Sawgrass Grove Market - Nothing but the FACTS

[TrapX]

Does anyone know where the funding came from to build Sawgrass? And who owns it now? Where does the rent go? Who maintains it?
If "we" paid for it, could the rent be drastically lowered so that we get the benefits of it?
Lower costs will drive selling prices down. That attracts more business and happier residents.
Wouldn't it be so much better if there were dozens of posts all over the internet raving about how great it is.

[Bill14564]

Until you get charged to use your card. Or, even better, your card gets lifted by a thief or scammer. Good old cash comes in handy, IMHO.

A few places are charging to use the card but not many and not much of a charge. My number has been compromised once (over 10 years ago) and after I canceled the card I had to use my backup card for a week - annoying, but not too much trouble.

Good old cash is handy until you don't have enough in your pocket, it falls out of your pocket, someone takes it out of your pocket, or you have to pay exorbitant ATM fees to put more into your pocket. A simple piece of plastic (two with a backup) eliminates all of that.

[JMintzer]

Does anyone know where the funding came from to build Sawgrass? And who owns it now? Where does the rent go? Who maintains it?
If "we" paid for it, could the rent be drastically lowered so that we get the benefits of it?
Lower costs will drive selling prices down. That attracts more business and happier residents.
Wouldn't it be so much better if there were dozens of posts all over the internet raving about how great it is.

I would think the developer financed (either directly or vis bank loans) and owns it... Just like they do with the other shopping areas and town squares on TV property...

[laboutj]

I was also down there this past Sunday and unfortunately it's a case of one and done for us. We thought everything inside was overpriced. Lunch at McGrady's was good and they had a decent selection of beers on tap, but lunch was also pricey: $20 for bangers and mash and $19 for fish and chips. There is no comparison between the fish and chips from Havana and the fish and chips from McGrady's for the same price.

However the happy hour half price drafts are a good deal.

[Stu from NYC]

Wow so many negative comments and have to believe them. Luckily lots of other places we like

[Aloha1]

I haven't seen Bass ale on tap anywhere around here. Having said that, Harp is pretty close. O'Keefe's in Tavares has that on tap, as well as Guinness, Smithwicks, and Magner cider. Good food as well. I'll take a Smithwicks any day over Bass. More flavor - maltier, breadier, and smoooooth. No bite on the back end like Bass. Everyone's tastes are different, that's why there are so many beers out there!

Theakston's Old Peculiar !

[kkingston57]

Grande Oaks Golf Club in Davie.Fl

At time of filming it was Rolling Hills.

[Retiring]

Our first visit was Sunday 9/11 - arrived 12:05 p.m. About 50 people milling around - 20 surrounding the bar area - 4 tables were occupied.

Chose Frenchy's for a wood-fired pizza - 4 employees working the pizza production.

"I'd like a medium pepperoni and sausage pizza".

"We only make one size and it's 12 inches. You can't order a pepperoni and sausage pizza. You can only order a pizza as described on our menu - but we can add and subtract toppings."

Their menu details 5 or 6 pizza combinations (each selectable pizza has several toppings on it). One of their selections includes sausage plus other toppings and another of their selections features pepperoni plus other toppings.

We chose their "sausage" pizza - deleted the onions - deleted the roasted green peppers...and added pepperoni.

The sausage combo pizza is priced at $15.00. No monetary deduction for eliminating the onions or peppers. There was an upcharge of $3.00 for the pepperoni. Total including a tax of $1.36 was $19.36.

I handed over $20 in cash. The receipt showed Total Due 19.36 / pymt cash 20.00 / Change Due .64. The cash register knows change is due - but Frenchy's policy is - they don't give coin change. They have a sign that says no coin provided but it is not located near the register.

Our pizza order was placed at 12:13pm (per the receipt). Our boxed pizza was presented to us at 12:48pm. Paper plates were not offered - but were provided upon request. The paper plates were....more paper then anything else. Very flimsy and couldn't support the weight of a small slice of pizza with just two toppings on it.

Frenchy's uses a wood-fired oven. The bottom of the crust was not crispy and was absent any degree of visible leoparding.

Darlin's Sweet Shoppe will not accept cash - only cards.

At least one other establishment (possibly 2) have signs posted indicating they will not provide any coin type change.

The majority of seating in the market area consists of flat steel or solid wood seat bottoms.

Them the facts and nothing but the facts...

