Bring Back Katie Belles

[rickdankert]

Wish the Developer would spend some of the money they’re making on new homes to bring back Katie Belles. The ideal location would be the vacant Barnstorm Theatres in Brownwood or the vacant theatres in Spanish Springs. Katie Belles was one of the coolest things ever in The Villages and those of us that new it dearly miss it.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Wish the Developer would spend some of the money they’re making on new homes to bring back Katie Belles. The ideal location would be the vacant Barnstorm Theatres in Brownwood or the vacant theatres in Spanish Springs. Katie Belles was one of the coolest things ever in The Villages and those of us that new it dearly miss it.

Katie Bells closed because it wasn't earning enough revenue to stay open. The reason so many people loved it, was because they could buy the cheapest drink the two-drink minimum would allow them to get, and stay there for 4-5 hours enjoying the entertainment without having to spend another dime.

[Shipping up to Boston]

Katie Bells closed because it wasn't earning enough revenue to stay open. The reason so many people loved it, was because they could buy the cheapest drink the two-drink minimum would allow them to get, and stay there for 4-5 hours enjoying the entertainment without having to spend another dime.

For a second I thought you were talking about a strip club

[dewilson58]

Wish the Developer would spend some of the money they’re making on new homes to bring back Katie Belles.
Why spend money to loose money??

[fdpaq0580]

Spoiler Alert!
I liked it, too. But it ain't gonna happen.
Maybe if they could use the name, but make it like a members only club where you buy a membership that gives you X number of meals/shows per month or quarter it could find enough suc ... I mean, club members who like spending substantial bucks so they can show off to guests who come to visit.

Nah! Ain't gonna happen!

[JohnN]

and bring back two dollar Tuesdays at Church on the Square. well, that won't happen either.

[Marathon Man]

Wish the Developer would spend some of the money they’re making on new homes to bring back Katie Belles. The ideal location would be the vacant Barnstorm Theatres in Brownwood or the vacant theatres in Spanish Springs. Katie Belles was one of the coolest things ever in The Villages and those of us that new it dearly miss it.

Perhaps you and some others who want KB to come back can form an investment group. Get the money together to rent the building of your choice, then hire a company that operates such businesses. All the profit made will be divided among the investors.

[Dond1959]

I just love how quickly people will tell others how to spend their money. If KB was such a great place and money maker then you should have no problem putting up your own money and getting all the other KB lovers to chip in and open the place somewhere. Of course when this is suggested all those KB supporters slip away and all you hear is crickets. Thank God we still live in the USA and people aren’t forced to spend their hard earned money on something some people on the internet demand.

[Djean1981]

Why not create a business plan and get a business loan and recreate it?

[ldj1938]

Always enjoyed the entertainment, good meals, good bar. Don't really need the restaurant upstairs, but the first floor was great fun. Been here since 2000.:agree:

[JMintzer]

With all due respect, that "old style dance hall" was popular to a dying breed...

Seems to me, the later Boomers and the new Gex Xers moving in have zero interest in such a venue...

[Stu from NYC]

We moved here after it closed and heard good things about it.

They could not figure out how to make money with it and so it closed. Movie theaters same thing.

The world moves on

[LuvNH]

2003 for us. We loved it, went weekly to dine, drink and dance and watch the show. Does anyone remember Donna doing her Cher imitation, she was great.

We loved KT, loved the Church on the Square, loved watching the evenings when the high school kids performed on the piano. Things change and we changed. But great memories.

[justjim]

We moved here after it closed and heard good things about it.

They could not figure out how to make money with it and so it closed. Movie theaters same thing.

The world moves on

I keep hearing Katie Belles closed because they were not making any money but who really knows? There were other rumors as to “why KB closed” and they were thoroughly “bashed about” in a previous rather long thread. One thing is for sure you can’t unring the bell. Fore!

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

There was a place called Barleens that gave a show and dinner for one low price. It was all members of the same family that put on music that typifies a certain theme. They did it in Arizona for the winter and in Colorado for the summer. You had to call in months early for their shows because they would sell out quickly.

