Welcome Harry and the Natives

[Altavia]

The Villages - Florida's Friendliest Active Adult 55+ Retirement Community (https://www.thevillages.com/whatsnew/continuing-the-dream/welcome-harry-and-the-natives)

Imagine a great place to gather with friends and neighbors where friends and neighbors become family. Meet Harry and the Natives team and learn more about this family-owned restaurant coming to The Villages.

Nestled along the waters’ edge of Lake Okahumpka in The Village of Richmond, founder Harry MacArthur shares how this all-new restaurant promises to deliver a laid-back experience while serving great cuisine, cocktails, and fun to Villagers overlooking the amazing Florida scenery.


https://m.youtube.com/watch?si=KbcO2mbqNk73S58R&v=1jweB83K7Jo&feature=youtu.be

[ElDiabloJoe]

Love this. Video made me more vested in the project, listening to Harry talk about the offerings was a treat, and a plus that they are so vested in The Villages they bought a house 1/4 mile from the restaurant site. Referencing what he was saying at the end of the video, maybe should've called it "Harry And The Villagers," Lol

[Altavia]

Love this. Video made me more vested in the project, listening to Harry talk about the offerings was a treat, and a plus that they are so vested in The Villages they bought a house 1/4 mile from the restaurant site. Referencing what he was saying at the end of the video, maybe should've called it "Harry And The Villagers," Lol

LOL, They should comp you a meal for that suggestion.

That restaurant will be a gold mine for sure :)

[Keefelane66]

It's their 2nd restaurant according to website prices seem reasonable. Hobe Sound, FL
11910 SE Federal Hwy
Hobe Sound, FL 33455

[Taltarzac725]

Just a moment... (https://www.harryandthenatives.com/)

Looks like it might be worth a trip from Lynnhaven.

Lake Okahumpka - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Okahumpka)

[ElDiabloJoe]

It's their 2nd restaurant according to website prices seem reasonable. Hobe Sound, FL
11910 SE Federal Hwy
Hobe Sound, FL 33455

I should hope there is at least one more than the one in TV, since Harry said it was founded 71 years ago.

[Keefelane66]

I should hope there is at least one more than the one in TV, since Harry said it was founded 71 years ago.
Hobe Sound's Favorite Waterfront Restaurant (waterfront when it rains really hard in the parking lot!)

[Gpsma]

Another hopeful dream that south of 44 will have any real restaurants..other than a food truck and a pizza restaurant nd a mcdonalds.

[Michael 61]

I’ll be able to walk there - looking forward - Lake Okahumpka is beautiful.

[photo1902]

Another hopeful dream that south of 44 will have any real restaurants..other than a food truck and a pizza restaurant nd a mcdonalds.

Does Willie Jewell’s, Reveille Café, China Chef ,Fenney Grill, as well as the offerings at Sawgrass ( Darlin’s Sweet Shop, Frenchy’s Wood Fired Pizza, Little Fin Seafood Shack, McGrady’s) not count?

[asianthree]

Does Willie Jewell’s, Reveille Café, China Chef ,Fenney Grill, as well as the offerings at Sawgrass not count?

You are wasting your time pointing out restaurants are available to someone who isn’t going to travel there.

Will say the restaurant name is interesting borderline politically correct

[Bogie Shooter]

Another hopeful dream that south of 44 will have any real restaurants..other than a food truck and a pizza restaurant nd a mcdonalds.

Does Willie Jewell’s, Reveille Café, China Chef ,Fenney Grill, as well as the offerings at Sawgrass ( Darlin’s Sweet Shop, Frenchy’s Wood Fired Pizza, Little Fin Seafood Shack, McGrady’s) not count?

:boom:

A bash reversed.

[MrChip72]

Does Willie Jewell’s, Reveille Café, China Chef ,Fenney Grill, as well as the offerings at Sawgrass ( Darlin’s Sweet Shop, Frenchy’s Wood Fired Pizza, Little Fin Seafood Shack, McGrady’s) not count?

