Best new business to start?

[gent3278]

My wife and I are in our mid 50’s and would love to move to The Villages very soon. We are looking to stay working and may open a business down there. We currently own a very busy breakfast and lunch restaurant and also have 25 years experience owning a Vacuum sales and service business. Which one of the 2 would be a good fit in that area?

[JMintzer]

My wife and I are in our mid 50’s and would love to move to The Villages very soon. We are looking to stay working and may open a business down there. We currently own a very busy breakfast and lunch restaurant and also have 25 years experience owning a Vacuum sales and service business. Which one of the 2 would be a good fit in that area?

Definitely not the 2nd one...

[Kenswing]

My wife and I are in our mid 50’s and would love to move to The Villages very soon. We are looking to stay working and may open a business down there. We currently own a very busy breakfast and lunch restaurant and also have 25 years experience owning a Vacuum sales and service business. Which one of the 2 would be a good fit in that area?
Here's a thread that has lots of ideas. https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/ideas-new-business-villages-320803/

We could always use more places to eat.

[Stu from NYC]

Vacuum would be a no no.Females here do not like to clean and hire others to do it..

[vintageogauge]

It would be better to start a business using the vacuums as there is a demand for honest and hard working house cleaners. Two weeks ago I opened a vintage model train store, Nick's Vintage Trains, in Wildwood which filled a gap that existed between Gainesville and Orlando area. So far so good and a very enjoyable business for a 75 year old.

[gent3278]

I’m actually leaning toward the Vacuum sales and service business. The restaurant business has become very demanding. I think I’m ready to do something a little less stressful as I ease into retirement.

[EdFNJ]

Vacuum business sucks. :D Try yet another breakfast restaurant.

[villagetinker]

OP, there are a couple of businesses that offer vacuum sales and service, as well as a vendor at the Market of Marion, so you may have some competition. We had a hobby shop in Wildwood

[tophcfa]

The Villages is seriously lacking good breakfast places that are golf cart accessible.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Vacuum would be a no no.Females here do not like to clean and hire others to do it..
Retired , I don’t know about females , but I wish more of the guys whose houses I have been in hired someone, I’ll tell you one of life’s simple pleasures is having someone come every week and you get to come home to that nice smelling home

[DAVES]

I’m actually leaning toward the Vacuum sales and service business. The restaurant business has become very demanding. I think I’m ready to do something a little less stressful as I ease into retirement.

While people who reply mean well it is OPINION. We do not know you. We do not know your fiances. Amusing to me. I used to sell photographic equipment. One of my customers bought the name of a long running camera store. Someone posted about model railroad stuff. I still remember the guy, I liked him, telling me he was going into photo because model railroad stuff was becoming too competitive with too little profit.
We used to regularly laugh. I told him if he thinks model railroad stuff is cut throat he hasn't seen anything till he goes into photo equipment.

You know from experience, if you own the business, it is stressful and long hours. Selling a business, AND GETTING PAID FOR IT, is a unique kind of stress.

[DAVES]

OP, there are a couple of businesses that offer vacuum sales and service, as well as a vendor at the Market of Marion, so you may have some competition. We had a hobby shop in Wildwood

As far as competition, based on my experience, if there is no competition there is no business. Imagine the first people selling cars. He/she knocks on your door. I have a great deal for you on a car. The customer, what is a car? My horse can go through mud,
snow etc. What is a road? Where can I get service? Where do I get parts? Fuel-you buy it by the quart at the hardware store. The nearest hardware store is in the next town.

[NoMo50]

How about a golf car accessible, drive-thru liquor store?

[vintageogauge]

How about a golf car accessible, drive-thru liquor store?

With free straws.

[DaleDivine]

How about a golf car accessible, drive-thru liquor store?

Now I like that idea... People can't get drunk fast enough as it is...
:1rotfl::1rotfl::clap2::clap2:

[Maryland04]

there was a vacuum business in Wildwood which had been there for over 10 yrs and recently closed. Cleaning services in the villages do not use high end cleaners, they go to walmart.