I am sorry you are receiving such snarky comments here on TOTV. Not everyone thinks your post is comedy. Sawgrass will go through some growing pains. I truly don’t think what you see today will be there in couple years, or even one year. The proprietors will learn the hard way as to what sells and what doesn’t. After seeing, and tasting, what is there now – I would have preferred a 7-11, at least I would be able to get a quart of milk.

[MsPCGenius]

I apologize if this topic was already covered in this post but....

In looking at the layout of the entertainment venue at Sawgrass, I am wondering -- since there is no permanent (tiered or otherwise) seating -- how is that configuration going to comfortable accommodate dancers and seated audience? I was watching a drone video and I just can't see where all the chairs are going to be placed..... Thoughts?

[Kenswing]

I apologize if this topic was already covered in this post but....

In looking at the layout of the entertainment venue at Sawgrass, I am wondering -- since there is no permanent (tiered or otherwise) seating -- how is that configuration going to comfortable accommodate dancers and seated audience? I was watching a drone video and I just can't see where all the chairs are going to be placed..... Thoughts?

I’m guessing it’ll be like the other squares. Dancers near the stage. Chairs toward the rear and on the periphery.

[Bilyclub]

Plus aisles for egress in and out.

[patfla06]

[QUOTE=ThirdOfFive;2137372]Salt Lake City and Denver appear to have reasonable (compared to most airports, anyway) pricing on food items. Most others don't. LaGuardia for some reason sticks in my mind as really high-buck. We had an eight-hour layover there once and spent quite a bit for two meals. Service was rude as well.

Last month at Minneapolis - St. Paul airport I had a three-hour early morning wait for my flight. Looking for breakfast I spied a major chain place with long lines and very high prices. Just across the concourse though was this little joint staffed by Somalis (maybe run by them too as there has been a push to assist minorities to develop small businesses up there) that I had never seen there before but which had self-serve breakfast sandwiches and really good coffee for significantly less than what the other place was selling for. Prompt, friendly service as well.

[MrChip72]

The pizza place has a small selection of pizzas starting at $15 each, plus you then have to wait 10+ minutes to get your pizza. Also, what if you want pizza but you're alone, or the other people in your party want to get their food from another vendor? This doesn't really fit well with their food court concept. They should primarily sell slices for $5-6 plus people would only have to wait 2 mins instead of 10+ minutes.

[asianthree]

The pizza place has a small selection of pizzas starting at $15 each, plus you then have to wait 10+ minutes to get your pizza. Also, what if you want pizza but you're alone, or the other people in your party want to get their food from another vendor? This doesn't really fit well with their food court concept. They should primarily sell slices for $5-6 plus people would only have to wait 2 mins instead of 10+ minutes.

By the slice could sit for hours under a light. Concept is food made when you order.. Can't make one slice at a time.

Last video Jennifer stated entertainment will open in a few weeks. Hopefully sawgrass will come into its full potential within a month

[MrChip72]

By the slice could sit for hours under a light. Concept is food made when you order.. Can't make one slice at a time.


The buy the slice model works everywhere else in the US. Most pizza places just throw out the unconsumed slices after a predetermined time.

I've been to fairly high end pizza places in bigger cities and many, if not most still offer slices.

No one wants to carry around a half of an unconsumed pizza while they hang around Sawgrass for other things.

[vintageogauge]

A by the slice window at any of the squares would do very well and I have always wondered why there are none, maybe TV won't allow it.

[Rainger99]

Last video Jennifer stated entertainment will open in a few weeks.

They have been saying it will be “opening soon” for the past year so a “few weeks” seems to be an improvement-depending on the definition of few.

It would be nice if they would explain the reason for the delay.

[Challenger]

Noise level is extreme with Bar being main offender (TV). Could not carry on normal conversation among 6 people at table. Food outlets will probably refine and improve over time, but I suspect that noise level will progress to an even higher level.

[thelegges]

The buy the slice model works everywhere else in the US. Most pizza places just throw out the unconsumed slices after a predetermined time.

I've been to fairly high end pizza places in bigger cities and many, if not most still offer slices.

No one wants to carry around a half of an unconsumed pizza while they hang around Sawgrass for other things.

If I am eating pizza, it needs to be fresh out of the oven, crispy crust.. I won’t waste the calories on a pizza that’s been sitting under a light for 10 minutes…much less take home leftovers……but it’s an individual taste, some eat it cold out of the fridge.

