Katie Belle's Comeback ?

[rustyp]

Hot off the unmentionable press:

An official has raised the idea of the Amenity Authority Committee reviving Katie Belle’s as an amenity for Villagers.

Community Development District 2 Supervisor Jim Cipollone raised the idea on the eve of a meeting in which The Villages will go before the Lady Lake Commission with its latest pitch for seven age-restricted apartments at the former dining and dance hall which was once the toast of The Villages.

The Villages could have a single tenant – the AAC.

[Nucky]

That's thinking outta the box. I like it.

Do you mean that all the Hub Bub could possibly be for NOTHING?

[rustyp]

I'm willing to bet the AAC could make a profit and add to northern coffers. Possibly more amenities or less amenity fees.

[Badger 2006]

I'm willing to bet the AAC could make a profit and add to northern coffers. Possibly more amenities or less amenity fees.

Would like to see Katie Bells back, but I am not a fan of the ACC getting in the restaurant/entertainment business, especially with the potential unknown answers to the entirety of Spanish Springs, and the extreme difficulty in this economic climate of a successful operation. Good intentions, but wrong suggested operator (ACC), not withstanding bad timing.

[villagetinker]

If the ACC were to go through with this, IMHO they would need to partner up with a restauranter with a known successful track record. cover charge, coupled to a discount on drink/food purchases sounds like a good idea. I liked the original design, but that is probably not possible now. Some redecorating needs to be done as well as an updated menu, and a new state of the art sound system, where the sound level in close to the same over the entire area.

[Stu from NYC]

If the ACC were to go through with this, IMHO they would need to partner up with a restauranter with a known successful track record. cover charge, coupled to a discount on drink/food purchases sounds like a good idea. I liked the original design, but that is probably not possible now. Some redecorating needs to be done as well as an updated menu, and a new state of the art sound system, where the sound level in close to the same over the entire area.

By the time we got here they were long gone but would be nice for them to come back into business as we have heard good things about them.

[dewilson58]

:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Jimbo sounds like a couple Sumter County Commissioners who promised to reverse the 25% increase in property taxes.

Ideas with no logic.

:ohdear::ohdear::ohdear:

[Marathon Man]

Here is a better idea. Those that believe that Katie Belle's return would result in a profit-making business could invest their own money into the business. They would then reap the profits for themselves they believe is there for the taking.

[charlie1]

I agree. Here was the problem. We went to Katie Belles a couple of times. We found the food OK but not exception. Same could be said about the entertainment. However, the biggest problem that I saw was that they were not busy. People complain about losing restaurants, retail, etc. but they never think that they need to make sure the proprietor makes money. People, stop your complaining and support the businesses if you want them to continue to stay open. THAT IS THE SECRET you obviously are missing!

[dewilson58]

I agree. Here was the problem. We went to Katie Belles a couple of times. We found the food OK but not exception. Same could be said about the entertainment. However, the biggest problem that I saw was that they were not busy. People complain about losing restaurants, retail, etc. but they never think that they need to make sure the proprietor makes money. People, stop your complaining and support the businesses if you want them to continue to stay open. THAT IS THE SECRET you obviously are missing!

Now there you go........................using logic on ToTV.

[Stu from NYC]

I agree. Here was the problem. We went to Katie Belles a couple of times. We found the food OK but not exception. Same could be said about the entertainment. However, the biggest problem that I saw was that they were not busy. People complain about losing restaurants, retail, etc. but they never think that they need to make sure the proprietor makes money. People, stop your complaining and support the businesses if you want them to continue to stay open. THAT IS THE SECRET you obviously are missing!

Wonder why they were not busy as we have heard food was good and location excellent.

[JSR22]

Wonder why they were not busy as we have heard food was good and location excellent.

When they first opened upstairs the food was very good. The problem was it was a higher price point then the majority of Villagers wanted to pay. They lowered the price point and the quality went down. Additionally, it could seat well over 200 and they could not fill it.

[rustyp]

Amazes me all the expert advice from people who never stepped foot into the original Katie Belle's. Not that debacle of a design doomed to failure plan of a micro Katie Belle's in the upstairs. To you armchair experts let's walk around town and point out the buildings one by one and tell me what they represent in the original design of the town. Perhaps you don't know the town has a fictional historic story behind it's design. Katie Belle and her hotel held a leading role in that story. Example from that story what does the names on the fence on the side of the old box office represent ? Did you ever stop to read the bronze plaques attached to many of the buildings. They do have significance to the town's design.

[dewilson58]

Amazes me all the expert advice from people who never stepped foot into the original Katie Belle's.

For the record, I stepped BOTH foots into OKB.

:ho:

[Stu from NYC]

For the record, I stepped BOTH foots into OKB.

:ho:

At the same time?

[tophcfa]

As much as we enjoyed our visits to KB’s for dinner and dancing or a comedy show, it would be a major stretch to expect the AAC to run that kind of a business. The restaurant business requires a unique skill set, has the highest default rate of any business out there, and that was before labor shortages, hyper inflation, and pandemic induced changes in many peoples dinning patterns. The AAC needs to focus on using our amenity fees efficiently to provide us with the best possibly recreational and other amenities and be careful not to venture away from that focus.