[Shipping up to Boston]

Obviously was an iconic piece for the Morse family...but became tired and outdated. The pandemic presented a perfect period to close it and repurpose the venue. I’m sure it was a centerpiece in its glory days but even Disney replaces and reimagines attractions yearly. It’s how you remain viable and relevant to newer generations of users

[Topspinmo]

I think we need to bring back the guillotine.:MOJE_whot::BigApplause:

[dhdallas]

Wish the Developer would spend some of the money they’re making on new homes to bring back Katie Belles. The ideal location would be the vacant Barnstorm Theatres in Brownwood or the vacant theatres in Spanish Springs. Katie Belles was one of the coolest things ever in The Villages and those of us that new it dearly miss it.

OMG, aren't you ancient people who are stuck in the past dead yet! If KB's was so "cool", then why didn't enough people go there to keep it financially afloat? The business was not profitable. That issue is long dead and buried. It is not ever coming back nor are the vacant theaters. Get over it!

[Velvet]

I’m sorry I missed both Katie Belle and the Church on the Square when it had services. It sounds like those were really classy times. These days, well, we at least still have golf. We have other things now and with such a population explosion I suppose the old ways are too much to expect.

[MrChip72]

With all due respect, that "old style dance hall" was popular to a dying breed...

Seems to me, the later Boomers and the new Gex Xers moving in have zero interest in such a venue...

As a Gen Xer, yes totally correct. No interest in that. Edna's or Sawgrass are more interesting venues where you can do what you want, order a drink or food if you decide to, but if you don't feel like buying a drink or food that day, the music is still free to listen to. Just bring your own chair.

[Two Bills]

My wife and I went to Katie Belles once.

[jedalton]

She was awesome

[jimdecastro]

Can the admins of TOTV block the words "Katie Belles".

[Shipping up to Boston]

Can the admins of TOTV block the words "Katie Belles".

....and ‘dog poop’

[La lamy]

With all due respect, that "old style dance hall" was popular to a dying breed...

Seems to me, the later Boomers and the new Gex Xers moving in have zero interest in such a venue...

Exactly. This longing for old style entertainment reminds me of my boyfriend who says there's NO good music being created anymore. Some people are stuck in just liking the past. I personally enjoy discovering something new. But as always to each their own...

[togabill]

😀😀😀😀😀

[mrf0151]

Katie Bells closed. Nothing they have put in that location has been successful.
Come to think of it, what is the deal with most/many of the Restaurants in Spanish Springs eventually close up?

[DiandJay]

That was an unnecessarily rude response. What a thing to say. :/

[DiandJay]

OMG, aren't you ancient people who are stuck in the past dead yet! If KB's was so "cool", then why didn't enough people go there to keep it financially afloat? The business was not profitable. That issue is long dead and buried. It is not ever coming back nor are the vacant theaters. Get over it!

This is unnecessarily rude and unkind. :/

[Shipping up to Boston]

Exactly. This longing for old style entertainment reminds me of my boyfriend who says there's NO good music being created anymore. Some people are stuck in just liking the past. I personally enjoy discovering something new. But as always to each their own...

I'm an 80's guy. Probably (arguably of course) the best decade to grow up in. I didn't like my parents era music either. While I don't like this generations music, its all relative and generational. So there is good music being created today...just not your genre and to your liking. The rest of your post I agree with...

[Mrmean58]

Wish the Developer would spend some of the money they’re making on new homes to bring back Katie Belles. The ideal location would be the vacant Barnstorm Theatres in Brownwood or the vacant theatres in Spanish Springs. Katie Belles was one of the coolest things ever in The Villages and those of us that new it dearly miss it.

So hypothetically, would those who enjoyed Katie Belles be willing to pay a $20 cover charge in addition to the prior two drink minimum? That's the type of business model that would need to be in place for it to survive. I think the answer is a hard no.

[Alarmed]

2003 for us. We loved it, went weekly to dine, drink and dance and watch the show. Does anyone remember Donna doing her Cher imitation, she was great.