[B-flat]

Years ago, I worked for a very large company. Becoming concerned with excessive expenditures, they made an issue over pencils, among other things. A pencil is "small stuff", but if every employee took their pencil home every day and didn't return it, thousands of dollars worth of pencils pilfered daily would cause "small stuff" to become a very big deal.
The point is not the 64 cents, it is that they use this phony "we don't make change" policy to steal money from their customers. A little here, a little there, adds up to a whole lot of stolen (and very likely) unreported income by the end of the year.
If they won't give you your change or round the balance down, then you're being scammed. And so is everyone else they have done this to.

When I was in my 20s I worked in sales for a liquor wholesaler. One of my customers who ran a store told me many of his customers would tell him keep the change. Many times it was 25 cents, maybe 10 cents ( that's when a six pack cost $1.90). He would thrown the coins in a box, when he hit a dollar in change he would convert it to a bill and so it went. At the end of the year when he tallied things up he had $500 or more.

[RiderOnTheStorm]

Our first visit was Sunday 9/11 - arrived 12:05 p.m. About 50 people milling around - 20 surrounding the bar area - 4 tables were occupied.

Chose Frenchy's for a wood-fired pizza - 4 employees working the pizza production.

"I'd like a medium pepperoni and sausage pizza".

"We only make one size and it's 12 inches. You can't order a pepperoni and sausage pizza. You can only order a pizza as described on our menu - but we can add and subtract toppings."

Their menu details 5 or 6 pizza combinations (each selectable pizza has several toppings on it). One of their selections includes sausage plus other toppings and another of their selections features pepperoni plus other toppings.

We chose their "sausage" pizza - deleted the onions - deleted the roasted green peppers...and added pepperoni.

The sausage combo pizza is priced at $15.00. No monetary deduction for eliminating the onions or peppers. There was an upcharge of $3.00 for the pepperoni. Total including a tax of $1.36 was $19.36.

I handed over $20 in cash. The receipt showed Total Due 19.36 / pymt cash 20.00 / Change Due .64. The cash register knows change is due - but Frenchy's policy is - they don't give coin change. They have a sign that says no coin provided but it is not located near the register.

Our pizza order was placed at 12:13pm (per the receipt). Our boxed pizza was presented to us at 12:48pm. Paper plates were not offered - but were provided upon request. The paper plates were....more paper then anything else. Very flimsy and couldn't support the weight of a small slice of pizza with just two toppings on it.

Frenchy's uses a wood-fired oven. The bottom of the crust was not crispy and was absent any degree of visible leoparding.

Darlin's Sweet Shoppe will not accept cash - only cards.

At least one other establishment (possibly 2) have signs posted indicating they will not provide any coin type change.

The majority of seating in the market area consists of flat steel or solid wood seat bottoms.

Them the facts and nothing but the facts...


Take a short drive up route 301 to Pasta Faire. A wide variety of delicious and substantial pizzas at very fair prices. Wednesday is pizza BOGO day whether you eat in or take out. Best pizza value around.

[RiderOnTheStorm]

Our first visit was Sunday 9/11 - arrived 12:05 p.m. About 50 people milling around - 20 surrounding the bar area - 4 tables were occupied.

Chose Frenchy's for a wood-fired pizza - 4 employees working the pizza production.

"I'd like a medium pepperoni and sausage pizza".

"We only make one size and it's 12 inches. You can't order a pepperoni and sausage pizza. You can only order a pizza as described on our menu - but we can add and subtract toppings."

Their menu details 5 or 6 pizza combinations (each selectable pizza has several toppings on it). One of their selections includes sausage plus other toppings and another of their selections features pepperoni plus other toppings.

We chose their "sausage" pizza - deleted the onions - deleted the roasted green peppers...and added pepperoni.

The sausage combo pizza is priced at $15.00. No monetary deduction for eliminating the onions or peppers. There was an upcharge of $3.00 for the pepperoni. Total including a tax of $1.36 was $19.36.

I handed over $20 in cash. The receipt showed Total Due 19.36 / pymt cash 20.00 / Change Due .64. The cash register knows change is due - but Frenchy's policy is - they don't give coin change. They have a sign that says no coin provided but it is not located near the register.

Our pizza order was placed at 12:13pm (per the receipt). Our boxed pizza was presented to us at 12:48pm. Paper plates were not offered - but were provided upon request. The paper plates were....more paper then anything else. Very flimsy and couldn't support the weight of a small slice of pizza with just two toppings on it.

