Katie Belles transformation

[npwalters]

If you have been in TV 3 or more years you probably remember Katie Belles fondly. A few years ago it was allowed to wither on the vine in an effort to turn the space into apartments.

The building was very pleasing to the eye with large, floor to ceiling, arched windows and stained glass in the interior. The photo shows the result of "progress". Now it is just exactly what the business model said it should be. I get the business decision but it is still very sad to me.

[vintageogauge]

The fond memories were a lot more than 3 years ago. Anyone that has a business that is not profitable is going to end it.

[Marathon Man]

Please move on. Why carry this around for so long.

[Number 10 GI]

This dead horse has been beaten to a bloody mess.

[Stu from NYC]

This dead horse has been beaten to a bloody mess.

Not for some people

[JMintzer]

https://64.media.tumblr.com/3fee2efc087f9ea6ca482c2705797571/tumblr_p668aozjm41qmob6ro1_500.gif

[BrianL99]

This dead horse has been beaten to a bloody mess.

In another couple of weeks, the Medicare Advantage vs Medicare Supplemental will be the"Beat it to Death" subject of the month.

& after that, there's the "Snowbirds are in Town" beat down to look forward to.

[JMintzer]

In another couple of weeks, the Medicare Advantage vs Medicare Supplemental will be the"Beat it to Death" subject of the month.

& after that, there's the "Snowbirds are in Town" beat down to look forward to.

With a smattering of "Dog Poop" for good measure...

[npwalters]

The point of the post is the transformation of the building from pleasing architecture to just another building.

Jeeze, too many jerks on here ready to jump on anything. You know who you are. The dead horse is all of you with nothing better to do than snipe at other peoples comments.

[Marathon Man]

The point of the post is the transformation of the building from pleasing architecture to just another building.

Jeeze, too many jerks on here ready to jump on anything. You know who you are. The dead horse is all of you with nothing better to do than snipe at other peoples comments.

"If you have been in TV 3 or more years you probably remember Katie Belles fondly. A few years ago it was allowed to wither on the vine in an effort to turn the space into apartments." -- That's not talking about the building. Hence the comments.

[Keefelane66]

We went once for lunch nothing memorable about the experience NEVER RETURNED.

[Michael 61]

There are more and more of us “newbies” who arrived after Katie Belle’s bit the dust - I know some of the more seasoned residents talk about this place with great fondness, so I feel bad for their loss of this establishment.

[Chi-Town]

Actually I miss the Cattle Baron restaurant. Kind of had a Villagers club feel..

[asianthree]

If you have been in TV 3 or more years you probably remember Katie Belles fondly. A few years ago it was allowed to wither on the vine in an effort to turn the space into apartments.

The building was very pleasing to the eye with large, floor to ceiling, arched windows and stained glass in the interior. The photo shows the result of "progress". Now it is just exactly what the business model said it should be. I get the business decision but it is still very sad to me.

We were at KB’s hay day in 2007. Patrons spent money, for good food, great bar, and tables packed for entertainment dinner and dancing. Long waitlist.

Fast forward to 2010, menus downsizing, less bar drink choice, food mediocre at best. 60% or more sat at tables listening to free music, drinking water with lemon, occupying table for hours spending a few dollars.

Next step, time and dollar amount limit on tables, tickets for good entertainment. Angry old people, not going to spend money on what they are entitled to for free.

KB’s moved upstairs, Reno downstairs for retail, hoping to boost a failing business. Didn’t work. KB’s closed. If one has only been here 3 years, KB’ s was long gone.

I have never met an investor that would continue a business, lose money, and want to keep it open. Maybe newer residents just didn’t want to spend $50 on an iconic business.

So do I miss KB’s no, I was over it when you couldn’t get a table, because too many people were ordering water, and putting in their own flavors from home.

Clientele killed KB’s, not the developers

[npwalters]

"If you have been in TV 3 or more years you probably remember Katie Belles fondly. A few years ago it was allowed to wither on the vine in an effort to turn the space into apartments." -- That's not talking about the building. Hence the comments.

Take a deep breath and read the rest of it. And the statement you DID quote is entirely accurate. I put it in bold to make it easy for you.

"The building was very pleasing to the eye with large, floor to ceiling, arched windows and stained glass in the interior. The photo shows the result of "progress". Now it is just exactly what the business model said it should be. I get the business decision but it is still very sad to me."