We loved KT, loved the Church on the Square, loved watching the evenings when the high school kids performed on the piano. Things change and we changed. But great memories.
Donna was just performing at the new Joke Joint in Summerfield.

[tombpot]

Quit living in the past and move on

[paulajr]

Yea..it was “cool” to go to Katie Belle’s and watch the majority of people sit for hours with one drink. Unsustainable business…

Wish the Developer would spend some of the money they’re making on new homes to bring back Katie Belles. The ideal location would be the vacant Barnstorm Theatres in Brownwood or the vacant theatres in Spanish Springs. Katie Belles was one of the coolest things ever in The Villages and those of us that knew it dearly miss it.

[mwpoet]

Katie Bells closed because it wasn't earning enough revenue to stay open. The reason so many people loved it, was because they could buy the cheapest drink the two-drink minimum would allow them to get, and stay there for 4-5 hours enjoying the entertainment without having to spend another dime.

To get money. Requirement you to buy a meal? I loved Katie Belles!!

[ROCKETMAN]

The bands at Katie Bells got between $1000 and $1500 a night. No way to break even charging nothing at the door and no drink minimum

[Shipping up to Boston]

The bands at Katie Bells got between $1000 and $1500 a night. No way to break even charging nothing at the door and no drink minimum

Must’ve been REO Speedwagon...

[coralway]

Believe KB was a favorite haunt of the mythical Mr. Midnight who evidently went hunting there for cougars and other forms of semi wildlife

[Shipping up to Boston]

Believe KB was a favorite haunt of the mythical Mr. Midnight who evidently went hunting there for cougars and other forms of semi wildlife

I’ve seen his work on Pension Hunters!

[Northwoods]

If we bring back Kate Belles, then we get to suffer through endless threads of “it’s too expensive,” “the food is terrible,” “the service was terrible.”. I’ll pass. I’ve been to Kate Belles a few times. I don’t miss it.

[ElDiabloJoe]

This is unnecessarily rude and unkind. :/

Yet it was entirely accurate. So you're just upset because you don't like their response?

[Velvet]

I'm an 80's guy. Probably (arguably of course) the best decade to grow up in. I didn't like my parents era music either. While I don't like this generations music, its all relative and generational. So there is good music being created today...just not your genre and to your liking. The rest of your post I agree with...

Some people misunderstand, it is not the music, or the style of dressing or dancing or even the type of food. It was the gentility of the times, where the customer’s enjoyment came first. And their needs were respected. It would be very easy to “modernize” the concept but not for so many people as we have here today. Money making is now the first priority. And from a business point of view, that makes sense.

[JMintzer]

Quit living in the past and move on

"Living in the Past" was a decent song by Jethro Tull... Not their best, but decent... Cool flute solo...

[Velvet]

Believe KB was a favorite haunt of the mythical Mr. Midnight who evidently went hunting there for cougars and other forms of semi wildlife

He was not such a bad guy, online. I never met him in real life. He helped me chose my garburator and I’ve never had a problem with it since.

[Velvet]

"Living in the Past" was a decent song by Jethro Tull... Not their best, but decent... Cool flute solo...

What is lovely about the past is that we know it, and can chose it’s best parts and use it. The present we only see, and the future for each human being is death. (I love Jethro Tull.)

[Shipping up to Boston]

Some people misunderstand, it is not the music, or the style of dressing or dancing or even the type of food. It was the gentility of the times, where the customer’s enjoyment came first. And their needs were respected. It would be very easy to “modernize” the concept but not for so many people as we have here today. Money making is now the first priority. And from a business point of view, that makes sense.

It lives on...at Fort Wilderness WDW. It’s the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue

[Velvet]

it lives on...at fort wilderness wdw. It’s the hoop-dee-doo musical revue

lol

[karostay]

Yes I agree
We were told this facility is yours.
The people of the Villages.
Like so many other restaurants
The have been taken away.
Remember the cool restaurant at Santiago .
Hacienda is another

[Indydealmaker]

Wish the Developer would spend some of the money they’re making on new homes to bring back Katie Belles. The ideal location would be the vacant Barnstorm Theatres in Brownwood or the vacant theatres in Spanish Springs. Katie Belles was one of the coolest things ever in The Villages and those of us that new it dearly miss it.

