Spainish Springs

[Freestyle7819]

So what is the developer doing to bring in new restaurants since Gators, World of Beers and the third in The square now empty?
Seems to be me they are more focused on their new Eastport and Middleton vs where it all started.

[Bill14564]

An empty storefront costs them money so I'm sure they are trying to fill them.

An empty storefront in a new building in a new area with little competition might be easier to fill than an empty storefront in an old building in an established area with considerable competition just around the corner on 441.

[RICH1]

A Spain Themed restaurant , I hope...Love those " spainards...Beautiful people"

[shut the front door]

So what is the developer doing to bring in new restaurants since Gators, World of Beers and the third in The square now empty?
Seems to be me they are more focused on their new Eastport and Middleton vs where it all started.

Patience, grasshopper. They will get filled, but 2 of those locations need severe renovations. Gators and Margarita Republic are in really bad shape. Even when someone decides to pay the exorbitant rent, they're are going to have lots of work to do.

[Jayhawk]

Even when someone decides to pay the exorbitant rent, they're are going to have lots of work to do.

How much is the "exorbitant rent"?

[rustyp]

The developers built Blondies. Open several days a week for a couple hours. What more do you need ? We also got rid of the pink plywood in front of the movie theater after many years. Things are progressing.

[JoMar]

Spanish Springs will just turn into a ghetto. The Esteemed, Benovelent Developer has long forgot it

Actually the residents seem to have forgotten it. Business's survive because they have revenue/profits. So far, the residents around Sumter and Brownwood keep them viable but will see how that holds up as Middleton and Eastport come online and the those folks pull back from north of 44. Too easy to take cheap shots at the Developer.

[Taltarzac725]

Lots of turnover in Spanish Springs over the past 20 years or so.

It is not a new thing.

[shut the front door]

How much is the "exorbitant rent"?

Call them and ask.

[tophcfa]

Here is wishing for a couple small scale eating establishments in town. My wish list would be an Island Fin Poke Bowl and a Tropical Smoothie. Unfortunately, small scale places, that don’t make the high profit margins from selling alcohol, would probably have a hard time making an adequate profit paying premium town square rent. That being said, Island Fin seems to be doing OK in Brownwood.

[Cuervo]

I have no idea what rents are in The Villages, but at one time they had a lock on rental spaces. The TV town squares are still an ideal place since many residents never leave TV property. But there is a lot of new development outside TV and a lot of that development is housing new restaurants. So hopefully TV management realize the competition is growing, the lock is gone, and they keep rents in a reasonable range.

[rsmurano]

I’m surprised Sawgrass establishments are still open. Local friends and neighbors complain about their prices. You can go to Brownwood everyday and get happy hour prices in the afternoon, no such thing at sawgrass. At Brownwood, or Lake Sumter, you have a lot of variety of restaurants that have great food for much less than Sawgrass. I’ve never eaten or had drinks at Sawgrass, nor have some of my friends because of what we’ve heard and we can walk there.

[dewilson58]

Actually the residents seem to have forgotten it. Business's survive because they have revenue/profits. So far, the residents around Sumter and Brownwood keep them viable but will see how that holds up as Middleton and Eastport come online and the those folks pull back from north of 44. Too easy to take cheap shots at the Developer.

BINGO

If there appears to be a profitable market for food service, they will come.

If there appears to be no support, crickets.

[Papa_lecki]

Developer will need to invest in SS, and make it interesting again.
The residents around say 466A to turnpike, who travel to SS maybe once every 10 days, will soon make that trip south to Eastport and/or Middleton.
Developer still wants the cash flow from SS, so i would predict some investment - i.e. like they did with Blondies.

[motherflippinpicker]

I’m surprised Sawgrass establishments are still open. Local friends and neighbors complain about their prices. You can go to Brownwood everyday and get happy hour prices in the afternoon, no such thing at sawgrass. At Brownwood, or Lake Sumter, you have a lot of variety of restaurants that have great food for much less than Sawgrass. I’ve never eaten or had drinks at Sawgrass, nor have some of my friends because of what we’ve heard and we can walk there.

I have to agree with your assumptions about Sawgrass. This is our closest area but we seldom go here. The entertainment is usually subpar but does seem to be improving. The drink prices are $1 more than the other squares, the food is terrible and it's crowded. We do enjoy Tuesday Trivia and the occasionally Boozy Bingo but that's about it.

[sdeikenberry]

Patience, grasshopper. They will get filled, but 2 of those locations need severe renovations. Gators and Margarita Republic are in really bad shape. Even when someone decides to pay the exorbitant rent, they're are going to have lots of work to do.

Margarita Republic was completely gutted right after it closed. Rumor was a wings place was going in. Nothing has happened. That was going on two years ago. Disappointing.

[dtennent]

The few times we went to the Irish pub in Sawgrass, we enjoyed the food largely because it was different than other venues. I guess now that FMK has taken it over, you can enjoy the food that they serve elsewhere.