[charlie1]

Amazes me all the expert advice from people who never stepped foot into the original Katie Belle's. Not that debacle of a design doomed to failure plan of a micro Katie Belle's in the upstairs. To you armchair experts let's walk around town and point out the buildings one by one and tell me what they represent in the original design of the town. Perhaps you don't know the town has a fictional historic story behind it's design. Katie Belle and her hotel held a leading role in that story. Example from that story what does the names on the fence on the side of the old box office represent ? Did you ever stop to read the bronze plaques attached to many of the buildings. They do have significance to the town's design.

The story does not matter if the business cannot make money! The Village residents are the only ones to blame for a closure! This applies to anywhere in the Villages. Not just Spanish Springs!

[kilowatt]

We have gone to Katie Belles for 15 years before they closed. Anytime we went it was packed or at least 90% of capacity. Maybe it depends on the entertainment that evening but we would usually go when Rocky and the Rollers or Johnny Wild and the Delights were performing. The food was respectable and would compete with many of the restaurants in The Villages.
They probably should have charged a cover charge if the reason they closed were financial. We would gladly pay that to help support a reopening of Katie Belles.

[billethkid]

The Katie Bell revival will go on the same coming soon page as Costco!

[Bogie Shooter]

The Katie Bell revival will go on the same coming soon page as Costco!

I always look forward to your posts, to bring people back down to earth.:ho:

[Stu from NYC]

The Katie Bell revival will go on the same coming soon page as Costco!

Thinking Costco will come first by a large margin

[rustyp]

A new story from the unmentionable news source today (author Meta Minton):

Villagers are embracing a proposal to have the Amenity Authority Committee revive Katie Belle’s and return dining and dancing to residents.

Community Development District 2 Supervisor Jim Cipollone has raised the idea of the AAC using its money and authority to revive Katie Belle’s as an amenity. His suggestion came on the eve of a Lady Lake Commission meeting in which The Villages was expected to attempt to ram through its plan for seven age-restricted apartments at the Van Patten House at Spanish Springs Town Square.

“I wholeheartedly support the idea of reviving Katie Belle’s. It was a great place to take guests or to have a date night with my wife. When we went there we totally enjoyed the experience. I think the idea of apartments is absurd,” said Don Atkinson, a resident of the Village of Santo Domingo.


Cipollone’s proposal has prompted many to remember the golden years of Katie Belle’s, which The Villages officially closed in 2020, blaming COVID-19.


“I support the idea of the AAC reviving Katie Belle’s. I feel that they should give Katie Belle’s back to The Villagers for what it was intended for not for renting out apartments for who knows who will living in them. The restaurant and the dance hall were an excellent place for entertainment and fine food,” said Villager Tom Hickman.

Villager Pat Kress said the secret to making Katie Belle’s successful again would be treating it like a true amenity and only admitting Villagers with Villages IDs.

“The Spanish Springs square is really going downhill as there is a lot of alcohol being abused by outsiders. Katie Belle’s was only intended for the Village people by showing their ID cards to get in. Completely different crowd attended,” Kress said.



Twenty-year resident of The Villages Lorraine Martin is all for the AAC reclaiming Katie Belle’s on behalf of residents.

“The AAC should devise a plan to keep Katie Belle’s as an amenity for the residents. The Villages is destroying the north end of The Villages. They are all about greed now that the older owners have passed away. It is a shame at what they are doing,” Martin said.

Cheryl Seyfert of the Santo Domingo Villas applauded Cipollone for coming up with a creative idea for bringing back Katie Belle’s.

“Finally, a reasonable solution to reviving Spanish Springs Town Square. The revival of Katie Belle’s, rather than apartments. It would give us the desired place to go, help guarantee music in the area, and return us to the golden days of why we bought homes in the area,” Seyfert said.

“We need to support this idea and bring it to fruition! Bravo to the wisdom of the people!” she said.

[dewilson58]

Can't wait to see the business plan to support the wacko idea.


:popcorn::popcorn::popcorn:

[Two Bills]

I thought the place was outdated, and past it's sell by date.
Younger oldies want a little more sophistication than the older oldies!
Just my oldie oldie opinion!

[Stu from NYC]

I cannot imagine a CD have the wherewithal to open and run a restaurant.

[Bogie Shooter]

A new story from the unmentionable news source today (author Meta Minton):

Villagers are embracing a proposal to have the Amenity Authority Committee revive Katie Belle’s and return dining and dancing to residents.

Community Development District 2 Supervisor Jim Cipollone has raised the idea of the AAC using its money and authority to revive Katie Belle’s as an amenity. His suggestion came on the eve of a Lady Lake Commission meeting in which The Villages was expected to attempt to ram through its plan for seven age-restricted apartments at the Van Patten House at Spanish Springs Town Square.

“I wholeheartedly support the idea of reviving Katie Belle’s. It was a great place to take guests or to have a date night with my wife. When we went there we totally enjoyed the experience. I think the idea of apartments is absurd,” said Don Atkinson, a resident of the Village of Santo Domingo.


Cipollone’s proposal has prompted many to remember the golden years of Katie Belle’s, which The Villages officially closed in 2020, blaming COVID-19.


“I support the idea of the AAC reviving Katie Belle’s. I feel that they should give Katie Belle’s back to The Villagers for what it was intended for not for renting out apartments for who knows who will living in them. The restaurant and the dance hall were an excellent place for entertainment and fine food,” said Villager Tom Hickman.