Frenchy's uses a wood-fired oven. The bottom of the crust was not crispy and was absent any degree of visible leoparding.

Darlin's Sweet Shoppe will not accept cash - only cards.

At least one other establishment (possibly 2) have signs posted indicating they will not provide any coin type change.

The majority of seating in the market area consists of flat steel or solid wood seat bottoms.

Them the facts and nothing but the facts...


Doesn't it seem that the owners are simply profiteering by taking the position of "no change" rather than making the short trip to the bank to get it? I know that the restaurant business is hard, but that is no reason to fleece the customers. Businesses will suffer in the long run.

[retiredguy123]

Doesn't it seem that the owners are simply profiteering by taking the position of "no change" rather than making the short trip to the bank to get it? I know that the restaurant business is hard, but that is no reason to fleece the customers. Businesses will suffer in the long run.
I don't think there is a law that requires a business to calculate an individual 7 percent tax on every sale. They only need to pay the State the proper portion of the gross income for sales tax. So, if they want to avoid coins, they could just charge an even amount for the food. But, I have not seen very many businesses that do that.

[RiderOnTheStorm]

All business owners wish it were as simple as that calculation. From that $790 you need to deduct the the direct labor costs (which unfortunately have been very high to attract labor from a shrinking pool), percentage of overhead costs (including rent, utilities, insurance, maintenance, taxes, etc), percentage of fringe benefits (health, life, 401k, if any of these apply), and percentage of general and administrative costs like business management, hostess, etc. There is always a higher profit margin in alcohol sales, but the profit surely ain't $790 per bottle of whiskey. And, I'm certainly not suggesting $60 for a shot of whiskey is reasonable. I wouldn't pay that no way, no how. Precisely why I don't drink :)

Still, it does seem that all Villages businesses are at the high end of the price structure, relative to surround inn businesses. Probably due to the Developers unusually heavy tithe. Shame on them; just how many billions do you need to consider yourself successful?

[JMintzer]

If I am eating pizza, it needs to be fresh out of the oven, crispy crust.. I won’t waste the calories on a pizza that’s been sitting under a light for 10 minutes…much less take home leftovers……but it’s an individual taste, some eat it cold out of the fridge.

Many "by the slice" joints bake their pizza to "almost done", and will put the slice back in the oven for a minute or two for a final "bake off"... You'll get your crispy crust that way...

When I dare venture to Manhattan and what to grab "a slice", that's what they do...

[VApeople]

Still, it does seem that all Villages businesses are at the high end of the price structure, relative to surround inn businesses.

In the six years we have been here, we have not noticed that. We just identify the businesses that we enjoy going to and we go there.

Life is pretty simple for a lot of us.

[coffeebean]

Many "by the slice" joints bake their pizza to "almost done", and will put the slice back in the oven for a minute or two for a final "bake off"... You'll get your crispy crust that way...

When I dare venture to Manhattan and what to grab "a slice", that's what they do...

I’ve never seen pizza sitting under a heat lamp. The oven for two or three minutes method is all I have seen.

[Stu from NYC]

I’ve never seen pizza sitting under a heat lamp. The oven for two or three minutes method is all I have seen.

If your going to sell by the slice and reheat it no point to keep under a heat lamp but for health reasons cannot sit too long at room temp.

[Bilyclub]

A little off topic, but Fiesta Grande in Brownwood has Cash Only signs up.

[Dotneko]

A little off topic, but Fiesta Grande in Brownwood has Cash Only signs up.

They said it was due to no internet for the card reader.

[Stu from NYC]

Doesn't it seem that the owners are simply profiteering by taking the position of "no change" rather than making the short trip to the bank to get it? I know that the restaurant business is hard, but that is no reason to fleece the customers. Businesses will suffer in the long run.

Or it could be difficult to find help who can do simple math.

[Marathon Man]

Still, it does seem that all Villages businesses are at the high end of the price structure, relative to surround inn businesses. Probably due to the Developers unusually heavy tithe. Shame on them; just how many billions do you need to consider yourself successful?

Businesses located in the best locations pay the highest lease rates and charge the highest prices. Why should we believe that TV is different than the rest of the world?