[thevillages2013]

My wife and I are in our mid 50’s and would love to move to The Villages very soon. We are looking to stay working and may open a business down there. We currently own a very busy breakfast and lunch restaurant and also have 25 years experience owning a Vacuum sales and service business. Which one of the 2 would be a good fit in that area?

Combo. Omelette and biscuits and gravy while you wait on your vacuum repair:bigbow:

[Deb1093]

I think that there will always be a need for restaurants here. We could use more choices south of 44. I don’t see a vacuum business doing as well. Although, I understand the restaurant business being a tough business these days. But, we older people do enjoy eating out! 😉

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Combo. Omelette and biscuits and gravy while you wait on your sucker repair

Poached over home made roast beef hash. . few breakfast places can make a good home made, small amount of tiny diced potatoes, hash, not from a salt laden can.

[Luggage]

In my opinion wait two or three years to open a business. If you come down, enjoy your semi retirement for a few years and I'll tell you why.

Any business right now as a hard time keeping and getting employees. Even fast food restaurants are advertising $12-14 an hour. Rent is ridiculous and especially if you have a restaurant it's a high capital investment.

If you have the urge, and share what you could do on your own without employees out of your home .

[thevillages2013]

Vacuum would be a no no.Females here do not like to clean and hire others to do it..
Well the ones hired to do the cleaning would need a vacuum store but the reality is that vacuum cleaners are relatively inexpensive still. A certified refurbished Shark is between $99 and $130. They come packaged in a box and look brand new. And yes they work just as well as the Dyson that people pay $400+ for. Vacuums have become disposable

[dmsnell22]

My wife and I are in our mid 50’s and would love to move to The Villages very soon. We are looking to stay working and may open a business down there. We currently own a very busy breakfast and lunch restaurant and also have 25 years experience owning a Vacuum sales and service business. Which one of the 2 would be a good fit in that area?

Come and spend at least two months here to explore the possibilities. Any restaurant with good food, clean facilities, and friendly service will do well in The Villages. Golf cart accessible is a must if you want the best results. I think the vacuum business would be an expensive waste of time; kind of like a tv repair shop. Make sure you find out how much the rent and "take" The Villages property management is charging. Personally, I would shoot for an internet business without the storefront overhead. I would think the vacuum business would work well with this arrangement offering pickup and delivery service. Good luck with the American dream.

[tsmall22204]

If you were any kind of business man, you would do your market research and find out for yourself instead of gambling on another person's thoughts.

[Timtalk]

My wife and I are in our mid 50’s and would love to move to The Villages very soon. We are looking to stay working and may open a business down there. We currently own a very busy breakfast and lunch restaurant and also have 25 years experience owning a Vacuum sales and service business. Which one of the 2 would be a good fit in that area?

Open up a franchise from CORELife Eatery A great fast casual restaurant, highly successful up north. Healthy alternative to all the fast food around here.
CoreLife Eatery is Focused on Healthy, Active Lifestyles | Not a Spectator (http://Www.corelifeeatery.com)

[oldtimes]

Take over the Cousins Maine Lobster franchise. People used to line up for a half hour before the truck even got here.

[MandoMan]

My wife and I are in our mid 50’s and would love to move to The Villages very soon. We are looking to stay working and may open a business down there. We currently own a very busy breakfast and lunch restaurant and also have 25 years experience owning a Vacuum sales and service business. Which one of the 2 would be a good fit in that area?

1. There are a lot of places around The Villages that sell pizzas, but not a single one I’ve heard of that can make a decent New York pizza such as one can find in a thousand pizza places in the New York metro area. Not one! One near a town square that sells slices could do especially well. (Perhaps even a pizza food truck nightly at a town square that reheats slices from pies made at some non-restaurant place in a commercial area in the right kind of oven. After all, generally slices are reheated just before serving.) Your restaurant experience would make this possible, but only if you are actually from the New York area and learn how to do it right. There are more people here from New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania combined than from any other three states, I believe. We know what the real thing tastes like, and we don’t find it here. We would be loyal.