Villager Pat Kress said the secret to making Katie Belle’s successful again would be treating it like a true amenity and only admitting Villagers with Villages IDs.

“The Spanish Springs square is really going downhill as there is a lot of alcohol being abused by outsiders. Katie Belle’s was only intended for the Village people by showing their ID cards to get in. Completely different crowd attended,” Kress said.



Twenty-year resident of The Villages Lorraine Martin is all for the AAC reclaiming Katie Belle’s on behalf of residents.

“The AAC should devise a plan to keep Katie Belle’s as an amenity for the residents. The Villages is destroying the north end of The Villages. They are all about greed now that the older owners have passed away. It is a shame at what they are doing,” Martin said.

Cheryl Seyfert of the Santo Domingo Villas applauded Cipollone for coming up with a creative idea for bringing back Katie Belle’s.

“Finally, a reasonable solution to reviving Spanish Springs Town Square. The revival of Katie Belle’s, rather than apartments. It would give us the desired place to go, help guarantee music in the area, and return us to the golden days of why we bought homes in the area,” Seyfert said.

“We need to support this idea and bring it to fruition! Bravo to the wisdom of the people!” she said.


My hope, that none of these folks do the planning for this boondoggle idea….
Guaranteed music how does that work. Them golden days of why you bought here…..the you’s are fewer each year. It’s gone, it’s over.

On another note, does the ACC have any money left after the new rec center purchase?

[Babubhat]

Restaurants are a brutal business, especially now. People talk about going but don’t spend enough to support it. Failure tells all you need to know. Time to move on from this,

[asianthree]

First time we dined at KBs was 2007, lifestyle visit. Place was hopping food was excellent, as was the service.

2010 KBs food was ok, place was busy, but the last of lifestyle free meals, gone. TV was doing so well, lifestyle visit became free golf, movie, 4 visits to rec center. Visit to KBs no longer on itinerary.

The downhill spiral of so so food, and many nursing a drink for hours, became the norm. We just stopped take guest there, because the food was such an embarrassment.

Someone could however, make a go of it by making the restaurant, a culinary training facility, where chefs, table staff, bartenders, could be taught the trade. It’s not a money maker, but everything would be excellent. The HS has a culinary program, as does local colleges. Win win for those who want to revive KBs with their own stash

[midiwiz]

If the ACC were to go through with this, IMHO they would need to partner up with a restauranter with a known successful track record. cover charge, coupled to a discount on drink/food purchases sounds like a good idea. I liked the original design, but that is probably not possible now. Some redecorating needs to be done as well as an updated menu, and a new state of the art sound system, where the sound level in close to the same over the entire area.

well hopefully none of the ones already located here....

[vintageogauge]

The original KB's had very little competition and there was only one square at the time, calling it resident only was a joke, anyone could get it with just one resident saying they're with me. It also seemed like the same people were there every time we were there. Now we have 3 squares with lots of entertainment and tons of restaurants, the old days are gone, many of us have great memories of KB's but there is so much more here now and a lot more to come. The developers are not going to give up on Spanish Springs, they have a lot of income from a lot of businesses, it will be different but it will be there.

[Mleeja]

A new story from the unmentionable news source today (author Meta Minton):

Villagers are embracing a proposal to have the Amenity Authority Committee revive Katie Belle’s and return dining and dancing to residents.

Community Development District 2 Supervisor Jim Cipollone has raised the idea of the AAC using its money and authority to revive Katie Belle’s as an amenity. His suggestion came on the eve of a Lady Lake Commission meeting in which The Villages was expected to attempt to ram through its plan for seven age-restricted apartments at the Van Patten House at Spanish Springs Town Square.

“I wholeheartedly support the idea of reviving Katie Belle’s. It was a great place to take guests or to have a date night with my wife. When we went there we totally enjoyed the experience. I think the idea of apartments is absurd,” said Don Atkinson, a resident of the Village of Santo Domingo.


Cipollone’s proposal has prompted many to remember the golden years of Katie Belle’s, which The Villages officially closed in 2020, blaming COVID-19.


“I support the idea of the AAC reviving Katie Belle’s. I feel that they should give Katie Belle’s back to The Villagers for what it was intended for not for renting out apartments for who knows who will living in them. The restaurant and the dance hall were an excellent place for entertainment and fine food,” said Villager Tom Hickman.

Villager Pat Kress said the secret to making Katie Belle’s successful again would be treating it like a true amenity and only admitting Villagers with Villages IDs.

“The Spanish Springs square is really going downhill as there is a lot of alcohol being abused by outsiders. Katie Belle’s was only intended for the Village people by showing their ID cards to get in. Completely different crowd attended,” Kress said.



Twenty-year resident of The Villages Lorraine Martin is all for the AAC reclaiming Katie Belle’s on behalf of residents.

“The AAC should devise a plan to keep Katie Belle’s as an amenity for the residents. The Villages is destroying the north end of The Villages. They are all about greed now that the older owners have passed away. It is a shame at what they are doing,” Martin said.

Cheryl Seyfert of the Santo Domingo Villas applauded Cipollone for coming up with a creative idea for bringing back Katie Belle’s.

“Finally, a reasonable solution to reviving Spanish Springs Town Square. The revival of Katie Belle’s, rather than apartments. It would give us the desired place to go, help guarantee music in the area, and return us to the golden days of why we bought homes in the area,” Seyfert said.