You forgot "Oh Shucks!" :icon_hungry:

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

I’m excited to try this place!

[Michael 61]

Does Willie Jewell’s, Reveille Café, China Chef ,Fenney Grill, as well as the offerings at Sawgrass ( Darlin’s Sweet Shop, Frenchy’s Wood Fired Pizza, Little Fin Seafood Shack, McGrady’s) not count?

And the twice-a-week Meals at the Show Kitchen at Sawgrass, which in my opinion, are some of the best meals in The Villages.

[frayedends]

Another hopeful dream that south of 44 will have any real restaurants..other than a food truck and a pizza restaurant nd a mcdonalds.

I don't get this post. How is it a hopeful dream if it is indeed being built? I must be misinterpreting this.

[MSchad]

I don't get this post. How is it a hopeful dream if it is indeed being built? I must be misinterpreting this.

You’ll learn there are villagers that like to bash anything south of 44. It’s been going on for years.

[Michael 61]

You’ll learn there are villagers that like to bash anything south of 44. It’s been going on for years.

I’ve noticed this my first year on this site. The south-of-44 bashers are usually an interesting bunch. They claim to be happy where they are, yet seem to take every opportunity to take a swipe with “snark” at people who buy and enjoy the south-of-44 lifestyle. They appear overly-obsessed with the south-of-44 area. Makes me feel like they aren’t so “happy and content” as they claim to be. It’s like they are “rooting” for failure, and it upsets them to see happy people south-of-44.

[Nana2Teddy]

I don’t understand how it’s in the Village of Richmond when it’s actually across Meggison from Richmond, and inside the Village of St. John’s gates, plus very close to St. John’s homes? Not a bash as we are looking forward to it with it being just a 5-6 minute golf cart ride from us, but curious how it’s not in the Village of St. Johns?

[Taltarzac725]

I don’t understand how it’s in the Village of Richmond when it’s actually across Meggison from Richmond, and inside the Village of St. John’s gates, plus very close to St. John’s homes? Not a bash as we are looking forward to it with it being just a 5-6 minute golf cart ride from us, but curious how it’s not in the Village of St. Johns?

You may have to get a current Villages map to see how this works out on there. I know just where Lynnhaven starts and Belvedere ends is kind of arbitrary.

[New Englander]

You may have to get a current Villages map to see how this works out on there. I know just where Lynnhaven starts and Belvedere ends is kind of arbitrary.

Where can a person get a current map of The Villages?

[Altavia]

Where can a person get a current map of The Villages?

The Villages(R) Community Map - Explore & Find Your Way Around (https://www.thevillages.com/map/)

Gold Wingnut Maps (https://www.goldwingnut.com/villages-map)

[JMintzer]

I don't get this post. How is it a hopeful dream if it is indeed being built? I must be misinterpreting this.

You’ll learn there are villagers that like to bash anything south of 44. It’s been going on for years.

I’ve noticed this my first year on this site. The south-of-44 bashers are usually an interesting bunch. They claim to be happy where they are, yet seem to take every opportunity to take a swipe with “snark” at people who buy and enjoy the south-of-44 lifestyle. They appear overly-obsessed with the south-of-44 area. Makes me feel like they aren’t so “happy and content” as they claim to be. It’s like they are “rooting” for failure, and it upsets them to see happy people south-of-44.

That was quick...

And it's no different than the missives posted by those living South of 44, citing everything lacking up North... Makes me feel like they are "rooting" against those living up North...

Same as it ever was... We all have our own reasons for buying where we bought... And NO ONE SHOULD CARE!

If everyone would just be happy where they live, there would be much less animosity on this board...

[MSchad]

That was quick...

And it's no different than the missives posted by those living South of 44, citing everything lacking up North... Makes me feel like they are "rooting" against those living up North...