2. There are a lot of people here who can no longer drive, whether because of age, vision, health issues, or even having their license revoked after a DUI. They feel like they’ve lost an important part of themselves and their freedom and power. Yes, there is Uber. That can work well. But I think there would be a market for a small fleet of cars (ones that are easy to get into and out of) and drivers FROM The Villages who will take people where they need to go and stay with them—medical appointments, beauty salon, stores or restaurants, or whatever. These would be mostly rides of two or three miles with lots of waiting. Let’s say an elderly woman is the customer. Her driver not only picks her up and drops her off, but helps her into the doctor’s office and waits with her, or stays with her in the grocery store, if she wants. Some clients might set up a weekly appointment for a certain number of hours. Others might call and take the next available driver or make a reservation. The drivers would all be “safe,” and the clients would come to recognize them. Charge, say, $25 an hour, with $15 going to the driver and the rest to cover scheduling, costs, and profit. It could be run from home, without a sign, but you would need a parking area elsewhere, or you could hire only drivers with appropriate cars. No airport runs. Say a ten mile maximum radius. I think that would be a service to the community. Okay, so, a four hour weekly block of time might cost a client $100 each, or $400 a month, but how much were they paying for that new Cadillac and insurance they no longer need? How much would they pay to take an Uber to all these places and how long would they wait for it, and who would be driving it, and what if they aren’t flexible enough to fit into the back seat? Many people here pay far more for weekly housecleaning services. Meanwhile, retired men and women could, say, work twelve hours a week and earn $740 a month. On a fixed income, that’s a huge help, and it’s fun work that would make them feel valued—because they would be!

[Stu from NYC]

If you were any kind of business man, you would do your market research and find out for yourself instead of gambling on another person's thoughts.

He is doing market research via people who live here.

[jarodrig]

How about a business that picks up dog poop 💩 that uncaring neighbors leave deposited on your lawn ??

[Junehher]

We desperately need a bagel shop with New York bagels.

[Nick B]

How about a golf car accessible, drive-thru liquor store?
Drive through bars were a thing in FL when I was young.

[Wrhobson]

I own a local hurricane panel distributorship that I plan to sell in the Spring (I am 75). You might want to take a look at storm windows,hurricane window protection,storm (http://www.floridahurriguard.com). My wife and I have run this business (no other employees) since 2006.

My wife and I are in our mid 50’s and would love to move to The Villages very soon. We are looking to stay working and may open a business down there. We currently own a very busy breakfast and lunch restaurant and also have 25 years experience owning a Vacuum sales and service business. Which one of the 2 would be a good fit in that area?

[oneclickplus]

My wife and I are in our mid 50’s and would love to move to The Villages very soon. We are looking to stay working and may open a business down there. We currently own a very busy breakfast and lunch restaurant and also have 25 years experience owning a Vacuum sales and service business. Which one of the 2 would be a good fit in that area?

I never understood (and still don't) why vacuums have their own sales / service niche. I mean, no one has ever knocked on my door offering to sell me a toaster oven or a microwave or a bread maker.

My answer: too much gubmint control over the restaurant business and I doubt the vacuum business (regardless of your experience) will do well down here.

Suggest you open a funeral home. You won't have to worry about supply chain issues and it's not something that the government can really close. Plenty of potential customers all around plus even more when the long-term effects of these shots kick in.

[DAVES]

How about a golf car accessible, drive-thru liquor store?

That is an interesting idea for this Old Folks Disneyland. I would bet permits etc would be difficult. Needing to get out of your car and walk to a liquor store is likely an old assumed sobriety test.

[Decadeofdave]

Forget brick and mortar, your best bet is some kind of on line store. One of my friends sells headsets to call centers on line, sales over 500k/year.