[Stu from NYC]

We were at KB’s hay day in 2007. Patrons spent money, for good food, great bar, and tables packed for entertainment dinner and dancing. Long waitlist.

Fast forward to 2010, menus downsizing, less bar drink choice, food mediocre at best. 60% or more sat at tables listening to free music, drinking water with lemon, occupying table for hours spending a few dollars.

Next step, time and dollar amount limit on tables, tickets for good entertainment. Angry old people, not going to spend money on what they are entitled to for free.

KB’s moved upstairs, Reno downstairs for retail, hoping to boost a failing business. Didn’t work. KB’s closed. If one has only been here 3 years, KB’ s was long gone.

I have never met an investor that would continue a business, lose money, and want to keep it open. Maybe newer residents just didn’t want to spend $50 on an iconic business.

So do I miss KB’s no, I was over it when you couldn’t get a table, because too many people were ordering water, and putting in their own flavors from home.

Clientele killed KB’s, not the developers

KB was gone when we moved here and keep hearing about people sitting there for hours not ordering anything.

If this was my place would institute a minimum and max time to occupy a table. Otherwise no reason to keep it open and have always wondered if the plan was to close it.

[EdFNJ]

The point of the post is the transformation of the building from pleasing architecture to just another building.

Jeeze, too many jerks on here ready to jump on anything. You know who you are. The dead horse is all of you with nothing better to do than snipe at other people's comments.. Welcome to "Old People's Internet." ;)

[JoMar]

KB was gone when we moved here and keep hearing about people sitting there for hours not ordering anything.

If this was my place would institute a minimum and max time to occupy a table. Otherwise no reason to keep it open and have always wondered if the plan was to close it.

Ah, the New York minute concept.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

There are more and more of us “newbies” who arrived after Katie Belle’s bit the dust - I know some of the more seasoned residents talk about this place with great fondness, so I feel bad for their loss of this establishment.

From what I understand, they remember it fondly because it was a place you could go and occupy a table for several hours, at the price of just a 2-drink minimum, and not spend another dime all night. Unfortunately, it was such a popular idea that the servers had little to do, the restaurant didn't make any profit, and they eventually "popularized" themselves out of business entirely.

[Stu from NYC]

From what I understand, they remember it fondly because it was a place you could go and occupy a table for several hours, at the price of just a 2-drink minimum, and not spend another dime all night. Unfortunately, it was such a popular idea that the servers had little to do, the restaurant didn't make any profit, and they eventually "popularized" themselves out of business entirely.

The management/owners could have/should have made changes to allow themselves to make a profit.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

The management/owners could have/should have made changes to allow themselves to make a profit.

Apparently they did, but Villagers didn't want to hear about it, they were used to their entitlement and weren't interested in having their privileges taken away.

As my grandparents told me, "this is why we can't have nice things."

[Two Bills]

Post #14 sums up KB's in a nutshell.
In early days it was residents only.
Wife and I went there once when it was open to all.
Once was enough.
'Denny's' was fine dining compared to what was on offer at KB's.

[asianthree]

KB was gone when we moved here and keep hearing about people sitting there for hours not ordering anything.

If this was my place would institute a minimum and max time to occupy a table. Otherwise no reason to keep it open and have always wondered if the plan was to close it.

Third paragraph, “ put a time limit and a $ minimum on each table. That caused the up roar, and yes I will say it the older residents to be:swear:.
They were promised (not really) a private club, by old man Swartz, for free, and that’s what they expected.

My guess is the older residents once minimums were set, came, did the I-will show them, sit at this table have two cokes, and keep my developer given right alive. Even if they don’t make a profit, they have plenty of money, and will never close KBs.

The younger crowd, just gave up and went elsewhere, after all, who cares if it was residents only, KBs was on the path of self resident destruction, and we could find other places. I rarely use the word “entitled”, but that was the reason of the start of the demise of KBs.

[HoosierPa]

If the entitled folks wanted it so bad, why didn’t someone lease the space and open it themselves?

[skippy05]

Florida's Friendliest Hometown's residents killed this place!

[Randall55]

Apparently they did, but Villagers didn't want to hear about it, they were used to their entitlement and weren't interested in having their privileges taken away.

As my grandparents told me, "this is why we can't have nice things."I was here when Spanish Springs was built. From the get-go, the Rialto and Katie Belles were not attractions the majority of residents used frequently. They tried several ways to strum up business and each failed. I am not surprised the theatre and KB closed. What I can't understand is why it took so long.