Katie Belle's was a money loser subsidized by the developer for years.

[PugMom]

There was a place called Barleens that gave a show and dinner for one low price. It was all members of the same family that put on music that typifies a certain theme. They did it in Arizona for the winter and in Colorado for the summer. You had to call in months early for their shows because they would sell out quickly.

that sounds pretty cool! :coolsmiley:

[Michael 61]

I moved here a few years after KB’s shut down. Even if it was still in business, does not sound like the kind of place I would patronize. With that said, I do feel bad for the older generation that misses this spot.

[PugMom]

Yet it was entirely accurate. So you're just upset because you don't like their response?

no, but there are a few of us who would like to keep 'tabloid' type comments to a minimum. many of us know each other, and are not comfortable 'dissing' a remark just because you feel like it. there are other outlets for rude, nasty behavior. thank you, & best wishes, Friend :beer3:

[PugMom]

What is lovely about the past is that we know it, and can chose it’s best parts and use it. The present we only see, and the future for each human being is death. (I love Jethro Tull.)

dittos TULL!!

[Rainger99]

For those of us who were never there, can someone describe Katie Belles?

Was it a restaurant, a bar, a nightclub? Was it open all day or just in the evening?
Was there entertainment every night like the squares? Did people go for the entertainment or the food or for the socialization? What were prices for drinks and food? Was it usually packed? And if they couldn't make it with a two drink minimum, would they have able to make it with a cover charge or a three drink minimum?

[Blueblaze]

Don't be silly! Katy Belle's made lots of money, just not from selling drinks. A guy named Morse was bright enough to figure out that if he created a place like that in a place like Spanish Springs, he could convince 100,000 old folks to move to Podunk, Florida, and buy a house from him. Unfortunately, the kids didn't inherit the gene, so now they build houses 45 minutes from the amenities, and expect the amenities to pay for themselves.

Maybe someone should explain to the kids that people don't go to Disneyworld to buy tee-shirts. They go to ride Space Mountain for "free". Somebody should tell them that the moment people figure out "Disney for Old Folks" is really just a big housing development in the middle of nowhere, the Morse family money tree croaks and the party's over.

If you ask me, pulling the rug out from under the previous buyers on amenities like Katy Belles and the Old Mill Theater, that they thought came with the deal, is not only dumb -- it's pretty close to fraud. If you want to sell houses in the middle of nowhere, you're going to have to give people a reason to move 1000 miles from their family at the end of their life. Because if word gets out that the moment you sell them that house, you're done with them, you just made suckers out of your customers, and it's going to be hard to find new suckers in the future.

[Michael 61]

Don't be silly! Katy Belle's made lots of money, just not from selling drinks. A guy named Morse was bright enough to figure out that if he created a place like that in a place like Spanish Springs, he could convince 100,000 old folks to move to Podunk, Florida, and buy a house from him. Unfortunately, the kids didn't inherit the gene, so now they build houses 45 minutes from the amenities, and expect the amenities to pay for themselves.

Maybe someone should explain to the kids that people don't go to Disneyworld to buy tee-shirts. They go to ride Space Mountain for "free". Somebody should tell them that the moment people figure out "Disney for Old Folks" is really just a big housing development in the middle of nowhere, the Morse family money tree croaks and the party's over.

If you ask me, pulling the rug out from under the previous buyers on amenities like Katy Belles and the Old Mill Theater, that they thought came with the deal, is not only dumb -- it's pretty close to fraud. If you want to sell houses in the middle of nowhere, you're going to have to give people a reason to move 1000 miles from their family at the end of their life. Because if word gets out that the moment you sell them that house, you're done with them, you just made suckers out of your customers, and it's going to be hard to find new suckers in the future.

I moved here with no pre-conceived idea that any business is an “amenity” or “entitlement” that is guaranteed to always be here. Businesses come and go.