“We need to support this idea and bring it to fruition! Bravo to the wisdom of the people!” she said.

No, but HELL NO! I will be at the AAC meeting on Wednesday, May 11th to voice my opposition if this idea gains traction.

[Babubhat]

This place was for the crowd that wants 50 cent beers and nickel hot dogs. The 5 dollar minimum crowd could not support it

[rustyp]

The latest update from the unmentionable news source:

A capacity crowd of Villagers showed up Monday night for the Lady Lake Commission meeting to fight for the future of Spanish Springs Town Square.

Every seat at Lady Lake Town Hall had been claimed 30 minutes prior to the start of the meeting. Seats that were set up outside were also filled. An audio visual system was set up outdoors to carry the feed to those not lucky enough to score a seat inside.

Every seat was taken at Lady Lake Town Hall 30 minutes to the start of Monday’s meeting.
Residents are opposed to a plan submitted by The Villages to convert the former home of Katie Belle’s into seven age-restricted apartments.

Residents said they fear that the apartments are a means for The Villages to slowly suck the vibrancy out of the original town square in Florida’s Friendliest Hometown.

On the eve of Monday’s meeting, Community Development District 2 Supervisor Jim Cipollone raised the idea of the Amenity Authority Committee resurrecting Katie Belle’s as an exclusive amenity for Villagers. Many Villagers have embraced that idea.

[rustyp]

Update #2

Despite the threat of another lawsuit, a split Lady Lake Commission on Monday rejected a request from The Villages for apartments at Spanish Springs Town Square.

An overflow crowd of residents showed up at Lady Lake Town Hall in an impassioned attempt to block The Villages from winning approval for seven age-restricted apartments at the former home of Katie Belle’s in the Van Patten House at the square.


Villages Vice President Martin Dzuro was a no show at Monday night’s Lady Lake Commission meeting.
Town officials had been under the impression that Villages Vice President Marty Dzuro would attend Monday night’s meeting to answer any questions about the proposal for the apartments.

However, Dzuro was a no show.

[Papa_lecki]

Every seat was taken at Lady Lake Town Hall 30 minutes to the start of Monday’s meeting.
Residents are opposed to a plan submitted by The Villages to convert the former home of Katie Belle’s into seven age-restricted apartments.

Residents said they fear that the apartments are a means for The Villages to slowly suck the vibrancy out of the original town square in Florida’s Friendliest Hometown.

You do know this is all part of a plan? They presented the one thing that all residents would oppose, then they will come back with something, that seems reasonable compared to apartments.
Don’t know what it is, but we all will soon

[HoosierPa]

Here is a better idea. Those that believe that Katie Belle's return would result in a profit-making business could invest their own money into the business. They would then reap the profits for themselves they believe is there for the taking.

Great idea. Those who want Katie Belles back should pony up their own money and open it. My guess is they will come to the same conclusion TV did. Let the Owner of the building do what they feel is in their best interest or lease the space yourself from them.

[collegeref]

Great idea from a man about town

[La lamy]

I never went into Katie Belle, but I bet people who yearn for that format are 70 years old and up. IMO younger seniors, like me, have no experience of dine and dance halls. I like the idea of social dancing and love to watch couples do it in the squares, but personally I have zero desire to do it. Free style dancing outdoors is my jam.

[crash]

I'm willing to bet the AAC could make a profit and add to northern coffers. Possibly more amenities or less amenity fees.

Why would you think that? If Katie Bells made money it would still be open. It would just become a cost on us and everyone would scream when their amenity fee went up.

[thevillages2013]

For the record, I stepped BOTH foots into OKB.

:ho:

Hope there isn’t a picture of you hanging out with some of those notorious “Shady Ladies”:popcorn:

[Papa_lecki]

I never went into Katie Belle, but I bet people who yearn for that format are 70 years old and up. IMO younger seniors, like me, have no experience of dine and dance halls. I like the idea of social dancing and love to watch couples do it in the squares, but personally I have zero desire to do it. Free style dancing outdoors is my jam.

Makes me think Lawrence Welk will be performing on Thursday.

[thevillages2013]

Let’s be civilized here! It’s way too hot for the hookers outside in the summer time! Build it back and they will come

[sentry]

It will never be back the way it was. It would cost too much money to remove the second floor. Also it was a loosing business that is why it closed.

[mkjelenbaas]

I agree. Here was the problem. We went to Katie Belles a couple of times. We found the food OK but not exception. Same could be said about the entertainment. However, the biggest problem that I saw was that they were not busy. People complain about losing restaurants, retail, etc. but they never think that they need to make sure the proprietor makes money. People, stop your complaining and support the businesses if you want them to continue to stay open. THAT IS THE SECRET you obviously are missing!
Thanks for telling me how to behave!!

[oldtimes]

Why don’t they create 7 little craft shops like they have in Mt Dora

[toeser]

By the time we got here they were long gone but would be nice for them to come back into business as we have heard good things about them.

I often heard people liked the cachet of having a private club. That always amused me. A private club for 100,000 people.

[dewilson58]

Why don’t they create 7 little craft shops like they have in Mt Dora

Because it won't survive financially.
The crap shops come to the square's markets already.

[Kgcetm]

Perhaps a McKatie Belle for our neighbors.