[Mrmean58]

I remember KB but not fondly. During my limited experiences there, the service was slow, the food was marginal. Yes the building was unique but was overshadowed by the other factors.

[jedalton]

I agree, miss it very much

[Norge]

All you people are nothing but negative remarks!get a life

[Stu from NYC]

Third paragraph, “ put a time limit and a $ minimum on each table. That caused the up roar, and yes I will say it the older residents to be:swear:.
They were promised (not really) a private club, by old man Swartz, for free, and that’s what they expected.

My guess is the older residents once minimums were set, came, did the I-will show them, sit at this table have two cokes, and keep my developer given right alive. Even if they don’t make a profit, they have plenty of money, and will never close KBs.

The younger crowd, just gave up and went elsewhere, after all, who cares if it was residents only, KBs was on the path of self resident destruction, and we could find other places. I rarely use the word “entitled”, but that was the reason of the start of the demise of KBs.

Thanks for sharing this with me and others

[Marmaduke]

We were at KB’s hay day in 2007. Patrons spent money, for good food, great bar, and tables packed for entertainment dinner and dancing. Long waitlist.

Fast forward to 2010, menus downsizing, less bar drink choice, food mediocre at best. 60% or more sat at tables listening to free music, drinking water with lemon, occupying table for hours spending a few dollars.

Next step, time and dollar amount limit on tables, tickets for good entertainment. Angry old people, not going to spend money on what they are entitled to for free.

KB’s moved upstairs, Reno downstairs for retail, hoping to boost a failing business. Didn’t work. KB’s closed. If one has only been here 3 years, KB’ s was long gone.

I have never met an investor that would continue a business, lose money, and want to keep it open. Maybe newer residents just didn’t want to spend $50 on an iconic business.

So do I miss KB’s no, I was over it when you couldn’t get a table, because too many people were ordering water, and putting in their own flavors from home.

Clientele killed KB’s, not the developers
I never quite understood what happened there, even though I was reading about it from time to time, from our of state, as it was occurring.
TV was on our radar with a few visits under our belt, but we never went to KB's. It's demise was before our time, so thank you so much for that explaination!

It clarified a lot about the villagers beloved Katie Belles and it's history.

2010 was a very bad era with failures of epic proportions. I guess this was another that "Stimulus" money never reached. Or, perhaps it did reach the architecture re-do.

Great recap tho, Thank you!

[dewilson58]

All you people are nothing but negative remarks!get a life

Seems negative.

:mornincoffee:

[Justputt]

. Welcome to "Old People's Internet." ;)

LOL, I want that shirt!! It has me written all over it!

[ROCKETMAN]

The villages does what every big business does. Looks at businesses that lose money and gets rid of them. Katie Bells perfect example that you can’t pay a band $1500 a night and not charge admission and let people sit at bar nursing a $3 dollar beer. Movie theaters another example, can’t support 3 of them.

[rustyp]

The villages does what every big business does. Looks at businesses that lose money and gets rid of them. Katie Bells perfect example that you can’t pay a band $1500 a night and not charge admission and let people sit at bar nursing a $3 dollar beer. Movie theaters another example, can’t support 3 of them.

One would think after not getting it right a few times a business would put more effort into upfront research / business pan. No sympathy here on my part for the developer. The clientele in TV is a well known commodity from every demographic right down to the finite size. Stop blaming the water sippers - the residents possess the same traits for the last 30 years or perhaps the percentage of resident water sippers has increased over the years ? There - it was the newbies south of 466a fault.

[Whitley]

With a smattering of "Dog Poop" for good measure...

We now have a war of posters on our block. Seems someone walking their dog bagged his feces after it went and threw it out in someone elses garbage can they were passing along the walk. The homeowner of the can was told by a neighbor what happened. They came home, checked their ring doorbell and the war is on. Funniest was a large banner of the lady (her dog was not in the photo) throwing a bag into the garbage can with the text "Why would I want your sh95 in my can". I found this funny on a couple of levels. To those unfamiliar with the story it appears as if someone is accusing the lady of throwing HER xxxx in the can, andsomething about XXXX in my can just seems amusing (When I hit 50 I started regressing to a younger age each year.).

[Whitley]

. Welcome to "Old People's Internet." ;)

I may be delusional but do not see myself as old. All of my friends, yes they are old. Not me though. I assume you are from NJ (or have a weird way of picking a user name) What exit? Seriously what part?