[DAVES]

Combo. Omelette and biscuits and gravy while you wait on your vacuum repair:bigbow:

Not that strange. There are places, I think it started in Europe, where they have books and serve coffee. Barnes and Nobel did or does that. Coffee stains on the,"new," book you are buying? There was a big place in New York City with used books. I walked past many times. I do wonder about the plan. People hanging out but where is the money in it.

[DAVES]

I never understood (and still don't) why vacuums have their own sales / service niche. I mean, no one has ever knocked on my door offering to sell me a toaster oven or a microwave or a bread maker.

My answer: too much gubmint control over the restaurant business and I doubt the vacuum business (regardless of your experience) will do well down here.

Suggest you open a funeral home. You won't have to worry about supply chain issues and it's not something that the government can really close. Plenty of potential customers all around plus even more when the long-term effects of these shots kick in.

Re: selling vacuums door to door
There have been many successful businesses that I for one wonder how they find people to do this. Tupperware in a famous one. Amway-there was a time when you could not walk down the street in New York City without someone trying to get you to sign up for a sell amway presentation. A bit of math, the bulk of the sales were the sample kits they sold to recruited sales people.
Vacuums the famous brand was Kirby. They were well made, expensive and sold on an installment plan.

So many people say there is no opportunity here. Most of us, walk past opportunity everyday and don't see it. If, we do see it, we say, I saw that but I didn't do it. Someone else did and was successful. I shoulda, coulda, mighta but didn'ta

[Redsmom]

My wife and I are in our mid 50’s and would love to move to The Villages very soon. We are looking to stay working and may open a business down there. We currently own a very busy breakfast and lunch restaurant and also have 25 years experience owning a Vacuum sales and service business. Which one of the 2 would be a good fit in that area?
Here’s a thought: why not a breakfast only restaurant that is drive-through only, selling homemade breakfast sandwiches and terrific coffee. For me and my husband that would be awesome and I don’t think we are unusual. And if you stayed open till about one or two in the afternoon for those late sleepers, you could really do well I think.

[Nell57]

One more idea.
Open a little storefront deli and feature “Grab and Go” meals., We used to have that in Sumter Landing. The meals were in a deli case… usually dinner for two for about $20. The food was fantastic.
For a variation of this idea, check out Bodega Market, Tipp City Ohio… Google or Facebook.
Villagers love to eat homemade meals… but their kitchen is the least used room in the house.,

[DAVES]

I think that there will always be a need for restaurants here. We could use more choices south of 44. I don’t see a vacuum business doing as well. Although, I understand the restaurant business being a tough business these days. But, we older people do enjoy eating out! 😉

Every business is a tough business. Many years ago, trying to decide what to do with my life, I read a book about business. I don't recall the title but I do recall in terms of failure rates, restaurants are have among the highest failure rates. Mortisioners, suggested by someone else have among the lowest. The goal of business is to make money. That is far different than a hobby where you, I do give stuff away.

[golfgal44]

[QUOTE=gent3278;2012927]My wife and I are in our mid 50’s and would love to move to The Villages very soon. We are looking to stay working and may open a business down there. We currently own a very busy breakfast and lunch restaurant and also have 25 years experience owning a Vacuum sales and service business. Which one of the 2 would be a good fit in that area?[/QUOTE

I’ve visited T.V. a number of times now and I’ll be relocating from Long Island, in a few months. T.V. Is a beautiful place, but I have yet to find a New York quality restaurant. “GOOD” dining places are very few and far between. Don’t know where you are coming from but if you have a dining establishment with “New York quality” products, you’ll do great. Also, another rarity, almost non-existent, are good bakeries with fresh rolls, cookies, pastries. Publix is the only game in town.

[laboutj]

Golf cart Uber service. Get a couple of six-seaters and camp out near the squares.