[coffeebean]

~~~

[Aacosner]

Just saw that Johnny Wild is booked at Sawgrass on October 22. He mentioned this at his show last night. I don't see any mention of Sawgrass entertainment yet on The Villages site.

Johnny Wild and the Delights |- SHOWS (https://www.johnnywild.com/shows)

[beckylou152]

I agree with many of you that things need to improve at Sawgrass. If you had a magic wand, what would you change to make it better other than sound dampening? What kinds of businesses and prices would draw in people?

[Normal]

I agree with many of you that things need to improve at Sawgrass. If you had a magic wand, what would you change to make it better other than sound dampening? What kinds of businesses and prices would draw in people?
Too late, it’s a sunk cost…the price point is too high for those who live off of interest payments from their investments.

[retiredguy123]

I agree with many of you that things need to improve at Sawgrass. If you had a magic wand, what would you change to make it better other than sound dampening? What kinds of businesses and prices would draw in people?
Individual restaurants with their own space. A food court is not a "go to" place. It belongs in a mall where people just want something convenient and quick to eat.

[Michael 61]

Could you imagine if a really good Bagel place went in - I think it would be very busy at breakfast time, and would continue through lunchtime. Also, a taqueria, serving both breakfast burritos and street tacos.

[Normal]

Sawgrass sounds Floridian. It has nothing to do with Scottish overpriced pizza and beer. How about Fagan’s Lost and Found?

[Altavia]

Opened today and looks very nice. Tables and chairs under the shade structure.

[asianthree]

Opened today and looks very nice. Tables and chairs under the shade structure.

When will the posts start to complain about tables and chairs taking up too much place:mmmm::icon_hungry::1rotfl:

[Altavia]

When will the posts start to complain about tables and chairs taking up too much place:mmmm::icon_hungry::1rotfl:

Really 1rotfl:

Reminds me of Edna's which has been highly loved and successful.

[Stu from NYC]

When will the posts start to complain about tables and chairs taking up too much place:mmmm::icon_hungry::1rotfl:

It will limit the number of people who would like to sit outside and listen to music

[Rainger99]

Opened today and looks very nice. Tables and chairs under the shade structure.

It looks like there are about 15 tables with 6 chairs at each table. That is about 90 people. Looks like they don't expect too many people to show up.

[Rainger99]

If you had a magic wand, what would you change to make it better other than sound dampening? What kinds of businesses and prices would draw in people?

It should have various types of food with various price points. Food is cheaper and there is more variety at the concourse at Orlando airport.

On one side, I would put a Dunkin or Krispy Kreme; Chipotle; Chinese food; Pizza Hut or a place that sells pizza by the slice, etc., and on the other side, you could have the more expensive food courts.

[vintageogauge]

Really 1rotfl:

Reminds me of Edna's which has been highly loved and successful.

Edna's is successful without selling liquor which is unusual. I don't drink wine or beer and not allowed to take my own good stuff in there so I don't go. If they sold it I would be there.

[coffeebean]

It looks like there are about 15 tables with 6 chairs at each table. That is about 90 people. Looks like they don't expect too many people to show up.

Johnny Wild is scheduled to play Sawgrass Grove. I don't know, however, if it is his trio or his full band. If he appears with his full band.......good luck with that limited space for patrons. I'm interested to see how this all works. When I was at Sawgrass, I noted that parking is very limited too.

[Altavia]

https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thevillagesdailysun.com% 2Fnews%2Fvillages%2Fentertainment-set-for-sawgrass-grove-debut%2Farticle_bbc106e0-502f-11ed-bfff-2fc996d7942c.html%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1iOyuybXdya6uxfhJ 5wGywGiPPOhE01hIYD-ca1VdzCbyXZhTSmL8WeDE&h=AT1EqueOqo5i20BXpado9UwZPDoJeuVFolAHGD3XT_RGSC-ZUB3eb193nwxoTHap7cY8l2qjBUBqLuy6iB8SsmU37HC1djgWR Jm_MvkBcdcWXaytQddShJKtcrtl6SzpdI99hsijLovyulo&s=1

Sawgrass Grove is such a unique experience and offers a lot of new features for the first time,” said Brian Russo, executive director of entertainment in The Villages. “We’re thrilled for this new opportunity to provide more of the lifestyle our residents love. We’re bringing in several new acts and styles that we think people will really enjoy.”

McCabe said the idea was to offer Villagers something new and exciting.

“We imagined a place where you could play pickleball or golf in the morning, meet up for lunch and some music before grabbing some groceries as you head home,” he said. “Sawgrass Grove brings together in one place many of the things Villagers love about living here, including recreation, golf, shopping, dining and live entertainment.”

The center will have a different schedule than the town squares around The Villages and will vary according to the season.