[Spalumbos62]

How about a speak easy...have Katie b's as a saloon "front", and keep it designed to that era...bar, wait staff and bar food..

Then in the back a casino of sort...a few tables, wheels, a few rooms of poker..

Could be fun. Actually the front could be whatever bakery, a jazz club. If they did it right the planning board shouldn't even advertise the back, just let people discover it.

[Queenie504]

I went to Katie Belles in Oct 2018 and it was not very good. The food was bland and cold and the entertainment was a really lousy comic. Not surprised they closed. The business is ancient history and its not coming back. Time marches on and everything changes.

[Monika Greiner]

We went to Katie Bells a lot, often we did not get a reservation so we just waited for a table. Our food was always great and the service was always superb. We especially enjoyed the singing waiters.

[dewilson58]

Time marches on and everything changes.

Except a few seniors.
:duck:

[Spalumbos62]

So what you're saying is...

https://i.etsystatic.com/10244013/r/il/dffe09/2345919179/il_fullxfull.2345919179_7q9q.jpg

NO....I would never post such rudeness.

[airstreamingypsy]

It seems, back in the day, many miserly Villagers would go to KBs and order one dinner, a second plate to share. Then they would hog the table all evening so they could stay and dance.

[NotGolfer]

It seems, back in the day, many miserly Villagers would go to KBs and order one dinner, a second plate to share. Then they would hog the table all evening so they could stay and dance.
Pretty much that would happen. We have friends that do that to "save money" they say. We first went to Katie Belle's with our Life-style visit. As another OP said---back then (2008) it was hopping. Food was very good but it was crowded and loud. We don't dance so no attraction there. Then we moved here the next year. Around 2012-2013 we went a handful of times---lunch as well as dinner. I think the last couple of lunch visits---the food came out in plastic containers and wasn't good. I don't think SS is going to fail. The developer has a business plan and will let us know when they're ready. So many folks go on rumor or think they're experts on most everything (much of it critical) yet we all moved here. Back in the day someone on this site was complaining when I asked---"then why did you move here?" Their answer was, "I like the lifestyle!" SMH

[Bogie Shooter]

Except a few seniors.
:duck:

And the Town board……….

[Skip]

Can't wait to see the business plan to support this wacko idea.
:popcorn::popcorn::popcorn:

Isn't Cipollone the same guy that proposed building a Gambling Casino where Hacienda Hills Country Club once stood and the same person that drove two Social Clubs in The Villages into the ground? I wonder what price the developer would put on that Van Patton House when the AAC has to buy it for this nutty plan to work.

His crazy reputation precedes him.

Skip

[BostonRich]

It doesn't have to come back as a single restaurant. It could come back as a resident only "social center" with things like pool tables, dart boards, vintage pin ball machines and other supervised games.

Keep the bar of course and make the food area a food court with a few different smaller food kitchens rented out to people with food service knowledge like the food truck entrepreneurs offering different menu items.

Plenty of room for adding entertainment and special events and making it a real resident destination. Never got to experience the two story version but that would be awesome to see.

It would become a place to go again and liven up the square especially during the day before the entertainment begins. It would keep more people in the square all day and that would be good for all businesses.

[JMintzer]

NO....I would never post such rudeness.

You must have a dirty mind... All the sign says is that the bar is up front and they play poker in the back...

Some people... Disgusting!

[Joe C.]

If they re-opened Katie Belle's, it would only be a matter of time before someone complains about the food, service, or entertainment. It would be just like any other venue that get slighted.

[kkingston57]

Can't wait to see the business plan to support the wacko idea.


:popcorn::popcorn::popcorn:

1st they need to FIND the person/business who might want to take this on. Also, this business would need to compete with the free (included in the amenity price) concerts in the square.

[kkingston57]

Why don’t they create 7 little craft shops like they have in Mt Dora

On the 2nd floor?

[Stu from NYC]

If they re-opened Katie Belle's, it would only be a matter of time before someone complains about the food, service, or entertainment. It would be just like any other venue that get slighted.

Need to find a good use for the second floor. What about a house of ill ____>

[Two Bills]

Need to find a good use for the second floor. What about a house of ill ____>

Not another one.
Margarita Republic already got Spanish Springs covered!:icon_wink:

[PugMom]

A new story from the unmentionable news source today (author Meta Minton):

Villagers are embracing a proposal to have the Amenity Authority Committee revive Katie Belle’s and return dining and dancing to residents.

Community Development District 2 Supervisor Jim Cipollone has raised the idea of the AAC using its money and authority to revive Katie Belle’s as an amenity. His suggestion came on the eve of a Lady Lake Commission meeting in which The Villages was expected to attempt to ram through its plan for seven age-restricted apartments at the Van Patten House at Spanish Springs Town Square.

“I wholeheartedly support the idea of reviving Katie Belle’s. It was a great place to take guests or to have a date night with my wife. When we went there we totally enjoyed the experience. I think the idea of apartments is absurd,” said Don Atkinson, a resident of the Village of Santo Domingo.


Cipollone’s proposal has prompted many to remember the golden years of Katie Belle’s, which The Villages officially closed in 2020, blaming COVID-19.


“I support the idea of the AAC reviving Katie Belle’s. I feel that they should give Katie Belle’s back to The Villagers for what it was intended for not for renting out apartments for who knows who will living in them. The restaurant and the dance hall were an excellent place for entertainment and fine food,” said Villager Tom Hickman.

