
Gourmet Club says May, 2011.
Skip
In the last construction update this week, the opening date has slipped from March to April 2011. The Gourmet Club may have inside info.
Brynnie
02-02-2011, 01:19 PM
I always agree with 07 and Memason.
I think the food is not so great anywhere in TV. I wonder why that is ? (There are exceptions and we know where they are and we frequent them)
Do all of the good cooks who do it for money still live outside of The Villages?
We need immigration from young people who know how to cook and want to cook here in The Villages.
Maybe they don't pay them enough? The prices are low in most restaurants. hmmm.
I agree that the food in TV is not all that good--with the possible exception of Bonefish Grill and Lopez CC. Most of the "country club" restaurants (who shall remain nameless) are mediocre at best and awful at worst--same fare, same decor--boring! We need some restaurants with ambiance--and chefs, not cooks. Wonder if the new Bonifay will be any different. I kind of doubt it, though.
jaspal
02-02-2011, 04:19 PM
I'm with you. I was in a stock group at the time. When I saw what was happening at Panera I was convinced that they would succeed. With out a 5 year history I could not convince my group to buy it. I talked with several friends who decided to buy it ($5.00 per share) had made LOTS of money as it kept dividing MANY times. They have the winning balance.
Wish I had bought Apple when it went down to $90.
gongoozler
02-02-2011, 05:22 PM
. . . it will be just another Panera where you have to push and shove to crawl between people standing in the long lines, to get to the condiments bar
I practice safe eating and always use a condiment.
sunday
02-03-2011, 02:26 PM
I agree that the food in TV is not all that good--with the possible exception of Bonefish Grill and Lopez CC. Most of the "country club" restaurants (who shall remain nameless) are mediocre at best and awful at worst--same fare, same decor--boring! We need some restaurants with ambiance--and chefs, not cooks. Wonder if the new Bonifay will be any different. I kind of doubt it, though.
Chef's cost $$$(75k-85kyr for 5-10years experience)... That's pretty wet behind the ears and inexperienced for the restaurant business, besides, the market in The Villages won't support that... I believe Lopez would have folded years ago if not for the pool bar, and they have never had to support a bona fide chef? I am not sure any "accredited chef" would tolerate the false sence of intitlement in that particular demographic for very long either...
There are 2 accredited chefs working in The Villages(to my absolute knowledge) ... One teaches at the charter school, and the other owns a catering company operating out of one of the more successful restaurants in the area....I wonder why??? niether one chooses to open a restaurant? Might have something to do with the bickering and shallow pockets....
JMHO
katezbox
02-03-2011, 07:50 PM
TPop - from my own adopted area on Conn had it right a few posts back...
1. Many of us are looking for value - why else would people frequent Red Lobster, Golden Corral, Olive Garden or Butterbeans? All of these places serve food that is NOT prepared on premise. How is that you say.... those Sysco trucks you see all the time deliver the equivalent of frozen dinners - full of sodium, guar gum and who knows what else - that a cook just needs too heat up.
2. Independent restaurants like Red Sauce - can't support the pricey rent and high volume - so their best dishes tend to consistently be those prepared in advance - lasagna and eggplant parm. Villagers complain because a glass of wine there costs more than $5 and is not filled to the top like the "happy Hour" swill wine we get at most other places.
3. The country clubs etc. may be "local" but most of their food is also of the prepared variety used by the chains. Just look at the menu at Cattle Baron! No "chef" can have all of that available without it being frozen/pre-cooked.
4. If you want to find great restaurants as we had in New England, you need to leave the Bubble - or buy the items mentioned at Red Sauce.
5. Verandah wasn't great - but, as someone who visits airports about 40 times/year - Panera is exactly like being in an airport. Too noisy - OK food etc etc etc.
6. Gracie - you are right - Panera has a footprint and they will stick to it. Yes, certain McD's locations find a way to fit in to community - but only under HUGE pressure from locals.
JMHO
kofficer
04-19-2011, 03:14 PM
I am among the group that is so sorry to see the Veranda go. We had some very nice lunches there on our 3 trips to the Villages, so far, and were looking forward to going again this weekend when we come up for the PRO-AM bowling tournament. Panera bread will see me not. It's not a place you go to enjoy your surroundings. Some of the good is good, but none of it is for anyone who has to watch their salt!! It's more of a run in, stand in line, get your stuff and woof it down place. Some are good, some are not.
When we were there last August, walking around Sumter Marketplace, we wandered into The Tea Plantation Restaurant. It was a Friday night, they had a female singer, as well as some very accomplished villagers who also sang, and the food was great. Not your usual chain restaurant for sure. As it is small and intimate, we felt like we knew everyone in there by the time, we left -- and this is what people move to the Villages, for. At least why we are working on getting our house sold so we can be on our way.
We will be back up for a month in August in a rental, and look forward to trying Sakura then, we have been hearing alot about that also, and some of the country clubs -- we didn't like Palmer, very snooty.
So I bid a fond farewell to the Veranda, and hope we see more of her kind in the future.
Lee and Richard from Tampa, for now.
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