[Laker]

I’m surprised Sawgrass establishments are still open. Local friends and neighbors complain about their prices. You can go to Brownwood everyday and get happy hour prices in the afternoon, no such thing at sawgrass. At Brownwood, or Lake Sumter, you have a lot of variety of restaurants that have great food for much less than Sawgrass. I’ve never eaten or had drinks at Sawgrass, nor have some of my friends because of what we’ve heard and we can walk there.

Sawgrass has happy hour prices every day, both at The Villages bars and also at the Sawgrass Tavern. We go to Sawgrass and Brownwood a lot, the prices are not any different, unless maybe you eat at Five Guys in Brownwood.

[coconutmama]

The few times we went to the Irish pub in Sawgrass, we enjoyed the food largely because it was different than other venues. I guess now that FMK has taken it over, you can enjoy the food that they serve elsewhere.

Actually the menu is similar to the previous McGrady’s Pub in Sawgrass, such as scotch eggs, etc. A nice change from the usual FMK fare.

[dewilson58]

Margarita Republic was completely gutted right after it closed.

Cheapest way to get that place clean.

:jester:

[shueburruss]

I’m surprised Sawgrass establishments are still open. Local friends and neighbors complain about their prices. You can go to Brownwood everyday and get happy hour prices in the afternoon, no such thing at sawgrass. At Brownwood, or Lake Sumter, you have a lot of variety of restaurants that have great food for much less than Sawgrass. I’ve never eaten or had drinks at Sawgrass, nor have some of my friends because of what we’ve heard and we can walk there.

"I've heard"... I suggest you check out Sawgrass for yourself and not base your assessment on what you've heard. Sawgrass does have happy hour(s), both at The Villages Entertainment establishments as well as Sawgrass Tavern. The food is good in The Market and Sawgrass Tavern and competitively priced. Try it, you just might like it!

[FredJacobs]

So what is the developer doing to bring in new restaurants since Gators, World of Beers and the third in The square now empty?
Seems to be me they are more focused on their new Eastport and Middleton vs where it all started.

Probably trying to figure out if he can turn them into street level (no stairs) apartments first. Then stores.

[larrycrilley@gmail.com]

I truly would like to see an Indian restaurant here in The Villages. I think they would do very well. Seeing the nearest competition is in Leesburg and Ocala.

[coleprice]

With all of the businesses that have closed at Spanish Springs, the rental costs are obviously too high! The owner/landlord has to charge rents that allow businesses to thrive and profit given the amount of patronage that the area attracts.

[KathyK]

I'm glad to see the pink plywood gone, but Genesis signage is hideous.

[maistocars]

Sawgrass has happy hour prices every day, both at The Villages bars and also at the Sawgrass Tavern. We go to Sawgrass and Brownwood a lot, the prices are not any different, unless maybe you eat at Five Guys in Brownwood.
To me, Five Guys is quite expensive considering what you get.

[UpsideDown]

Margarita Republic was completely gutted right after it closed. Rumor was a wings place was going in. Nothing has happened. That was going on two years ago. Disappointing.

It is probably still a Haz Mat site.

[Larryandlinda]

A Spain Themed restaurant , I hope...Love those " spainards...Beautiful people"
This is a great idea and always better to have a locally-owned and managed establishment.
In addition to base rent, doesn’t TV collect an ‘overage’ - a portion of your gross or net revenue. Some, maybe most, small businesses prefer not to have anyone other than their state, nation, accountant, or municipality look at their books. Not that we ever intended to pocket our cash, but we always crossed out the overage clauses.
If we thrived it meant we were anchoring more traffic.
Even one empty business in a center makes for a less inviting shopping, dining, or entertainment atmosphere.

[LianneMigiano]

Maybe this is where Hooters was going! It's been reported in this venue that they do really good wings - and now there's a bankruptcy in their cards (which would account for the lack of activity)....

[Bill14564]

What’s stopping you from opening a business in one of those empty spaces?

Retirement.

My time to take other's money is past, at this point in my life I support the economy by spending money at other's businesses.

[kcrazorbackfan]

So what is the developer doing to bring in new restaurants since Gators, World of Beers and the third in The square now empty?
Seems to be me they are more focused on their new Eastport and Middleton vs where it all started.

So? Their development, their money, their decisions. Quit wanting to spend their money..

[Marathon Man]

With all of the businesses that have closed at Spanish Springs, the rental costs are obviously too high! The owner/landlord has to charge rents that allow businesses to thrive and profit given the amount of patronage that the area attracts.

And that is the problem. Low patronage.

[Bill14564]

Then how can you be surprised that they are still open?

He's probably also surprised at how busy they are given the negative things he has heard. (which would make me wonder about the accuracy of the information I was hearing but....)

[JoMar]

With all of the businesses that have closed at Spanish Springs, the rental costs are obviously too high! The owner/landlord has to charge rents that allow businesses to thrive and profit given the amount of patronage that the area attracts.

Of course it's rent....it couldn't possibly be the people that live there not supporting the businesses could it? The aging demo couldn't be a reason could it? What is the rent difference between SS vs Sumter and Brownwood since they seem to be doing ok? Also, how many vacant store fronts are in SS?

[Indydealmaker]

BINGO

If there appears to be a profitable market for food service, they will come.