Villager Pat Kress said the secret to making Katie Belle’s successful again would be treating it like a true amenity and only admitting Villagers with Villages IDs.

“The Spanish Springs square is really going downhill as there is a lot of alcohol being abused by outsiders. Katie Belle’s was only intended for the Village people by showing their ID cards to get in. Completely different crowd attended,” Kress said.



Twenty-year resident of The Villages Lorraine Martin is all for the AAC reclaiming Katie Belle’s on behalf of residents.

“The AAC should devise a plan to keep Katie Belle’s as an amenity for the residents. The Villages is destroying the north end of The Villages. They are all about greed now that the older owners have passed away. It is a shame at what they are doing,” Martin said.

Cheryl Seyfert of the Santo Domingo Villas applauded Cipollone for coming up with a creative idea for bringing back Katie Belle’s.

“Finally, a reasonable solution to reviving Spanish Springs Town Square. The revival of Katie Belle’s, rather than apartments. It would give us the desired place to go, help guarantee music in the area, and return us to the golden days of why we bought homes in the area,” Seyfert said.

“We need to support this idea and bring it to fruition! Bravo to the wisdom of the people!” she said.

could it be me, or was the idea more of wishful thinking?

[PugMom]

Hope there isn’t a picture of you hanging out with some of those notorious “Shady Ladies”:popcorn:

no, just the 'Fun Girls,' :1rotfl::1rotfl:

[coralway]

Villages couldn't financially keep it open before, what makes them think it would be any different now?

[rustyp]

Hot off the unmentionable press:

An official has raised the idea of the Amenity Authority Committee reviving Katie Belle’s as an amenity for Villagers.

Community Development District 2 Supervisor Jim Cipollone raised the idea on the eve of a meeting in which The Villages will go before the Lady Lake Commission with its latest pitch for seven age-restricted apartments at the former dining and dance hall which was once the toast of The Villages.

The Villages could have a single tenant – the AAC.


Perhaps Mr Cipollone's strategy was to rally the troops on the eve of the vote. Without his announcement would there have been an overflowing audience in attendance. Did the presence of a large audience pressure the commissioners away from a rubber stamp ? Plenty of time now to talk about Katie Belle's resurrection in the future. If the developer got the rubber stamp last night game would have been over. FYI why would the developer ever consider renting the property to the AAC ?

Me thinks Mr Cipollone just outsmarted Goliath and won the first battle. Unfortunately I foresee the war continuing.

[bagboy]

FYI why would the developer ever consider renting the property to the AAC ? I would bet against it.

[Stu from NYC]

FYI why would the developer ever consider renting the property to the AAC ? I would bet against it.

For the right price why not?

[Lychee]

Wonder why they were not busy as we have heard food was good and location excellent.

They were not busy because the food incl Salad Bar was not good. And no
Atmosphere, just like a simple Tablecloth.
We now Katie Bell from 2003 on and at that time it was a real treat and
special to out there. Either Upstairs for Dinner or Downstairs for a Drink and
Finger food and dance or just listening to the first class entertainment.

[Susan1951]

If the ACC were to go through with this, IMHO they would need to partner up with a restauranter with a known successful track record. cover charge, coupled to a discount on drink/food purchases sounds like a good idea. I liked the original design, but that is probably not possible now. Some redecorating needs to be done as well as an updated menu, and a new state of the art sound system, where the sound level in close to the same over the entire area.

we purchased back in 1998, Katie Belles was just about to be finished, it was one of the reasons why we bought into the Villages there was nothing like this for miles around. It was always full to capacity both upstairs and downstairs , how they can say it didnt make money is beyond me.

[Spalumbos62]

It doesn't have to come back as a single restaurant. It could come back as a resident only "social center" with things like pool tables, dart boards, vintage pin ball machines and other supervised games.

Keep the bar of course and make the food area a food court with a few different smaller food kitchens rented out to people with food service knowledge like the food truck entrepreneurs offering different menu items.

Plenty of room for adding entertainment and special events and making it a real resident destination. Never got to experience the two story version but that would be awesome to see.

It would become a place to go again and liven up the square especially during the day before the entertainment begins. It would keep more people in the square all day and that would be good for all businesses.

I like your idea...food court/truck, bar, games etc...
I think it would be a nice draw...not everyone can sit outside at a square perimeter restaurant daily...yet may watch to get started with having fun...kudos to this...

[Spalumbos62]

You must have a dirty mind... All the sign says is that the bar is up front and they play poker in the back...

Some people... Disgusting!

Nice try buddy...

[JMintzer]

Nice try buddy...

https://i.gifer.com/OLB.gif

[dhdallas]

Subsidize a business that loses money? Sure, why not? The government does it all the time; think Amtrak, GM, Ford, etc. We tax and amenity paying Villagers have unlimited cash so by all means, pile on the amenity fees!

Seriously though, since Katie Belle's was apparently not only mismanaged but also poorly patronized by TV residents since it was operating in the red, why should all of TV have to pay increased amenity fees just so a hundred or so Villagers can go there and relive past glories? Find a chain restaurant to fill the space, BUT...

Good luck stopping those apartments though despite the recent ruling. TV management would make an enormous profit from apartments versus such a comparatively minuscule amount from a restaurant lease. The apartment issue is far from over, just wait and see!