[HoosierPa]

Sawgrass IS the new Katie Belle’s owned by the developer and those of us who built / bought near it are loving it. Also looking forward to the newest town square coming soon near us at Eastport !

[dadspet]

I'm voting a strong yes on this- Bring back Katie Belles. It was great and a real attraction for residents and their visitors.:agree: It had a significant impact on us buying here and for many others that we talk with. I think the advertising effect on house buying more than pays for any business loss (if thats true) and having a unique place where residents can dine and dance vs the squares that are overcrowded with a large percent of non-villagers and subject to the weather. Biggest mistake The Villages made- and I don't think they make many. :spoken:

[Shipping up to Boston]

I'm voting a strong yes on this- Bring back Katie Belles. It was great and a real attraction for residents and their visitors.:agree: It had a significant impact on us buying here and for many others that we talk with. I think the advertising effect on house buying more than pays for any business loss (if thats true) and having a unique place where residents can dine and dance vs the squares that are overcrowded with a large percent of non-villagers and subject to the weather. Biggest mistake The Villages made- and I don't think they make many. :spoken:

Overcrowded? The gym floor in the movie Hoosiers had more space than KB. Yes it was indoors bit the squares...and the outdoors are where buyers since...want to be

[Cliff Fr]

I just love how quickly people will tell others how to spend their money. If KB was such a great place and money maker then you should have no problem putting up your own money and getting all the other KB lovers to chip in and open the place somewhere. Of course when this is suggested all those KB supporters slip away and all you hear is crickets. Thank God we still live in the USA and people aren’t forced to spend their hard earned money on something some people on the internet demand.
Well, we're being forced to spend money subsidizing electric cars. Lol

[Cliff Fr]

[QUOTE=dhdallas;2323920]OMG, aren't you ancient people who are stuck in the past dead yet! If KB's was so "cool", then why didn't enough people go there to keep it financially afloat? The business was not profitable. That issue is long dead and buried. It is not ever coming back nor are the vacant theaters. Get over it![/QUOTE

Wow, what a hateful post

[Velvet]

Sawgrass IS the new Katie Belle’s owned by the developer and those of us who built / bought near it are loving it. Also looking forward to the newest town square coming soon near us at Eastport !

You are correct and Katie Belles was in the “older” section. And it was a developer “perk” perhaps to the residents. Yes, not strictly a money-maker. Those times are gone, now it is time for “the survival of the fittest” monetarily. It is sad for those who knew better and the “young uns” now are trying to justify what they don’t have to make themselves feel better.

[Sandancer]

Katie Belles was Fabulous! The family closed it permanently when the pandemic started..The developer has sold ALL his restaurants & wants no part of that anymore...The Rialto theatre in Sp Springs is going to be the site of the new Genesis Health Club {under consruction now} Those were the days-Have dinner, great bands playing for 4 hours for dancing...Never be another Katie Belles!

[HoosierPa]

You are correct and Katie Belles was in the “older” section. And it was a developer “perk” perhaps to the residents. Yes, not strictly a money-maker. Those times are gone, now it is time for “the survival of the fittest” monetarily. It is sad for those who knew better and the “young uns” now are trying to justify what they don’t have to make themselves feel better.

I’m sure it was opened to make money and when it didn’t, it
closed, just like Sawgrass will if they don’t start policing people bringing in drinks from the outside.

[Velvet]

I’m sure it was opened to make money and when it didn’t, it
closed, just like Sawgrass will if they don’t start policing people bringing in drinks from the outside.

(Smile) I guess you can’t even imagine the kind of times that once existed… I’m not saying that Mr Schwartz wasn’t an excellent business man, only that he was much more.

[RUCdaze]

First of all, Katie Belles was always packed, especially on weekends. If they werem't making money it wasn't because people weren't come in the front door. As for the theater in Brownwood, the decent thing to do is to reopen that venue so people in the south can have a movie theater accessible to them in the evening hours.
''''''

[dewilson58]

(1) First of all, Katie Belles was always packed, especially on weekends. If they werem't making money it wasn't because people weren't come in the front door. (2) As for the theater in Brownwood, the decent thing to do is to reopen that venue so people in the south can have a movie theater accessible to them in the evening hours.
''''''

(1)......IF true about weekends, you can't make money on two days per week. It does matter if "it's packed", if the people are not purchasing.