[margaretmattson]

One would think after not getting it right a few times a business would put more effort into upfront research / business pan. No sympathy here on my part for the developer. The clientele in TV is a well known commodity from every demographic right down to the finite size. Stop blaming the water sippers - the residents possess the same traits for the last 30 years or perhaps the percentage of resident water sippers has increased over the years ?I moved here in 2002. Katie Belles was never a big thing. I remember visitors and outsiders going there more than the residents. Eventually, some Villagers squawked that they could never get a table and they made it residents only. I went a few times and it was not busy. The Rialto, church, bakery, fresh vegetable store and many restaurants also failed to attract residents. It was the first square and the family kept experimenting. When they built the Sharon Morse Center, things started to turn around. For awhile, Katie Belles was busy during the winter months but in the summer it was empty.

[rickaslin]

The management/owners could have/should have made changes to allow themselves to make a profit.

From what I have heard the owners tried to "allow themselves to make a profit" and the old guard did not except having to pay .

[Lukim]

I loved the architecture and ambiance of Katie Belles. I miss the beauty.

[rochellepfaff]

You haven't been here long enough to remember the original Katie Bell's. It was downstairs in the same building. It was a saloon with a dance floor, and only for Villages residents and their guests. They had entertainment in the afternoon. And a really good Sunday buffet brunch. We used to go for lunch and dancing. We loved it. Upstairs was The Cattle Baron restaurant - a more upscale steak house. You could look over the balcony railing and see the entertainment and people dancing downstairs. It was very disappointing when they moved Katie Bell's upstairs and changed the design and menu. The saloon had so much more charm and great entertainment in the evenings. We always took our out-of-town visitors there. We never took them to the remodeled one upstairs. It had no charm at all. And the food was ordinary.

[kkingston57]

If you have been in TV 3 or more years you probably remember Katie Belles fondly. A few years ago it was allowed to wither on the vine in an effort to turn the space into apartments.

The building was very pleasing to the eye with large, floor to ceiling, arched windows and stained glass in the interior. The photo shows the result of "progress". Now it is just exactly what the business model said it should be. I get the business decision but it is still very sad to me.

Been here for over 3 years and never heard of this place before reading blogs about it and we live 1/2 mile from SS. Judging by former comments, this appeared to be an old business model(large nightclub/dance clubs.

[margaretmattson]

You haven't been here long enough to remember the original Katie Bell's. It was downstairs in the same building. It was a saloon with a dance floor, and only for Villages residents and their guests. They had entertainment in the afternoon. And a really good Sunday buffet brunch. We used to go for lunch and dancing. We loved it. Upstairs was The Cattle Baron restaurant - a more upscale steak house. You could look over the balcony railing and see the entertainment and people dancing downstairs. It was very disappointing when they moved Katie Bell's upstairs and changed the design and menu. The saloon had so much more charm and great entertainment in the evenings. We always took our out-of-town visitors there. We never took them to the remodeled one upstairs. It had no charm at all. And the food was ordinary.I remember Katie Belles just as you described. For some time it was residents only, then they allowed everyone, then they switched back to residents only. I remember the polo teams went there every night, some still dressed in uniform. I don't remember it being busy. When you looked up to the balcony from the square, very few, if any, were dining at the steak house. It closed because there was no interest.

[Nana2Teddy]

We now have a war of posters on our block. Seems someone walking their dog bagged his feces after it went and threw it out in someone elses garbage can they were passing along the walk. The homeowner of the can was told by a neighbor what happened. They came home, checked their ring doorbell and the war is on. Funniest was a large banner of the lady (her dog was not in the photo) throwing a bag into the garbage can with the text "Why would I want your sh95 in my can". I found this funny on a couple of levels. To those unfamiliar with the story it appears as if someone is accusing the lady of throwing HER xxxx in the can, andsomething about XXXX in my can just seems amusing (When I hit 50 I started regressing to a younger age each year.).

Where do you live that you have trash cans? We are south of 44 and can only put plastic trash bags at the curb for trash pickup, not cans. If you put out a can the trash collectors with throw the can into the trash truck. I guess I assumed (incorrectly?) that it was like this throughout all of The Villages.