[Marykess1802]

:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Jimbo sounds like a couple Sumter County Commissioners who promised to reverse the 25% increase in property taxes.

Ideas with no logic.

:ohdear::ohdear::ohdear:

Weren’t two of them arrested on felony charges??

[Mleeja]

FYI why would the developer ever consider renting the property to the AAC ? I would bet against it.
Why would the AAC even consider trying to rent this space? Bad, bad, idea.

[tophcfa]

Hmmmm, the Daily Sun reported that the Lady Lake town commission rejected plans to revitalize Spanish Springs Town Square? So they are claiming that seven apartments on the second floor of the Van Patten building will revitalize the square? I’m all for revitalization of the square, but it seems like a realllllly big reach that 7 apartments on the second floor of a building will do the trick.

[Mleeja]

Hmmmm, the Daily Sun reported that the Lady Lake town commission rejected plans to revitalize Spanish Springs Town Square? So they are claiming that seven apartments on the second floor of the Van Patten building will revitalize the square? I’m all for revitalization of the square, but it seems like a realllllly big reach that 7 apartments on the second floor of a building will do the trick.
Well, the seven apartments was just the beginning.

[tophcfa]

Well, the seven apartments was just the beginning.

But the seven apartments are what the commissioners rejected, nothing else. Perhaps if the developer sent a representative to the meeting to answer questions and explain how they are planning to revitalize the town square, and how the apartments fit into that plan, the outcome would have been different. The commissioners might have wanted to know, “the beginning of what”? Transparency can go a long way. It’s going to be interesting to see how this plays out, but at the end of the day everyone knows who is going to get their way.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

You do know this is all part of a plan? They presented the one thing that all residents would oppose, then they will come back with something, that seems reasonable compared to apartments.
Don’t know what it is, but we all will soon

I'd love to see something happen with the space over the stores in that building. I just don't think apartments are the right option. Offices would be great - in fact, there are a lot of people who work from home or in cottage/handcrafts industry, who might enjoy a cooperative office environment. It's popular in cities, and I don't know if it would be an attractive option here but I don't think anyone's presented the idea to anyone or looked into it.

I'm not at all opposed to the developer making use of that space. They shouldn't be sitting vacant - the developer does pay property taxes and insurance on that property whether it's filled or vacant. I just don't think it's suitable for residences.

[bagboy]

Why would the AAC even consider trying to rent this space? Bad, bad, idea.

I guess copying another poster question was a bad idea on my part. In my humble opinion, there is NO chance the developer will rent anything to the AAC, not even "for the right price" as someone stated a few posts back. I'll stop at that.

[dewilson58]

I'm not at all opposed to the developer making use of that space. They shouldn't be sitting vacant - the developer does pay property taxes and insurance on that property whether it's filled or vacant.

They could tear it down, save on property taxes and reduce insurance significantly.
They would recoup they demo costs in five years.

Maybe that would make the anti-condo peeps happy.

:ho:

[rustyp]

They could tear it down, save on property taxes and reduce insurance significantly.
They would recoup they demo costs in five years.

Maybe that would make the anti-condo peeps happy.

:ho:

More green space - that's a good thing. :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[tophcfa]

They could tear it down, save on property taxes and reduce insurance significantly.

:ho:

Then they could rename it Hacienda Belle’s.

[BostonRich]

From the Villages News:

Pressure is mounting for the resurrection of Katie Belle’s on the heels of the Lady Lake Commission’s rejection of a plan for seven apartments at the former home of the legendary dance hall.

An angry mob of Villagers forced a 3-2 vote Monday night on The Villages’ plan for the apartments at the Van Patten House at Spanish Springs Town Square

[Bogie Shooter]

From the Villages News:

Pressure is mounting for the resurrection of Katie Belle’s on the heels of the Lady Lake Commission’s rejection of a plan for seven apartments at the former home of the legendary dance hall.

An angry mob of Villagers forced a 3-2 vote Monday night on The Villages’ plan for the apartments at the Van Patten House at Spanish Springs Town Square

Pressure is mounting
Angry mob
Forced a vote

All great click words…….seems a bit exaggerated!

[dewilson58]

All great click words…….seems a bit exaggerated!

:bigbow:

Consider the source.

[JoMar]

A new story from the unmentionable news source today (author Meta Minton):

Villagers are embracing a proposal to have the Amenity Authority Committee revive Katie Belle’s and return dining and dancing to residents.

Community Development District 2 Supervisor Jim Cipollone has raised the idea of the AAC using its money and authority to revive Katie Belle’s as an amenity. His suggestion came on the eve of a Lady Lake Commission meeting in which The Villages was expected to attempt to ram through its plan for seven age-restricted apartments at the Van Patten House at Spanish Springs Town Square.

“I wholeheartedly support the idea of reviving Katie Belle’s. It was a great place to take guests or to have a date night with my wife. When we went there we totally enjoyed the experience. I think the idea of apartments is absurd,” said Don Atkinson, a resident of the Village of Santo Domingo.


Cipollone’s proposal has prompted many to remember the golden years of Katie Belle’s, which The Villages officially closed in 2020, blaming COVID-19.


“I support the idea of the AAC reviving Katie Belle’s. I feel that they should give Katie Belle’s back to The Villagers for what it was intended for not for renting out apartments for who knows who will living in them. The restaurant and the dance hall were an excellent place for entertainment and fine food,” said Villager Tom Hickman.