If there appears to be no support, crickets.
People forget that the demographics across The Villages varies. Older areas trend "older" which tends to be less mobile due to health and mindset. Things change.

[thelegges]

In 2007 when I joined TOTVs, the site was perfect for those who needed recommendations, on restaurants, and business.

Those who actually ate at restaurants, or used a business, gave honest reviews.

It seems more posters crap on a business or restaurant yet have Never entered their doors to have a drink or eat, or spoken to that business.

It’s sad that so much information comes from the barber shops, grocery and the guy down the street that hasn’t left their house in 10 years.:faint: yet are experts.

How many times has the biggest complaint about Sawgrass is No Parking Available. Funny if all the spots are taken, wouldn’t that mean the establishments, are bringing in customers? Or do people just use Sawgrass parking to store their cars and golf carts?:1rotfl:

In all our years we spent time in SS between 2007-2010. Once LSL had enough business open we traveled there.
Once we sat down and realized 5% of our year was in SS, 20% in LSL. The the rest of the % we spent in Brownwood. Now south of 44 we will have more opportunities with Eastport and Middleton. Life changes, if developer can’t convince business to open, it’s still illegal to hold a gun to their head to make them sign a contract

[Stu from NYC]

Maybe this is where Hooters was going! It's been reported in this venue that they do really good wings - and now there's a bankruptcy in their cards (which would account for the lack of activity)....

The 3 hooters that are not coming are not connected to the Hooters that apparently will file bankruptcy

[Stu from NYC]

Over time we have found that restaurants outside the bubble are better so rare do we eat at one of the squares.

[jimhoward]

I’m surprised Sawgrass establishments are still open. Local friends and neighbors complain about their prices. You can go to Brownwood everyday and get happy hour prices in the afternoon, no such thing at sawgrass. At Brownwood, or Lake Sumter, you have a lot of variety of restaurants that have great food for much less than Sawgrass. I’ve never eaten or had drinks at Sawgrass, nor have some of my friends because of what we’ve heard and we can walk there.

They are not just open and hanging on they are packed almost every night. Since Mcgradys became the sawgrass tavern wait times if you don’t have a reservation can be as much as an hour. This according to one of my daughters who works there.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I truly would like to see an Indian restaurant here in The Villages. I think they would do very well. Seeing the nearest competition is in Leesburg and Ocala.

I don't know of any Indian restaurant in Leesburg. Other than Ocala, the only one I know of is Shiva, in Mt. Dora. It's pretty good but a very tiny place, somewhat pricey, and portions are smaller than what I used to get up north.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Of course it's rent....it couldn't possibly be the people that live there not supporting the businesses could it? The aging demo couldn't be a reason could it? What is the rent difference between SS vs Sumter and Brownwood since they seem to be doing ok? Also, how many vacant store fronts are in SS?

Several. Dunkin Donuts shut down for good last week. Ay Jalisco still has plenty of business, and for some reason I can't fathom, Ruby Tuesday's is always busy. That place is SO run down - wallpaper peeling off the walls, the carpeting is threadbare and horribly stained, the burgers are meat-flavored grease patties on gummy buns. Panera is busy at lunch time, not so much at dinner time. The only other restaurants in Spanish Springs are the fake Greek place which is MOSTLY drinkers, the Italian place which is great but VERY expensive, and the seafood place which is also great but expensive.

There used to be a wine-drinking place but they closed down a year or more ago. There's also Kilwin's ice cream which is - also very expensive (I think I had to pay something like $7 for a single SCOOP of ice cream).

In addition to the closed and still vacant restaurants there are also a few vacant stores, and I'll give J.Jill's 6 months of being open before they shut down as well.

[clwahlstrom]

Live in the Havana area and will not make that trip down… do not believe it would have much more to offer.

[clwahlstrom]

J Jill’s closed down in the malls in the West Coast ages ago. Sorry that is the only store they could get in that spot

[DaddyD]

I truly would like to see an Indian restaurant here in The Villages. I think they would do very well. Seeing the nearest competition is in Leesburg and Ocala.

"From your lips to God's ears" as the saying goes! Anyway, 100% agree, would LOVE it if an Indian restaurant (preferably one that offers a lunch buffet) would open in TV, but I doubt it will happen..I think the average Villager isn't into heavily spiced / spicy foods & has fairly bland tastes when it comes to food / restaurants. Thus why 90% of restaurants around here are boring chain restaurants & fast food. I've got more complaints about TV than most, but perhaps my biggest is the lack of variety when it comes to restaurants--I'd love to see more non-chain / franchise restaurants, and most importantly, more ethnic restaurants.

[DaddyD]

Retirement.

My time to take other's money is past, at this point in my life I support the economy by spending money at other's businesses.

Ha! Great answer...

[DaddyD]

This is a great idea and always better to have a locally-owned and managed establishment.
In addition to base rent, doesn’t TV collect an ‘overage’ - a portion of your gross or net revenue. Some, maybe most, small businesses prefer not to have anyone other than their state, nation, accountant, or municipality look at their books. Not that we ever intended to pocket our cash, but we always crossed out the overage clauses.
If we thrived it meant we were anchoring more traffic.
Even one empty business in a center makes for a less inviting shopping, dining, or entertainment atmosphere.