[tophcfa]

We went there a few times for dinner and dancing or dinner with a comedy show. The food was decent and the entertainment during dinner was fun and unique. Wish it was still open, but can’t expect anyone to keep a business open that isn’t making a reasonable profit. The architectural features of the building were unique and attractive, it’s a shame it will be gutted and turned into apartments. Oh well, what are ya gonna do?

[Stu from NYC]

Where do you live that you have trash cans? We are south of 44 and can only put plastic trash bags at the curb for trash pickup, not cans. If you put out a can the trash collectors with throw the can into the trash truck. I guess I assumed (incorrectly?) that it was like this throughout all of The Villages.

Was also wondering about the cans. We were warned about this before we moved here.

[Marathon Man]

In my opinion, the big mistake that was made concerning KB's was making it a resident only 'club'. This made many believe that it was an amenity rather than a business. They felt that since they were already paying for KB's to exist, they were not obligated to spend more money. Then when it changed and then closed, the outcry of "more taken away from us" was clear. Taken away as if it belonged to them.

[Just jimmy]

There are more and more of us “newbies” who arrived after Katie Belle’s bit the dust - I know some of the more seasoned residents talk about this place with great fondness, so I feel bad for their loss of
this establishment.

Trust me. You aren’t missing anything. Highly overrated.

[asianthree]

I moved here in 2002. Katie Belles was never a big thing. I remember visitors and outsiders going there more than the residents. Eventually, some Villagers squawked that they could never get a table and they made it residents only. I went a few times and it was not busy. The Rialto, church, bakery, fresh vegetable store and many restaurants also failed to attract residents. It was the first square and the family kept experimenting. When they built the Sharon Morse Center, things started to turn around. For awhile, Katie Belles was busy during the winter months but in the summer it was empty.

KB’s was resident only from the beginning, in 2007, one had to be with a resident to get in, unless you were on a life style visit, and then you had a special card to enter. But as I mentioned in 2007 KB’s was packed every night, waitlist over an hour, for dinner and people were spending more than $100 for 2.

[margaretmattson]

KB’s was resident only from the beginning, in 2007, one had to be with a resident to get in, unless you were on a life style visit, and then you had a special card to enter. But as I mentioned in 2007 KB’s was packed every night, waitlist over an hour, for dinner and people were spending more than $100 for 2.
In 2007, LSL newly constructed homes were selling like hot cakes. Spanish Springs was booming because of the newbies. In 2008, the real estate market crashed and KB was nearly empty every night. Before Lake Sumter Landing, the residents did not spend time at Katie Belles. There was no interest in the bakery, the fresh vegetable store, Rialto, or the church. A few restaurants and shops came and went. Residents came to the square to listen the free music and that was pretty much it. I was a realtor and we set up a tent every Monday and Thursday with the other vendors. We did this for six years. Our spot was in front of Katie Belles. We could see that it was empty until 8 pm.

Outsiders would go into Katie Belles but the residents went home. We would joke, "don't expect a villager to stay past 9 p.m!" Like clockwork, the square emptied each night. Once they made KB residents only(again), it was busy because they were giving out free passes to people on Life Style Visits. They gave free passes to the Rialto, as well. Once LSL was complete, KB was empty and they made changes trying to lure the residents. The changes did not work.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I was here when Spanish Springs was built. From the get-go, the Rialto and Katie Belles were not attractions the majority of residents used frequently. They tried several ways to strum up business and each failed. I am not surprised the theatre and KB closed. What I can't understand is why it took so long.

The Rialto closed for renovation right before COVID-19 hit. Then, while it was closed, COVID-19 hit, and all theatres were closed down for the pandemic. The owners had no need or reason to continue renovation at that point, so they stopped. MPV (or whatever the Gym is called now) chose to move their fitness club to the Rialto, and now renovations are happening to accommodate a fitness center instead of a movie theatre.

[coffeebean]

I may be delusional but do not see myself as old. All of my friends, yes they are old. Not me though. I assume you are from NJ (or have a weird way of picking a user name) What exit? Seriously what part?

I lived in NJ too, for 16 years. We would get off at exit 117 or 114, depending on which direction we were coming from. Exit at 114 from the Monmouth Mall or exit 117 from parts north.

[coffeebean]

I moved here in 2002. Katie Belles was never a big thing. I remember visitors and outsiders going there more than the residents. Eventually, some Villagers squawked that they could never get a table and they made it residents only. I went a few times and it was not busy. The Rialto, church, bakery, fresh vegetable store and many restaurants also failed to attract residents. It was the first square and the family kept experimenting. When they built the Sharon Morse Center, things started to turn around. For awhile, Katie Belles was busy during the winter months but in the summer it was empty.