Villager Pat Kress said the secret to making Katie Belle’s successful again would be treating it like a true amenity and only admitting Villagers with Villages IDs.

“The Spanish Springs square is really going downhill as there is a lot of alcohol being abused by outsiders. Katie Belle’s was only intended for the Village people by showing their ID cards to get in. Completely different crowd attended,” Kress said.



Twenty-year resident of The Villages Lorraine Martin is all for the AAC reclaiming Katie Belle’s on behalf of residents.

“The AAC should devise a plan to keep Katie Belle’s as an amenity for the residents. The Villages is destroying the north end of The Villages. They are all about greed now that the older owners have passed away. It is a shame at what they are doing,” Martin said.

Cheryl Seyfert of the Santo Domingo Villas applauded Cipollone for coming up with a creative idea for bringing back Katie Belle’s.

“Finally, a reasonable solution to reviving Spanish Springs Town Square. The revival of Katie Belle’s, rather than apartments. It would give us the desired place to go, help guarantee music in the area, and return us to the golden days of why we bought homes in the area,” Seyfert said.

“We need to support this idea and bring it to fruition! Bravo to the wisdom of the people!” she said.

Until they are asked to pay for it.....living in past is what kills most ideas that want things to be the way they were. Went to KB's a couple times before the change and very few times after....pretty obvious they weren't going to succeed.

[Babubhat]

They will be overrun with workers looking forward to their 50 Cent tips and being blamed for high prices

[Two Bills]

$10 cover fee.
$20 minimum spend.
No lemon and water.
Sign up here for new KB's!:icon_wink:

[Stu from NYC]

Hmmmm, the Daily Sun reported that the Lady Lake town commission rejected plans to revitalize Spanish Springs Town Square? So they are claiming that seven apartments on the second floor of the Van Patten building will revitalize the square? I’m all for revitalization of the square, but it seems like a realllllly big reach that 7 apartments on the second floor of a building will do the trick.

The Sun reported what they were told to say. Obviously this is just the beginning but ultimately the developer will get what he wants as they do have the power.

[dewilson58]

$10 cover fee.
$20 minimum spend.
No lemon and water.
Sign up here for new KB's!:icon_wink:

Crickets.

[Babubhat]

$10 cover fee.
$20 minimum spend.
No lemon and water.
Sign up here for new KB's!:icon_wink:

They would be out of business in a few weeks

[Bogie Shooter]

$10 cover fee.
$20 minimum spend.
No lemon and water.
Sign up here for new KB's!:icon_wink:

They would be out of business in a few weeks

But, but I read this above to save the day..............

"It could come back as a resident only "social center" with things like pool tables, dart boards, vintage pin ball machines and other supervised games."

:1rotfl:

[Keefelane66]

They would be out of business in a few weeks
OOB in a few weeks once word gets out maybe 48 hrs

[BostonRich]

But, but I read this above to save the day..............

"It could come back as a resident only "social center" with things like pool tables, dart boards, vintage pin ball machines and other supervised games."

:1rotfl:

So the other rec centers must make money I guess.

[Stu from NYC]

They would be out of business in a few weeks

With good food, good entertainment and good management could possibly succeed.

[JMintzer]

So the other rec centers must make money I guess.

Your amenity fees pay for the rec centers. They are not dependent of people spending money to survive...

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

They could tear it down, save on property taxes and reduce insurance significantly.
They would recoup they demo costs in five years.

Maybe that would make the anti-condo peeps happy.

:ho:

This is about the upper floors of a building that already has tenants on the lower floors. The stores are there with leases.

[dhdallas]

If KB's was really beloved by so many Villagers then it would have been packed daily & profitable (like Piesanos). KB's is dead & gone as are many undeniably famous restaurants past their heyday; Brown Derby, Elaine's, The Stage Deli, Chasen's, etc. When you can no longer accept change, you are too old & past your own expiration date!

Think "Entropy": Entropy applies to every system in business, including business-processes, system-configurations, work-rosters, business-models, facilities, resources. Everything decays and/or goes out of date. Entropy applies just as much to people in business: memory fades, capability fades, people leave, people die. And there’s nothing we can do about that fact: it’s inevitable, and irreversible.

[dewilson58]

This is about the upper floors of a building that already has tenants on the lower floors. The stores are there with leases.

The micro issue is about the second floor, the big picture issue is over-all profitability of the structure. Leases are not required to be renewed.

[JoMar]

With good food, good entertainment and good management could possibly succeed.

Only if customers spend money, which isn't the KB history.

[Stu from NYC]

Only if customers spend money, which isn't the KB history.

That is why some restaurants enforce a policy of minimum billings. Either buy some thing or dont let the door hit you in the _____ on the way out

[coffeebean]

1st they need to FIND the person/business who might want to take this on. Also, this business would need to compete with the free (included in the amenity price) concerts in the square.
In the hot months, Katie Belle's was perfect to hear the popular bands in the comfort of conditioned air (AKA air conditioning). I know, I know......first world problems, right? I much preferred Katie Belle's to the town squares with the heat and humidity that can be oppressive outside.

[Babubhat]

This has become the dead parrot sketch,

is no more", "has ceased to be", "bereft of life, it rests in peace