(2) Again, if it was profitable...........it would be open. The Family would love to lease the facility to you, it's "the decent thing" for you to do.

[MSGirl]

As a Gen Xer, yes totally correct. No interest in that. Edna's or Sawgrass are more interesting venues where you can do what you want, order a drink or food if you decide to, but if you don't feel like buying a drink or food that day, the music is still free to listen to. Just bring your own chair.

Sawgrass is a disappointment to me. Most of the folks listening to music bring their own drinks. The food there is overpriced and not very good. McGrady’s is never full. Will be interesting to see the future of that place . The concept was great on the drawing board.

[Michael 61]

Sawgrass is a disappointment to me. Most of the folks listening to music bring their own drinks. The food there is overpriced and not very good. McGrady’s is never full. Will be interesting to see the future of that place . The concept was great on the drawing board.

Sawgrass keeps growing in popularity. During the month of March, the available tables were starting to fill up 2 1/2 hours before Boozey Bingo on Monday nights. The lines waiting for cards, stretched from the stage clear out to the parking lot, and they ran out of cards several weeks in a row. It’s been a challenge getting tickets to the Show Kitchen this spring, with several classes selling out within hours of going on sale. The Villages Grown Market seems to be doing brisk business, and I shop there weekly for better-than-organic greens and herbs.

Sawgrass has been a very popular venue, and it keeps getting more and more crowded, as evidenced by the full parking lot on many evenings.

Once again, it appears the developer knows what they are doing, and seldom missteps.

[MrChip72]

Sawgrass is a disappointment to me. Most of the folks listening to music bring their own drinks. The food there is overpriced and not very good. McGrady’s is never full. Will be interesting to see the future of that place . The concept was great on the drawing board.

When any decent band is playing Sawgrass it's a fight to get a reasonably decent parking spot and also fairly crowded where you pretty much need to bring your own chairs (which I don't mind at all).

Who cares if some people bring in their own drinks? I honestly think it's better that they don't overpolice a venue like that. More than enough people are buying drinks and buying food. I usually buy drinks and sometimes food but sometimes I'm just stopping buy with a coffee or my water bottle to watch the band do a few songs.

The pizza is around $18 and is a decent lunch or light dinner for 2 people. I find the pizza to be definitely above average. What are you expecting to pay per person for something like that? At Five Guys in Brownwood a Cheesburger and Fries (no drink) is $19.

I agree that McGrady's is a missed opportunity. The theme is just a complete miss and doesn't match what anyone wants. Hopefully they'll figure out a better concept or go with something tried, true and popular like City Fire.

[rustyp]

Sawgrass keeps growing in popularity. During the month of March, the available tables were starting to fill up 2 1/2 hours before Boozey Bingo on Monday nights. The lines waiting for cards, stretched from the stage clear out to the parking lot, and they ran out of cards several weeks in a row. It’s been a challenge getting tickets to the Show Kitchen this spring, with several classes selling out within hours of going on sale. The Villages Grown Market seems to be doing brisk business, and I shop there weekly for better-than-organic greens and herbs.

Sawgrass has been a very popular venue, and it keeps getting more and more crowded, as evidenced by the full parking lot on many evenings.

Once again, it appears the developer knows what they are doing, and seldom missteps.

Sawgrass will go the same route as Katie Belles once Eastport opens.

[Papa_lecki]

I was in The Villages sales center, I heard 15 different people, in one hour, say they would buy a house in T/he Villages if “Katie Belle’s was still open, but since it closed, they are going to On Top of thr World

[Papa_lecki]

Sawgrass is a disappointment to me. Most of the folks listening to music bring their own drinks. The food there is overpriced and not very good. McGrady’s is never full. Will be interesting to see the future of that place . The concept was great on the drawing board.

So they monitor outside alcohol at LSL, SS and Brownwood, but they don’t a Sawgrass. Totally makes sense.