We were more inclined to go to KB in the summer to see our favorite entertainers in the comfort of air conditioned air. We don't care to go to the squares in the hohum weather. This is the reason we miss KB.

[coffeebean]

I loved the architecture and ambiance of Katie Belles. I miss the beauty.

That too!

[coffeebean]

You haven't been here long enough to remember the original Katie Bell's. It was downstairs in the same building. It was a saloon with a dance floor, and only for Villages residents and their guests. They had entertainment in the afternoon. And a really good Sunday buffet brunch. We used to go for lunch and dancing. We loved it. Upstairs was The Cattle Baron restaurant - a more upscale steak house. You could look over the balcony railing and see the entertainment and people dancing downstairs. It was very disappointing when they moved Katie Bell's upstairs and changed the design and menu. The saloon had so much more charm and great entertainment in the evenings. We always took our out-of-town visitors there. We never took them to the remodeled one upstairs. It had no charm at all. And the food was ordinary.

This ^^^^^^^.

[coffeebean]

Where do you live that you have trash cans? We are south of 44 and can only put plastic trash bags at the curb for trash pickup, not cans. If you put out a can the trash collectors with throw the can into the trash truck. I guess I assumed (incorrectly?) that it was like this throughout all of The Villages.

No trash cans in the LSL area either. I was wondering about that post too that mentioned "trash cans". I didn't think they were allowed anywhere in The Villages.

[TEXJK]

Turning the building into apartments will be great…….Another pool for anyone to use no questions asked!!

[mickey100]

There are more and more of us “newbies” who arrived after Katie Belle’s bit the dust - I know some of the more seasoned residents talk about this place with great fondness, so I feel bad for their loss of this establishment.

We visited here around 2005? I think, and we had a relative who took us there for lunch. Totally NOT impressed. Then when we moved here a couple years later, we went at night a few times. Saturday nights it was packed - you had to get there very early to get seating around the dance floor, and you couldn't just drink, had to order food. I think it was probably a pickup/singles venue but there were all sorts of people there. I remember having fun watching the dancers, some were almost at a professional level. And once the entertainment on the square ended, there would be even more people clamoring to come in. It was a really fun scene and it was packed. It did have the charm of a saloon, and the food for dinner upstairs at the Cattle Baron restaurant was on par with what you get at most of the country clubs, basically just okay, but you had a great view of the activity below. We took guests there for dinner, then dancing after, and they loved it. The remodel and moving things upstairs completely changed the ambience and people didn't come back.

[mraines]

There are more and more of us “newbies” who arrived after Katie Belle’s bit the dust - I know some of the more seasoned residents talk about this place with great fondness, so I feel bad for their loss of this establishment.
The original Katie Belle's was a fun place to go. It was for Villagers only and was always packed. I used to go frequently and don't buy the excuse that patrons sipped lemon water. Many of us went for dinner and drinks and dancing. It was the only place to go and get dressed and dance indoors where I felt safe as a single woman. I'll never believe it didn't make money, only that the Developer had other plans. I miss Katie Belle's and I don't care if I am beating a dead horse. The Develper took that away as well as our movie theater.

[Marathon Man]

The original Katie Belle's was a fun place to go. It was for Villagers only and was always packed. I used to go frequently and don't buy the excuse that patrons sipped lemon water. Many of us went for dinner and drinks and dancing. It was the only place to go and get dressed and dance indoors where I felt safe as a single woman. I'll never believe it didn't make money, only that the Developer had other plans. I miss Katie Belle's and I don't care if I am beating a dead horse. The Develper took that away as well as our movie theater.

So, you believe that 'The Developer' closed a business that was making money because of other plans. Interesting.

[merrymini]

There are no trash cans anywhere in the villages. Visited katie bells twice, once downstairs on my lifestyle visit and once upstairs when it was revamped. Pretty unimpressive. Do not understand this clammer for a very average place.

[Keefelane66]

We do t care how good it was at one time it’s gone not coming back time to move on.

[Stu from NYC]

True but that dead horse refuses to go away.

[vintageogauge]

When downstairs it was booming every night, great music, inexpensive food and drinks, always crowded and everyone was having a good time. There was only one square at the time so all of the action was concentrated in that one area. Hasn't been anything like it since they closed. The upstairs was not the same.