"Overage" is a common clause in lease clauses in indoor / outdoor malls. I've had approx a dozen retail stores in high end malls, and all of them had an overage clause, meaning if my gross sales were "over" a certain amount, I had to pay the mall owner a percentage of that overage sales, in addition to the monthly rent I was paying. And guess what? I was thrilled to pay it--that meant that my sales that month / year were WAY more than expected!

It's kind of like taxes--no one really likes paying them, but in reality having to pay a lot of taxes is somewhat of a blessing. No tax = no profits. Lots of tax owed means you enjoyed really high net profits.

But your last sentence--"Even one empty business in a center makes for a less inviting shopping, dining, or entertainment atmosphere"--is spot on, and it's a self perpetuating cycle--the more empty spaces means the less shoppers, which means more empty spaces so less and less shoppers, and on & on.

I checked out the Spanish Springs square for the first time in a long time just the other day...strolled around with extra money in my pocket wanting to get rid of some of it but couldn't find a damn thing I wanted to own or eat! Hell, even the Dunkin' Donuts went out of business! If a reasonably priced coffee & donut place is unable to stay make a profit in an area dominated by senior citizens...you know the place is in serious trouble.

There are two massive corner locations (anchor tenants) sitting forlorn & empty--the former World of Beer & the Margarita Republic, now Dunkin'...and more along the main drag that your drive down to get to the Square. The wine place went out of business...it's just sad.

What I really want to know is how the heck that lingerie store stays open--that's the biggest mystery in the world to me. I know TV has a reputation of lots of swingers (what color is the loofah on top of your car?!?!?) & wild sex, but seriously--how many 70+ year old women are really buying sexy lingerie, especially bras that cost something like $80 each!

I'm aware that Spanish Springs has a much older demographic than the newer areas of TV, but there are numerous restaurants in the immediate area that seem to be doing well--LongHorn Steak House, Texas Roadhouse, Miller's Ale House, Applebees, Darrell's Diner, Mission BBQ, & Francesco's--all have busy parking lots out front whenever I drive past, so the problem isn't lack of demand.

The Morse family are billionaires, so I doubt they're staying awake at night fretting about the sad-state of Spanish Springs, but it definitely sucks for those of us that live in the area. I do drive over to Lake Sumpter occasionally (I intentionally misspelled to irritate the spelling/punctuation police on this site!), but no way I'm going to drive all the way to Brownwood to eat or have a drink.

I lived in the Ft. Lauderdale area for nearly 20 years, and this sports bar /restaurant is WILDLY popular and has locations all over South Florida:

Flanigan's - Laid back Family-run Restaurants in South Florida (https://www.flanigans.net)

Really good, reasonably priced burgers, steaks, caesar salads, fish sandwiches, BBQ ribs (actually, everything on their menu is really good), a $6.99 lunch special, and a 50% OFF happy hour 9PM to close. As a bonus, many of their locations have an attached bottle liquor store right next door! And they stay open LATE!

I would kill to have a Flanigan's open in the Spanish Springs area...

[BillY41]

Duffy's a chain throughout Florida. I think that would do well in Spanish Springs

[nn0wheremann]

I’m surprised Sawgrass establishments are still open. Local friends and neighbors complain about their prices. You can go to Brownwood everyday and get happy hour prices in the afternoon, no such thing at sawgrass. At Brownwood, or Lake Sumter, you have a lot of variety of restaurants that have great food for much less than Sawgrass. I’ve never eaten or had drinks at Sawgrass, nor have some of my friends because of what we’ve heard and we can walk there.
I have never been to Sawgrass, don’t know where it is at. Spent two days at the outdoor expo at Everglades, and I am ready to foreswear south of 44. The traffic is a train wreck. 20 minutes to get from Warm Springs to past the tollway at 3:00 pm on a Saturday? Lots has been written about Morse ans 44. You have to be nuts to live down there.

[Rzepecki]

CFS Coffee is opening in place of Dunkin’. Whole list of new businesses opening in TV in today’s paper.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

CFS Coffee is opening in place of Dunkin’. Whole list of new businesses opening in TV in today’s paper.

Replacing Dunkin Donuts with a gourmet coffee and $20+ steak bowl restaurant is just pricing more retirees who LIVE in the area - out of the area. People go to Dunkin Donuts to get a small or medium cup of coffee and a donut or muffin for under $10. CFS doesn't offer that option.

There's a DD up the road in Spanish Plaines Plaza, near the hospital. I'm guessing that one will be getting more business soon.

[J1ceasar]

These days every landlord takes a square foot rent plus a percentage of your business, just as bad as a franchise owner

How much is the "exorbitant rent"?

[J1ceasar]

They need to add two left turn only Lanes to get onto 44 East but I bet they're going to happen for 5 years

[Risuli]

"I think the average Villager isn't into heavily spiced / spicy foods & has fairly bland tastes when it comes to food / restaurants. Thus why 90% of restaurants around here are boring chain restaurants & fast food. I've got more complaints about TV than most, but perhaps my biggest is the lack of variety when it comes to restaurants--I'd love to see more non-chain / franchise restaurants, and most importantly, more ethnic restaurants.