[DAVES]

Well the ones hired to do the cleaning would need a vacuum store but the reality is that vacuum cleaners are relatively inexpensive still. A certified refurbished Shark is between $99 and $130. They come packaged in a box and look brand new. And yes they work just as well as the Dyson that people pay $400+ for. Vacuums have become disposable

As far as disposable, that is true of most things. The reason why our landfills etc are filling up. We cannot fight progress. Remember televisions? Our first TV was an American made Dumont. It was B&W and can you imagine you had to get up out of the chair to change the channel. It was 21 inch. Neighbors thought my parents won the lottery or whatever. It was $500. Today that would be ????? $5,000. Today your TV quits working and you toss it. We had two 21 inch color sets. I think they cost like $200 new.
They were working fine and even the thrift stores wouldn't take them for free. Things are no longer made to be repairable. People will not pay the initial cost. I am, I think many others are old enough to remember when a faucet leaked it was either the washer, cost about a nickle. or the seat, a good one was like a quarter. Today you need the company made assembly cost like thirty dollars and it is likely all the ones in your home are not the same assembly.

[Stu from NYC]

Here’s a thought: why not a breakfast only restaurant that is drive-through only, selling homemade breakfast sandwiches and terrific coffee. For me and my husband that would be awesome and I don’t think we are unusual. And if you stayed open till about one or two in the afternoon for those late sleepers, you could really do well I think.

The problem is covering overhead including rent when you are only open a few hours.

[DAVES]

[QUOTE=gent3278;2012927]My wife and I are in our mid 50’s and would love to move to The Villages very soon. We are looking to stay working and may open a business down there. We currently own a very busy breakfast and lunch restaurant and also have 25 years experience owning a Vacuum sales and service business. Which one of the 2 would be a good fit in that area?[/QUOTE

I’ve visited T.V. a number of times now and I’ll be relocating from Long Island, in a few months. T.V. Is a beautiful place, but I have yet to find a New York quality restaurant. “GOOD” dining places are very few and far between. Don’t know where you are coming from but if you have a dining establishment with “New York quality” products, you’ll do great. Also, another rarity, almost non-existent, are good bakeries with fresh rolls, cookies, pastries. Publix is the only game in town.

We too are ex-Long Islanders. This is not New York. Truth we moved to The Villages to escape New York. A New York quality restaurant, many of them the prices were/are out of sight. Many patrons are on expense accounts, spending not their but the bosses money. There are several good restaurants close to the Villages.

New York and New York metro you can find most anything the good and the bad. Truth, I miss the snow, I miss the fall trees. I do not at all miss the Long Island Railroad. The Long Island ?????? express way??????????, The Northern State Parkway-supposed ot be a road but it is a PARKway. The Southern State also PARKway that latter changes name to The Belt PARKway or perhaps better renamed Pothole endless detour-way. Parking in Brooklyn or Queens. Oh and tourists from Florida on vacation in NY.

Do not forget. If you decide to move here you as we did decided to leave New York. I know more than one. They remarry due to death or issues and then tell their new spouse how much better their first spouse was.

[Bertram00]

My wife and I are in our mid 50’s and would love to move to The Villages very soon. We are looking to stay working and may open a business down there. We currently own a very busy breakfast and lunch restaurant and also have 25 years experience owning a Vacuum sales and service business. Which one of the 2 would be a good fit in that area?

You should definitely open a restaurant - it's very easy to find help...🤣🤣🤣

[Lisanp@aol.com]

Please open a chopped salad/grain bowl lunch place (or Chop Stop franchise) in the south.

[thevillages2013]

I never understood (and still don't) why vacuums have their own sales / service niche. I mean, no one has ever knocked on my door offering to sell me a toaster oven or a microwave or a bread maker.

My answer: too much gubmint control over the restaurant business and I doubt the vacuum business (regardless of your experience) will do well down here.