[Velvet]

Was also wondering about the cans. We were warned about this before we moved here.

No cans that I know of in TV. We have a much BETTER system in TV. I have garbage cans up north and for several reasons they are a nightmare.

[dewilson58]

True but that dead horse refuses to go away.

It's dead, but let's keep bringing it up.........talking about the good old days (mostly fiction) and maybe, jus maybe our lives will improve.

:loco:

[Velvet]

The good old days are always better, because we were younger with more life, more options, ahead of us…and our memories carefully edit out the bad that happened….

[Marsha11]

What are you saying?????

[Michael 61]

Though Katie Belle’s was before my time here in TV, it doesn’t sound like the kind of place I would have frequented. Correct me if I’m wrong, but it sounds like it was just an “indoor version” of what we already have at the town squares - Music, Dancing, Drinking - with the addition of bar food.

[coffeebean]

Though Katie Belle’s was before my time here in TV, it doesn’t sound like the kind of place I would have frequented. Correct me if I’m wrong, but it sounds like it was just an “indoor version” of what we already have at the town squares - Music, Dancing, Drinking - with the addition of bar food.

You forgot air conditioning in the hot months and heat in the colder months. BIG difference.

[NavyVet]

Katie Belle/Cattle Baron: "Upscale" (?!) Not at all surprised it closed, was never impressed. In fact, Cattle Baron in 2004-2005 was our Worst. Dining. Experience. Ever. Brought relatives there for an expensive dinner and my food came out raw, waitress was totally rude, and got zero satisfaction from manager. Paid way too much for a meal that had to be sent back twice and still inedible. Never went back. Good riddance.
Around that time frame, the buffalo and the only indoor lap pool were taken away from us. Those losses were a bummer! It was just the beginning of the downhill slide. TV is more like a cross between Stepford and The Dome, than Disney World for seniors. Oh wait, it still has similarities to Disney: Everything is way overpriced for what you get, which is standing in long lines to get into anything or shut out entirely due to capacity crowds. No thanks.
Sorry I had to vent, but I've given up even trying to use amenities since around 2015. I've paid off 2 entire freaking bonds and now stuck with a third, so yeah, no, I am definitely NOT getting my money's worth.
Okay, rant over.
:rant-rave: :sigh: :shrug:

[Bogie Shooter]

Katie Belle/Cattle Baron: "Upscale" (?!) Not at all surprised it closed, was never impressed. In fact, Cattle Baron in 2004-2005 was our Worst. Dining. Experience. Ever. Brought relatives there for an expensive dinner and my food came out raw, waitress was totally rude, and got zero satisfaction from manager. Paid way too much for a meal that had to be sent back twice and still inedible. Never went back. Good riddance.
Around that time frame, the buffalo and the only indoor lap pool were taken away from us. Those losses were a bummer! It was just the beginning of the downhill slide. TV is more like a cross between Stepford and The Dome, than Disney World for seniors. Oh wait, it still has similarities to Disney: Everything is way overpriced for what you get, which is standing in long lines to get into anything or shut out entirely due to capacity crowds. No thanks.
Sorry I had to vent, but I've given up even trying to use amenities since around 2015. I've paid off 2 entire freaking bonds and now stuck with a third, so yeah, no, I am definitely NOT getting my money's worth.
Okay, rant over.
:rant-rave: :sigh: :shrug:

So unhappy and yet bought 3 houses?

[Stu from NYC]

So unhappy and yet bought 3 houses?

Optimist?

[radarnet]

Sad.
Just like Barnstorm Theater.
Decisions made with no regards as to the needs and wants of the residents.
Oh, we won’t be developing south of 44 except Fenney.
They (realtors say).
Lies all lies.

[Bogie Shooter]

Sad.
Just like Barnstorm Theater.
Decisions made with no regards as to the needs and wants of the residents.
Oh, we won’t be developing south of 44 except Fenney.
They (realtors say).
Lies all lies.

Misinformed?

[asianthree]

Though Katie Belle’s was before my time here in TV, it doesn’t sound like the kind of place I would have frequented. Correct me if I’m wrong, but it sounds like it was just an “indoor version” of what we already have at the town squares - Music, Dancing, Drinking - with the addition of bar food.

Actually not bar food, dinner included a 12’ salad bar, with pretty much anything one could think of, some just got the salad bar as an entree.