Agree. I for one would LOVE a GOOD Thai restaurant. Yes, there is one in LSL, but my experience with their food is that it is Thai only in name, and seasoned for nursing home tastes. Further agree about lack of variety. Hey, here's an idea, open ANOTHER Italian eatery... Sheesh. Unfortunately, most restaurants in and around the Villages seem to strive for mediocre and celebrate when they achieve it.

[Danube]

So what is the developer doing to bring in new restaurants since Gators, World of Beers and the third in The square now empty?
Seems to be me they are more focused on their new Eastport and Middleton vs where it all started.

I wish there were a few "take-out" eating places. Tacos, burgers, hot dogs, food you can walk around with. Not just the occasional over-price food trucks at events. Similar need at Lake Sumter to a lesser degree. Brownwood and Sawgrass have several food-to-go places. And of course the successful Edna's on the Green.

When we go for entertainment or a car show it would be nice to be able to get a snack, not just a sit-down meal.

[Danube]

I'm glad to see the pink plywood gone, but Genesis signage is hideous.

It is hideous. First thing I thought when I saw it. The cheap plastic red, white, and blue sign really clashes with the Spanish colonial revival architecture.

[Stu from NYC]

Agree. I for one would LOVE a GOOD Thai restaurant. Yes, there is one in LSL, but my experience with their food is that it is Thai only in name, and seasoned for nursing home tastes. Further agree about lack of variety. Hey, here's an idea, open ANOTHER Italian eatery... Sheesh. Unfortunately, most restaurants in and around the Villages seem to strive for mediocre and celebrate when they achieve it.

We think Koyame is good for Thai.

[Stu from NYC]

Replacing Dunkin Donuts with a gourmet coffee and $20+ steak bowl restaurant is just pricing more retirees who LIVE in the area - out of the area. People go to Dunkin Donuts to get a small or medium cup of coffee and a donut or muffin for under $10. CFS doesn't offer that option.

There's a DD up the road in Spanish Plaines Plaza, near the hospital. I'm guessing that one will be getting more business soon.

If I was still in Business school would suggest the professor assign Dunkin Donuts as a case of how quickly a business can be destroyed by going away from their core business.

[Bill14564]

Agree. I for one would LOVE a GOOD Thai restaurant. Yes, there is one in LSL, but my experience with their food is that it is Thai only in name, and seasoned for nursing home tastes. Further agree about lack of variety. Hey, here's an idea, open ANOTHER Italian eatery... Sheesh. Unfortunately, most restaurants in and around the Villages seem to strive for mediocre and celebrate when they achieve it.

Well Dorothy, you're not in Kansas anymore. Those restaurants with the mediocre food and no seasoning... apparently they appeal to the customer base. I like more variety as well but I know better than to look for it in this homogeneous community; instead, I head to Ocala, Orlando, or Tampa.

[asianthree]

Several. Dunkin Donuts shut down for good last week. Ay Jalisco still has plenty of business, and for some reason I can't fathom, Ruby Tuesday's is always busy. That place is SO run down - wallpaper peeling off the walls, the carpeting is threadbare and horribly stained, the burgers are meat-flavored grease patties on gummy buns. Panera is busy at lunch time, not so much at dinner time. The only other restaurants in Spanish Springs are the fake Greek place which is MOSTLY drinkers, the Italian place which is great but VERY expensive, and the seafood place which is also great but expensive.

There used to be a wine-drinking place but they closed down a year or more ago. There's also Kilwin's ice cream which is - also very expensive (I think I had to pay something like $7 for a single SCOOP of ice cream).

In addition to the closed and still vacant restaurants there are also a few vacant stores, and I'll give J.Jill's 6 months of being open before they shut down as well.

Dunkin’ closed about 5 months ago, the new coffee shop/mini restaurant is very close to opening.
Italian restaurant has great lunch specials for $12, and the food is excellent. By far the best piccata in TV. Kilwins prices are in same rage as many hand scoops business. J Jill has national issues along with a large % of brick and mortar.

[Stu from NYC]

Well Dorothy, you're not in Kansas anymore. Those restaurants with the mediocre food and no seasoning... apparently they appeal to the customer base. I like more variety as well but I know better than to look for it in this homogeneous community; instead, I head to Ocala, Orlando, or Tampa.

Leesburg also has good restaurants

[Marathon Man]

I have never been to Sawgrass, don’t know where it is at. Spent two days at the outdoor expo at Everglades, and I am ready to foreswear south of 44. The traffic is a train wreck. 20 minutes to get from Warm Springs to past the tollway at 3:00 pm on a Saturday? Lots has been written about Morse ans 44. You have to be nuts to live down there.

I drive Warm Springs every day. I have never taken anywhere near the time you claim. Even with the expo going on.

[DaddyD]

We think Koyame is good for Thai.

I actually think it's fairly good as well, or at least I did--if I'm not mistaken it was recently sold--last time I ordered the Mongolian Beef it wasn't near as spicy as it used to be. I always thought their Thai dishes were much better than their Chinese dishes. Def like their red & green curry dishes. Nice sized portions, too, I can usually get two full meals out of their dinner sized portion.