Same as it ever was... We all have our own reasons for buying where we bought... And NO ONE SHOULD CARE!

If everyone would just be happy where they live, there would be much less animosity on this board...

You are correct. No one should care.

[Dusty_Star]

I don’t understand how it’s in the Village of Richmond when it’s actually across Meggison from Richmond, and inside the Village of St. John’s gates, plus very close to St. John’s homes? Not a bash as we are looking forward to it with it being just a 5-6 minute golf cart ride from us, but curious how it’s not in the Village of St. Johns?

Michael will probably be able to answer this better than I can, but I think there is going to be new development of Richmond across Meggison.

[Chi-Town]

Looks like a nice addition to the Fenney Grill and McGrady's Pub for restaurants South. Looking forward to it.

[photo1902]

OMG. Can we not just welcome a new place to dine, and leave all other nonsense out of this?

[Michael 61]

Michael will probably be able to answer this better than I can, but I think there is going to be new development of Richmond across Meggison.

That is correct -Richmond still has one more section to develop before it is “built out”. That area east of Meggison will be part of Richmond, and they are currently moving a lot of dirt and they have begun to lay pipes. Depending on who you talk to, there will be 100 +/- homes built in the final section of Richmond.

Richmond proper (west of Meggison) has no interior rec centers - just two outdoor rec centers (Clarendon and Richmond recreation). For interior meeting spaces and rooms, we use Lake Okahumpka, which we share with St John’s. Harry and the Natives will be right next door to the Lake Okahumpka Rec Center. This area kinda stratles between what will be the new area of Richmond and St John’s - so I really don’t know to what “village’ it technically falls within geographically.

[asianthree]

V-mails with Jennifer Parr have been posted” Clearenton in the Village of Richmond, and Lake Okahumpka.” Unless I missed it I don’t think Jennifer states what village Okahumpka is in. Then again Recreation and Regional Centers are outside of a village, technically never in the village. So Eisenhower, is located next to a village, but not within the walls of the village.

The building of Richmond East across Meggison from Richmond is close to the entry roundabout to gate with an attendant.

Lake Okahumpka, is across Meggison at second roundabout entering into Richmond at the pitch and putt. Both rec center and restaurant border back entry to St Johns. In the same parking lot is St Johns mail station.

I don’t think any Recreation or Regional Center is within any village, but I could be incorrect

[Nana2Teddy]

That is correct -Richmond still has one more section to develop before it is “built out”. That area east of Meggison will be part of Richmond, and they are currently moving a lot of dirt and they have begun to lay pipes. Depending on who you talk to, there will be 100 +/- homes built in the final section of Richmond.

Richmond proper (west of Meggison) has no interior rec centers - just two outdoor rec centers (Clarendon and Richmond recreation). For interior meeting spaces and rooms, we use Lake Okahumpka, which we share with St John’s. Harry and the Natives will be right next door to the Lake Okahumpka Rec Center. This area kinda stratles between what will be the new area of Richmond and St John’s - so I really don’t know to what “village’ it technically falls within geographically.
I’m very familiar with Richmond, St John’s, Lake Okahumpka rec center, and the new part of Richmond being developed right now. I’m in DeLuna, but tried 4x to get a veranda home in Richmond. We go to Lake Okahumpka rec center frequently. We swam in the Richmond adult pool last summer. As far as I can tell from first hand experience Harry and the Natives is inside the St John’s entry gate. I’m just not understanding why they’re saying it’s in Richmond when clearly it’s not. Oh well. We are super happy we won’t be living across the street from it like a few St. John’s residents will be, but we will definitely eat there. :)

[kkingston57]

Love this. Video made me more vested in the project, listening to Harry talk about the offerings was a treat, and a plus that they are so vested in The Villages they bought a house 1/4 mile from the restaurant site. Referencing what he was saying at the end of the video, maybe should've called it "Harry And The Villagers," Lol

Hope it is as good as their other location in Hobe Sound

[MrChip72]

This is beside the Okahumpka rec center which has a puzzling amount of parking capacity but it makes sense now. It feels like TV is getting away from country club restaurant model and trying to do something more interesting South of 44.