Suggest you open a funeral home. You won't have to worry about supply chain issues and it's not something that the government can really close. Plenty of potential customers all around plus even more when the long-term effects of these shots kick in.
I give you a ten out of ten rating on that response. Also love the spelling of government

[thevillages2013]

Please open a chopped salad/grain bowl lunch place (or Chop Stop franchise) in the south.
That surely would fail here. Have you seen the size of some of these peeps? That’s called an appetizer to them

[Jazzcat]

Being in the food service industry, would you consider opening a “authentic from
scratch” Italian bakery and deli? Can’t get the good stuff like crusty breads and Italian pastries like we had up north. Also need a real full service deli. Closest one we’ve found is Mazzaro’s in St Petersburg!

[Timothyimitchell]

Here’s a thought: why not a breakfast only restaurant that is drive-through only, selling homemade breakfast sandwiches and terrific coffee. For me and my husband that would be awesome and I don’t think we are unusual. And if you stayed open till about one or two in the afternoon for those late sleepers, you could really do well I think.

Biscuitville.....Homemade

[Stu from NYC]

Being in the food service industry, would you consider opening a “authentic from
scratch” Italian bakery and deli? Can’t get the good stuff like crusty breads and Italian pastries like we had up north. Also need a real full service deli. Closest one we’ve found is Mazzaro’s in St Petersburg!

Hoping the new BJ's will have a full service deli like others we have been to

[Wyseguy]

My wife and I are in our mid 50’s and would love to move to The Villages very soon. We are looking to stay working and may open a business down there. We currently own a very busy breakfast and lunch restaurant and also have 25 years experience owning a Vacuum sales and service business. Which one of the 2 would be a good fit in that area?

I have been an investor in a couple of nightclubs in NYC. Any industry like that ( restaurant) is an extremely time consuming proposition. You need to be present (In my experience). IMO the vacuum business is something from the past. I know when mine acts up I buy a new one. If I can figure out how to direct message you I will send you a business plan I had examined for the area when I was considering opening something in the area. We ended up renting the house out and buying a home on a tiny barrier island off Sarasota and starting a company there instead.

Best wished for success to you and yours.

[024engine]

My wife and I are in our mid 50’s and would love to move to The Villages very soon. We are looking to stay working and may open a business down there. We currently own a very busy breakfast and lunch restaurant and also have 25 years experience owning a Vacuum sales and service business. Which one of the 2 would be a good fit in that area?

If you got A Ledo's Pizza franchise, you would knock them dead here in the Villages

[Pachine58]

Good old fashion beer joint

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

When I’m up north In Boston which is pretty regular I eat what’s up north when I’m here I manage to find enough places to enjoy my self . Over the years I’ve heard it’s better where I came from and they haven’t been there in 20 years makes me laugh

[inda50]

I think we really need a ladies shop that handles plus sizes.

[Stu from NYC]

We need a Hooters but servers need to be 40 or less.

[vintageogauge]

I believe a sub shop similar to Jersey Mike's would do very well south of 44 or just about any fast food franchise other than McDonald's as they already committed down here.

[BettyInFL]

Poached over home made roast beef hash. . few breakfast places can make a good home made, small amount of tiny diced potatoes, hash, not from a salt laden can.

OK, I grew up in Kansas, ending up in Houston for last 20 years. What is roast beef or corned beef hash? Why would you put an egg on top of it?

Now, when I have leftover roast beef (never have made corned beef). I will take the leftover meat & potatoes (always add a few extra when making), chop everything up and fry it in a pan.

When I was a kid, we would add ketchup. Hubby freaks when I get the ketchup out, so eat it plain.

What is the best 'hash' and why????

[gent3278]

That made me laugh. I actually already had thought of that idea. Sounds crazy but it might just work. LOL

[Decadeofdave]

My wife and I are in our mid 50’s and would love to move to The Villages very soon. We are looking to stay working and may open a business down there. We currently own a very busy breakfast and lunch restaurant and also have 25 years experience owning a Vacuum sales and service business. Which one of the 2 would be a good fit in that area?
Open a Daiquiri Deck. There are 4 locations Sarasota and Venice. Nothing else like it. Always busy.
I believe this is a unique concept.