[DaddyD]

Leesburg also has good restaurants

More details needed--names & descriptions.

[BostonRich]

Actually the menu is similar to the previous McGrady’s Pub in Sawgrass, such as scotch eggs, etc. A nice change from the usual FMK fare.

Actually I noticed the menu doesn't have "Scotch Eggs" anymore (which I loved), it now says "Scotch Egg".

[coffeebean]

Several. Dunkin Donuts shut down for good last week. Ay Jalisco still has plenty of business, and for some reason I can't fathom, Ruby Tuesday's is always busy. That place is SO run down - wallpaper peeling off the walls, the carpeting is threadbare and horribly stained, the burgers are meat-flavored grease patties on gummy buns. Panera is busy at lunch time, not so much at dinner time. The only other restaurants in Spanish Springs are the fake Greek place which is MOSTLY drinkers, the Italian place which is great but VERY expensive, and the seafood place which is also great but expensive.

There used to be a wine-drinking place but they closed down a year or more ago. There's also Kilwin's ice cream which is - also very expensive (I think I had to pay something like $7 for a single SCOOP of ice cream).

In addition to the closed and still vacant restaurants there are also a few vacant stores, and I'll give J.Jill's 6 months of being open before they shut down as well.

Dunkin Donuts is gone? I'm so happy to hear that. That place was so filthy and messy. Hope Starbucks comes to that location.

[Stu from NYC]

I actually think it's fairly good as well, or at least I did--if I'm not mistaken it was recently sold--last time I ordered the Mongolian Beef it wasn't near as spicy as it used to be. I always thought their Thai dishes were much better than their Chinese dishes. Def like their red & green curry dishes. Nice sized portions, too, I can usually get two full meals out of their dinner sized portion.

Several years ago the owners of Kayame sold the business to people who kept their name and later on opened a new restaurant Kung Fu. We do like both.

[coffeebean]

CFS Coffee is opening in place of Dunkin’. Whole list of new businesses opening in TV in today’s paper.

I took a quick look at the CFS website. They have food besides coffee. Looking forward to this coffee shop.

[Ramone]

The developers built Blondies. Open several days a week for a couple hours. What more do you need ? We also got rid of the pink plywood in front of the movie theater after many years. Things are progressing.
How can they open a place with no restroom nearby? A 70-80 year old in a walker has a long way to go. Why didn't they hook into the Sharon water works connected to Blondies now?

[Stu from NYC]

How can they open a place with no restroom nearby? A 70-80 year old in a walker has a long way to go. Why didn't they hook into the Sharon water works connected to Blondies now?

Apparently they didnt think it was necessary

[rustyp]

How can they open a place with no restroom nearby? A 70-80 year old in a walker has a long way to go. Why didn't they hook into the Sharon water works connected to Blondies now?

They needed to limit water sippers or it wouldn't be profitable.

[Stu from NYC]

More details needed--names & descriptions.

Please would have been nice.

My cousin Vinnies, and Los Magueyes (not in Leesburg though)

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

You get what you pay for and that’s never been truer than with restaurants. Very few of them have anything other frozen or fried foods. The “expensive” places care more about quality.

[margaretmattson]

Over time we have found that restaurants outside the bubble are better so rare do we eat at one of the squares.Change has been occurring in the Villages for more than 25 yrs. Many, many businesses have come and gone in ALL THE SQUARES.
Only a few years since opening, change is now happening in Sawgrass Grove. It will happen in Eastport and Middleton.

I think Stu hit the nail on the head. Many residents prefer eating outside of the bubble. Many do not drink, many do not like crowds, many prefer the comfort of their home, some hate loud music... their reasons go on and on. How many of you visit, dine, and shop at the squares frequently? If your answer is SELDOM, then you understand why businesses come and go.

[margaretmattson]

"Overage" is a common clause in lease clauses in indoor / outdoor malls. I've had approx a dozen retail stores in high end malls, and all of them had an overage clause, meaning if my gross sales were "over" a certain amount, I had to pay the mall owner a percentage of that overage sales, in addition to the monthly rent I was paying. And guess what? I was thrilled to pay it--that meant that my sales that month / year were WAY more than expected!

It's kind of like taxes--no one really likes paying them, but in reality having to pay a lot of taxes is somewhat of a blessing. No tax = no profits. Lots of tax owed means you enjoyed really high net profits.

But your last sentence--"Even one empty business in a center makes for a less inviting shopping, dining, or entertainment atmosphere"--is spot on, and it's a self perpetuating cycle--the more empty spaces means the less shoppers, which means more empty spaces so less and less shoppers, and on & on.

I checked out the Spanish Springs square for the first time in a long time just the other day...strolled around with extra money in my pocket wanting to get rid of some of it but couldn't find a damn thing I wanted to own or eat! Hell, even the Dunkin' Donuts went out of business! If a reasonably priced coffee & donut place is unable to stay make a profit in an area dominated by senior citizens...you know the place is in serious trouble.

There are two massive corner locations (anchor tenants) sitting forlorn & empty--the former World of Beer & the Margarita Republic, now Dunkin'...and more along the main drag that your drive down to get to the Square. The wine place went out of business...it's just sad.