“We wanted to give Sawgrass Grove its own personality when it comes to entertainment,” McCabe said.

Villagers can enjoy live entertainment on the Box Car Stage from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, noon to 3 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. Saturdays, and 5 to 8 p.m. Sundays.

The center also may host special and themed events, including sports viewing opportunities for big games and tournaments, according to McCabe.

He said Villagers should keep their eye on The Villages Daily Sun and The Villages Entertainment page at thevillagesentertainment.com for updates and special events, as well as information for the official grand opening of Sawgrass Grove.

McCabe said live entertainment will continue at McGrady’s Pub from 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday on the porch overlooking Southern Oaks.

While The Market no longer will offer live entertainment inside, entertainment from the Box Car Stage will be piped in throughout the building.

McCabe said the Grove Bar, the outdoor bar, is a new concept to The Villages where guests can walk up to grab a drink on one side of the bar, or sit and relax on the other side to watch a game or enjoy the live entertainment.

The bar will be open from 3 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays and 3 to 8 p.m. Sundays.

Happy hour at McGrady’s Pub, The Market Bar, and Grove Bar will be daily from 3 to 5 p.m.

Staff writer Leah Shewmaker can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5228, or leah.shewmaker@thevillagesmedia.com

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

A food court would be great but it’s not really a food court. It’s a mix of restaurants and grocery stores. Get rid of the butcher shop, grocery and bar in the middle. Have more dining options with enough seating.
We ate at McGradys a few days ago. It wasn’t bad but should be a lot better for the prices. Very limited food menu. Beer prices very high. Nothing like an actual Scottish pub. It seems that they put too much money into the building and atmosphere and not enough into the actual product. There were hardly any people there. It looks like it’s dying already.

[Dotneko]

Just wanted to update. The butcher shop DID open today. Someone had posted on a now closed thread that they were told it wasn't happening. It appears that was Fake News. Gymratt was misinformed

[Bogie Shooter]

Just wanted to update. The butcher shop DID open today. Someone had posted on a now closed thread that they were told it wasn't happening. It appears that was Fake News. Gymratt was misinformed

They were probably quoting their hairdresser.:laugh:

[Oldragbagger]

I find all these comments about how it is going to fail to be almost comical. We were there last night and the place was hopping, inside and out. People were eating and drinking, despite what some think are unreasonable prices. Prices at the outside bar seem to align with the other squares. The entertainment was good and every seat was taken. Just like at the other squares people were sitting on the perimeter listening from their carts and plenty of others had brought their own chairs. It’s a beautiful venue and I am betting it is going to do just fine. We appreciate having it down here in our area. And, since it was plenty crowded, I am guessing that those people who say they will never go there because it’s too this or not enough that won’t be missed. Just frees up a seat or two for someone else.

[Oldragbagger]

Years ago, I worked for a very large company. Becoming concerned with excessive expenditures, they made an issue over pencils, among other things. A pencil is "small stuff", but if every employee took their pencil home every day and didn't return it, thousands of dollars worth of pencils pilfered daily would cause "small stuff" to become a very big deal.
The point is not the 64 cents, it is that they use this phony "we don't make change" policy to steal money from their customers. A little here, a little there, adds up to a whole lot of stolen (and very likely) unreported income by the end of the year.
If they won't give you your change or round the balance down, then you're being scammed. And so is everyone else they have done this to.

An option would be for people to carry coins with them. I always have a compartment full of change in my wallet. They may not give it but I would think they have to accept it.

[Oldragbagger]

Need more comfort in the seating if they expect a longer stay

They have wonderful sofas, chairs, and tables. People sit for hours in the bleachers at Brownwood. Sawgrass is a far cry more comfortable than that.

[Oldragbagger]

.
I was there about a month ago. I found the whole Market setup WEIRD, unfriendly, not worth ever returning to this place. I feel badly for the people who bought homes down there, expecting a cool "square". What they got - and are getting - is not a friendly-enjoyable place to visit. Sad.

Obviously you were there before they had finished the outdoor seating area and entertainment area. It is gorgeous now with lots of tables, chairs, and comfortable couches under the beautiful shade canopies. The entertainment is going now Wednesday-Sunday and the place is really hopping. It is a welcome addition to the area.