In the beginning Food was good, seafood, lobster tails, steaks, chicken dishes, plus pasta. Nothing on the menu that we had to think twice about. Great services, large well staged bar area. Good selection of Dessert. Our average price for a meal for two was in the $100 range, with cocktails, and dessert.

[mickey100]

Though Katie Belle’s was before my time here in TV, it doesn’t sound like the kind of place I would have frequented. Correct me if I’m wrong, but it sounds like it was just an “indoor version” of what we already have at the town squares - Music, Dancing, Drinking - with the addition of bar food.

No, unless you were there you wouldn't get it. There was an ambience, an energy present that you don't get at the squares. It was really a night club. People dressed up, there were really good dancers who wanted to show off their stuff; you felt like that's where the cool people were hanging out. It felt really fun and exciting. I remember being there and leaving feeling kind of exhilarated, something I don't get at the squares.

[Marathon Man]

Sad.
Just like Barnstorm Theater.
Decisions made with no regards as to the needs and wants of the residents.
Oh, we won’t be developing south of 44 except Fenney.
They (realtors say).
Lies all lies.

It's not good to hold on to such emotions for so long.

[Shimpy]

I loved the architecture and ambiance of Katie Belles. I miss the beauty.

I truly miss the Sunday morning breakfast buffet. Whenever we had visitors KB was the first place we would take them.

[Gpsma]

No, unless you were there you wouldn't get it. There was an ambience, an energy present that you don't get at the squares. It was really a night club. People dressed up, there were really good dancers who wanted to show off their stuff; you felt like that's where the cool people were hanging out. It felt really fun and exciting. I remember being there and leaving feeling kind of exhilarated, something I don't get at the squares.

I think you mean it felt like Lawremce Welk got resurrected in The Villages.

[Stu from NYC]

Sorry this ship has sailed and aint coming back.

[bob47]

Sorry this ship has sailed and aint coming back.

I don't see how it hurts for some folks to share memories that are happy to them.

[Stu from NYC]

I don't see how it hurts for some folks to share memories that are happy to them.

When they are still angry about something that is not coming back? Time to move on.

As my daughter would say it is a first world problem

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

I thought the place was more fun when it was open to the general public . I was a single guy and went quite regular , after the complaints of villagers that they couldn’t get in it reverted back to village people only , many people were mad about this and there were letters to the paper , I also believe that’s when the first cries of villages entitlement were heard , it was also the start of the slow decline to the end because unlike the outsiders who came frequently the complainers mostly came once a month or maybe not at all , whatever the reasons it was never the same , I saw more drinking being done in the bathroom , ( plenty of little nips in the trash ) then in the bar . ,I only have second hand information but it was always a selling point for the villages and didn’t make money for a long time , true or not it wasn’t working . I can only use my self as an example , from a regular to someone who hardly went anymore , but I did have some fun times there .

[rustyp]

When referring to the past experiences at Katie Belle's it would be helpful to disclose the time frame. In 2015 it was downsized from two floors with a giant dance floor, huge stage, bar, tavern type restaurant downstairs and the Cattle-barons restaurant upstairs to more of a night club show upstairs. More than a 50% space reduction and totally different business plan (if that is what one can call that fiasco of a failure). The prices prior to 2015 were very reasonable. Happy hours all day until the entertainment in the square started. TVers reminiscing about the good old days are referring prior to 2015. Appears to me history is about to partially repeat itself in a new form called Blondie's.

[cjrjck]

There are no trash cans anywhere in the villages. Visited katie bells twice, once downstairs on my lifestyle visit and once upstairs when it was revamped. Pretty unimpressive. Do not understand this clammer for a very average place.

Hate to hijack this thread, but this is news to me. We moved to our current CYV 2 1/2 years ago from another CYV that was trash cans only. Here it is no trash cans which our neighbor was quick to inform us of the first time we put our trash can out. Yes, this CYV came with a trash can. Unless that is a recent TV wide change, I would say you are probably incorrect or my previous CYV neighbors were just rule breakers.

[Bogie Shooter]

Hate to hijack this thread, but this is news to me. We moved to our current CYV 2 1/2 years ago from another CYV that was trash cans only. Here it is no trash cans which our neighbor was quick to inform us of the first time we put our trash can out. Yes, this CYV came with a trash can. Unless that is a recent TV wide change, I would say you are probably incorrect or my previous CYV neighbors were just rule breakers.
I have a trash can.