What I really want to know is how the heck that lingerie store stays open--that's the biggest mystery in the world to me. I know TV has a reputation of lots of swingers (what color is the loofah on top of your car?!?!?) & wild sex, but seriously--how many 70+ year old women are really buying sexy lingerie, especially bras that cost something like $80 each!

I'm aware that Spanish Springs has a much older demographic than the newer areas of TV, but there are numerous restaurants in the immediate area that seem to be doing well--LongHorn Steak House, Texas Roadhouse, Miller's Ale House, Applebees, Darrell's Diner, Mission BBQ, & Francesco's--all have busy parking lots out front whenever I drive past, so the problem isn't lack of demand.

The Morse family are billionaires, so I doubt they're staying awake at night fretting about the sad-state of Spanish Springs, but it definitely sucks for those of us that live in the area. I do drive over to Lake Sumpter occasionally (I intentionally misspelled to irritate the spelling/punctuation police on this site!), but no way I'm going to drive all the way to Brownwood to eat or have a drink.

I lived in the Ft. Lauderdale area for nearly 20 years, and this sports bar /restaurant is WILDLY popular and has locations all over South Florida:

Flanigan's - Laid back Family-run Restaurants in South Florida (https://www.flanigans.net)

Really good, reasonably priced burgers, steaks, caesar salads, fish sandwiches, BBQ ribs (actually, everything on their menu is really good), a $6.99 lunch special, and a 50% OFF happy hour 9PM to close. As a bonus, many of their locations have an attached bottle liquor store right next door! And they stay open LATE!

I would kill to have a Flanigan's open in the Spanish Springs area...Dunkin is not the first coffee/pastry restaurant to leave Spanish Springs. Starbucks and a Bakery (in that same location) have come and gone. Many restaurants and shops in LSL closed. Brownwood has seen change. This is NORMAL.

[Stu from NYC]

Change has been occurring in the Villages for more than 25 yrs. Many, many businesses have come and gone in ALL THE SQUARES.
Only a few years since opening, change is now happening in Sawgrass Grove. It will happen in Eastport and Middleton.

I think Stu hit the nail on the head. Many residents prefer eating outside of the bubble. Many do not drink, many do not like crowds, many prefer the comfort of their home, some hate loud music... their reasons go on and on. How many of you visit, dine, and shop at the squares frequently? If your answer is SELDOM, then you understand why businesses come and go.

We had dinner last night with two couples here longer than us. They cannot remember last time going for music in the squares.

We go rarely but the truth seems to be as villagers develop an active social life they go out to dinner or to clubs leaving little or no time to go to the squares.

[Relivgal]

I am so disappointed in people that make assumptions on hearsay. Go to Sawgrass between 3-5pm and you’ll see what they have…..

[jimkerr]

I am so disappointed in people that make assumptions on hearsay. Go to Sawgrass between 3-5pm and you’ll see what they have…..

Amen!

[ElDiabloJoe]

Dunkin Donuts is gone? I'm so happy to hear that. That place was so filthy and messy. Hope Starbucks comes to that location.
I am guessing you're a bit of a coffee expert, what with your username and avatar. I've been drinking black coffee daily for almost 40 years, but I gotta tell you, Starbucks might be the most disgusting coffee I've ever had.

I'm certain you probably have a much more sophisticated palate and can appreciate the flavor profiles of those coffee beans that are squirted out of some animals butthole in South America (Kopi Luwak beans).

To my Irish American potato-loving plain palate, Starbucks tastes like coffee that brewed 4 days ago and has been sitting on a hot plate until scorched prior to pouring. I can do without them and their purple/green Sigmund & the sea-monsters-haired baristas also.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

How can they open a place with no restroom nearby? A 70-80 year old in a walker has a long way to go. Why didn't they hook into the Sharon water works connected to Blondies now?

It is an OUTDOOR bar. There is no place to put a port-a-potty on the patio. There are two tiki bars on the Square itself, and no attached rest room. Anyone buying a drink from the tiki bars has to walk to the same rest room facilities that people at Blondie's have to walk. I'm sure most 70-80-year-olds with walkers are smart enough to know that if they can't walk that far to the rest room, they probably shouldn't drink at that bar.

[Bill14564]

...

To my Irish American potato-loving plain palate, Starbucks tastes like coffee that brewed 4 days ago and has been sitting on a hot plate until scorched prior to pouring. I can do without them and their purple/green Sigmund & the sea-monsters-haired baristas also.

That's an interesting comment given that you watch them brew the coffee right there in front of you. It seems your Irish American potato-loving plain palate needs re-calibration - it isn't the Starbucks coffee that was brewed 4 days ago.

[ElDiabloJoe]

That's an interesting comment given that you watch them brew the coffee right there in front of you. It seems your Irish American potato-loving plain palate needs re-calibration - it isn't the Starbucks coffee that was brewed 4 days ago.
You misread my post. I didn't say it was brewed 4 days ago, I said it TASTED like it was brewed 4 days ago. Starbucks tastes like the scorched bottom of metal plated coffee pot. I'd take Dutch Bros (and Denny's, Dunkin', and McD's) over Starbucks every single time.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

So what is the developer doing to bring in new restaurants since Gators, World of Beers and the third in The square now empty?
Seems to be me they are more focused on their new Eastport and Middleton vs where it all started.
Word is they're pouring more than two million into the refurb of the Paradise Rec Center.
Said to be the best one yet.