[gymratt]

Just wanted to update. The butcher shop DID open today. Someone had posted on a now closed thread that they were told it wasn't happening. It appears that was Fake News. Gymratt was misinformed

Incorrect.. I was not misinformed. The original butcher, Local Butcher and Market, pulled out. They have the butcher shop at Plant Street Market in Winter Garden. The butcher in Sawgrass is different...

[vintageogauge]

Incorrect.. I was not misinformed. The original butcher, Local Butcher and Market, pulled out. They have the butcher shop at Plant Street Market in Winter Garden. The butcher in Sawgrass is different...

Incorrect, the original butcher is the one that is in there running his businesses, he leased 3 spots which include his shop, little Fin's, and the burger place. Your butcher was probably someone that wanted in there but couldn't afford the rent.

[windylou]

There are MANY doing this now.
We've seen it in at least a half dozen recently.
The big problem is that it's a surprise additon on the bottom of the bill. No warning!
See the thread in Restaurant Discussions called Credit Card fee (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/restaurant-discussions-90/credit-card-fee-334925/).
Skip
Garner Estate Sale requested PayPal, Venmo, cash or check. NO credit cards.
I guess that's good for them so they don't pay Credit Card fee... but
how many seniors know how to do PayPal and Venmo ??

[retiredguy123]

Garner Estate Sale requested PayPal, Venmo, cash or check. NO credit cards.
I guess that's good for them so they don't pay Credit Card fee... but
how many seniors know how to do PayPal and Venmo ??
I think the main reason a vendor would require Paypal or Venmo is to avoid a credit card dispute. Under Federal law, a credit card transaction can be disputed within 60 days of the bank statement. The same Federal law does not apply to Paypal or Venmo transactions.

[Stu from NYC]

I think the main reason a vendor would require Paypal or Venmo is to avoid a credit card dispute. Under Federal law, a credit card transaction can be disputed within 60 days of the bank statement. The same Federal law does not apply to Paypal or Venmo transactions.

Thanks for the info, didnt realize that but only use paypal when overseas.

[Normal]

We enjoyed Sawgrass last night, but the stage sound system still hasn’t been adjusted properly? The sound system was less than “lackluster “. I liked the atmosphere, but it was nothing like Brownwood or Sumter Landing.

PS We noticed about 20 golf carts parking on the grass in the behind the boxcar on the along the Meggison road path, hopefully that doesn’t continue. There was plenty of parking available elsewhere in designed spots. I suppose a couple of “privileged” cart users could ruin the landscaping for us all?

[Chi-Town]

Glad that it's up and running and a lot of pent up demand is finally being met.

[vintageogauge]

We enjoyed Sawgrass last night, but the stage sound system still hasn’t been adjusted properly? The sound system was less than “lackluster “. I liked the atmosphere, but it was nothing like Brownwood or Sumter Landing.

PS We noticed about 20 golf carts parking on the grass in the behind the boxcar on the along the Meggison road path, hopefully that doesn’t continue. There was plenty of parking available elsewhere in designed spots. I suppose a couple of “privileged” cart users could ruin the landscaping for us all?

It's okay, that is the area where the privileged go to let their dogs poop as they don't have to pick it up or have them on a leash in their private oasis.

[charmed59]

We enjoyed Sawgrass last night, but the stage sound system still hasn’t been adjusted properly? The sound system was less than “lackluster “. I liked the atmosphere, but it was nothing like Brownwood or Sumter Landing.

PS We noticed about 20 golf carts parking on the grass in the behind the boxcar on the along the Meggison road path, hopefully that doesn’t continue. There was plenty of parking available elsewhere in designed spots. I suppose a couple of “privileged” cart users could ruin the landscaping for us all?

Maybe they should put pavers there so the carts will have nice parking. It seems like it would be a lovely place to listen to the music. (Note, I haven’t been down there since Sawgrass opened, so I’m not sure what the setup looks like right now.)

[Kenswing]

Maybe they should put pavers there so the carts will have nice parking. It seems like it would be a lovely place to listen to the music. (Note, I haven’t been down there since Sawgrass opened, so I’m not sure what the setup looks like right now.)

I’m not sure the sound would be very good sitting there in a cart. Those spots are directly behind the stage. Most of the speakers would be facing away from you.

[Bogie Shooter]

I’m not sure the sound would be very good sitting there in a cart. Those spots are directly behind the stage. Most of the speakers would be facing away from you.

Like They said haven’t been there……so how would the know how to comment?