[rustyp]

I was in The Villages sales center, I heard 15 different people, in one hour, say they would buy a house in T/he Villages if “Katie Belle’s was still open, but since it closed, they are going to On Top of thr World

Coincidence ? We must have been in the sales center at the same time. Did you exaggerate ? I counted 14.

[dewilson58]

I was in The Villages sales center, I heard 15 different people, in one hour, say they would buy a house in T/he Villages if “Katie Belle’s was still open, but since it closed, they are going to On Top of thr World

They are definitely not looking for TV Life Style.

[Battlebasset]

I was in The Villages sales center, I heard 15 different people, in one hour, say they would buy a house in T/he Villages if “Katie Belle’s was still open, but since it closed, they are going to On Top of thr World

Does Top of the World have a "Katie Belles"?

[Shipping up to Boston]

Does Top of the World have a "Katie Belles"?

....and if so, are The Carpenters on a continuous track

[mraines]

Katie Bells closed because it wasn't earning enough revenue to stay open. The reason so many people loved it, was because they could buy the cheapest drink the two-drink minimum would allow them to get, and stay there for 4-5 hours enjoying the entertainment without having to spend another dime.
I don't buy that argument. Katie Belle's had many people who spent money. My belief is that the Developer had other plans. There is no other place like it in The Villages.

[Shipping up to Boston]

Katie Belles from beyond the grave just PM me....”I’m tired, leave me alone, move on. Also, no drink minimums up here!”

[dewilson58]

I don't buy that argument. Katie Belle's had many people who spent money. My belief is that the Developer had other plans. There is no other place like it in The Villages.

IF, IF, IF & IF.............It was making money and the Developer had other plans.............why close a profitable establishment and have it sit empty and have negative ROI for months and months and months while plans are approved and permits are obtained??? Why not run the profitable establishment until the wrecking ball shows up???

:icon_hungry:

[mraines]

Katie Bells closed. Nothing they have put in that location has been successful.
Come to think of it, what is the deal with most/many of the Restaurants in Spanish Springs eventually close up?
The Developer wants to put all his buddie's restaurants in there. And why is it taking so long to move MVP?

[rustyp]

Katie Bells closed because it wasn't earning enough revenue to stay open. The reason so many people loved it, was because they could buy the cheapest drink the two-drink minimum would allow them to get, and stay there for 4-5 hours enjoying the entertainment without having to spend another dime.

Not all business close for "lack of revenue to stay open". Case in point - Margarita Republic. Never once have I seen it published by the Morse family that KB was not making a profit. Other more profitable plans ? Maybe. Getting out of the food business - more likely. The food business requires lots of time and attention. Just keeping help and avoiding spoilage are tedious tasks at best. Time better spent concentrating on their primary business - developing. If you speculate even deeper they were competing with the other restaurants on the square - the very businesses they are leasing their property to. Probably not the ace of trump when it comes to lease renegotiation. The demand doesn't seem so high for restaurant space. How long has Margarita Republic been closed for ? Also the dinner theater thing was also somewhat competing with their other business - The Sharon.

[Blueblaze]

I was in The Villages sales center, I heard 15 different people, in one hour, say they would buy a house in T/he Villages if “Katie Belle’s was still open, but since it closed, they are going to On Top of thr World

No kidding? When I was there, it was all about the free executive golf and the free entertainment at the squares. Good thing those amenities still make lots of money for the Morse's or we'd really be out of luck! That could never happen, right?

[Jayhawk]

IF, IF, IF & IF.............It was making money and the Developer had other plans.............why close a profitable establishment and have it sit empty and have negative ROI for months and months and months while plans are approved and permits are obtained??? Why not run the profitable establishment until the wrecking ball shows up???

:icon_hungry:

Stop making sense. Too many here won't ever understand.

:pepper2:

[Number 10 GI]

If KB was such a profitable enterprise, don't you think some smart entrepreneur would have recognized the profit potential and opened a similar venue????? Sheesh, let that poor dead horse rest in peace instead of pieces.