[asianthree]

This is beside the Okahumpka rec center which has a puzzling amount of parking capacity but it makes sense now. It feels like TV is getting away from country club restaurant model and trying to do something more interesting South of 44.

CC were always attached to a Championship course. Southern Oaks was the first newly built Championship that concept changed. There wasn’t space at course for a CC, so No restaurant, or pro shop attached. Instead a food court of sorts, and tiny pro shop across the street. While outside sawgrass venue and McGradys does well, as does the Kitchen. Not sure how well the food court areas do well after high season

Next Championship will have a CC/restaurant, but more of a sports bar, than regular dining. So CC are evolving as younger residents move here and developers heirs rethink what younger residents want

[Papa_lecki]

This is beside the Okahumpka rec center which has a puzzling amount of parking capacity but it makes sense now. It feels like TV is getting away from country club restaurant model and trying to do something more interesting South of 44.

I would argue Southern Oaks has a restaurant - it’s just different.
Between the Food Court and McGrady’s. Southern Oaks has something none of the other CC have, a coffee bar (where you can get a quick breakfast).

[ElDiabloJoe]

CC were always attached to a Championship course. Southern Oaks was the first newly built Championship that concept changed. There wasn’t space at course for a CC, so No restaurant, or pro shop attached. Instead a food court of sorts, and tiny pro shop across the street. While outside sawgrass venue and McGradys does well, as does the Kitchen. Not sure how well the food court areas do well after high season

Next Championship will have a CC/restaurant, but more of a sports bar, than regular dining. So CC are evolving as younger residents move here and developers heirs rethink what younger residents want

^ Concur. More and more of the demographic that is either retiring or approaching retirement has different interests. Golf is not as big a deal as it was to previous generations. Younger retirees are more interested in outdoors, walking, hiking, cycling, running, etc. than a more golf and country club lifestyle. In general.

[MrChip72]

I would argue Southern Oaks has a restaurant - it’s just different.
Between the Food Court and McGrady’s. Southern Oaks has something none of the other CC have, a coffee bar (where you can get a quick breakfast).

That's the point I was trying to make. It seems like south of 44 they're decoupling the expectation to have a CC at each championship course, and instead offering more restaurants that are a little different than the CC experience.

[kingofbeer]

This is beside the Okahumpka rec center which has a puzzling amount of parking capacity but it makes sense now. It feels like TV is getting away from country club restaurant model and trying to do something more interesting South of 44.
There will not enough parking for the restaurant and those that use the recreation center. This will be a big problem here.

[Marathon Man]

There will not enough parking for the restaurant and those that use the recreation center. This will be a big problem here.

Yea yea yea. Lots of people said the same thing about Sawgrass. Been there many times, parked every time.

[Bogie Shooter]

There will not enough parking for the restaurant and those that use the recreation center. This will be a big problem here.

How many spaces are there?

[MrChip72]

Yea yea yea. Lots of people said the same thing about Sawgrass. Been there many times, parked every time.

Sawgrass can be a serious challenge for parking if anything big is happening at Ezell in the same evening. With a golf cart it's no problem, but I've seen the car parking for Sawgrass end up being 10 cars at once driving around waiting for other people to leave.

[Bilyclub]

Not much happening at the site since the groundbreaking.

[Normal]

You forgot "Oh Shucks!" :icon_hungry:

And the Sunny Pint

[coffeebean]

Does Willie Jewell’s, Reveille Café, China Chef ,Fenney Grill, as well as the offerings at Sawgrass ( Darlin’s Sweet Shop, Frenchy’s Wood Fired Pizza, Little Fin Seafood Shack, McGrady’s) not count?

I heartily recommend Reveille Café's gouda grits. So good!