[graciegirl]

I am guessing you're a bit of a coffee expert, what with your username and avatar. I've been drinking black coffee daily for almost 40 years, but I gotta tell you, Starbucks might be the most disgusting coffee I've ever had.

I'm certain you probably have a much more sophisticated palate and can appreciate the flavor profiles of those coffee beans that are squirted out of some animals butthole in South America (Kopi Luwak beans).

To my Irish American potato-loving plain palate, Starbucks tastes like coffee that brewed 4 days ago and has been sitting on a hot plate until scorched prior to pouring. I can do without them and their purple/green Sigmund & the sea-monsters-haired baristas also.


My aversion to Starbucks is simpler. It costs too much.

[jimhoward]

I am guessing you're a bit of a coffee expert, what with your username and avatar. I've been drinking black coffee daily for almost 40 years, but I gotta tell you, Starbucks might be the most disgusting coffee I've ever had.

I'm certain you probably have a much more sophisticated palate and can appreciate the flavor profiles of those coffee beans that are squirted out of some animals butthole in South America (Kopi Luwak beans).

To my Irish American potato-loving plain palate, Starbucks tastes like coffee that brewed 4 days ago and has been sitting on a hot plate until scorched prior to pouring. I can do without them and their purple/green Sigmund & the sea-monsters-haired baristas also.



You can get lighter roast coffee in Starbucks if you ask for it. Blonde or similar is less bitter than the usual Pike Place. In the darker roasts they burn the beans, which gives it the bitterness. Not many people can drink that black. A drop of cream makes a big difference.

Or just go to dunkin donuts and have smooth light roasted black coffee all day long. Not sure if the server hair color selection would be different, but maybe. I've never noticed.

I love both chains.

[kkingston57]

Call them and ask.

Should now be the 2nd highest discussion in TV now that Costco has broken ground. 1st highest is gas vs electric golf carts and 2nd is now cost of rents from the developer.

[kkingston57]

"Overage" is a common clause in lease clauses in indoor / outdoor malls. I've had approx a dozen retail stores in high end malls, and all of them had an overage clause, meaning if my gross sales were "over" a certain amount, I had to pay the mall owner a percentage of that overage sales, in addition to the monthly rent I was paying. And guess what? I was thrilled to pay it--that meant that my sales that month / year were WAY more than expected!

It's kind of like taxes--no one really likes paying them, but in reality having to pay a lot of taxes is somewhat of a blessing. No tax = no profits. Lots of tax owed means you enjoyed really high net profits.

But your last sentence--"Even one empty business in a center makes for a less inviting shopping, dining, or entertainment atmosphere"--is spot on, and it's a self perpetuating cycle--the more empty spaces means the less shoppers, which means more empty spaces so less and less shoppers, and on & on.

I checked out the Spanish Springs square for the first time in a long time just the other day...strolled around with extra money in my pocket wanting to get rid of some of it but couldn't find a damn thing I wanted to own or eat! Hell, even the Dunkin' Donuts went out of business! If a reasonably priced coffee & donut place is unable to stay make a profit in an area dominated by senior citizens...you know the place is in serious trouble.

There are two massive corner locations (anchor tenants) sitting forlorn & empty--the former World of Beer & the Margarita Republic, now Dunkin'...and more along the main drag that your drive down to get to the Square. The wine place went out of business...it's just sad.

What I really want to know is how the heck that lingerie store stays open--that's the biggest mystery in the world to me. I know TV has a reputation of lots of swingers (what color is the loofah on top of your car?!?!?) & wild sex, but seriously--how many 70+ year old women are really buying sexy lingerie, especially bras that cost something like $80 each!

I'm aware that Spanish Springs has a much older demographic than the newer areas of TV, but there are numerous restaurants in the immediate area that seem to be doing well--LongHorn Steak House, Texas Roadhouse, Miller's Ale House, Applebees, Darrell's Diner, Mission BBQ, & Francesco's--all have busy parking lots out front whenever I drive past, so the problem isn't lack of demand.

The Morse family are billionaires, so I doubt they're staying awake at night fretting about the sad-state of Spanish Springs, but it definitely sucks for those of us that live in the area. I do drive over to Lake Sumpter occasionally (I intentionally misspelled to irritate the spelling/punctuation police on this site!), but no way I'm going to drive all the way to Brownwood to eat or have a drink.

I lived in the Ft. Lauderdale area for nearly 20 years, and this sports bar /restaurant is WILDLY popular and has locations all over South Florida:

Flanigan's - Laid back Family-run Restaurants in South Florida (https://www.flanigans.net)

Really good, reasonably priced burgers, steaks, caesar salads, fish sandwiches, BBQ ribs (actually, everything on their menu is really good), a $6.99 lunch special, and a 50% OFF happy hour 9PM to close. As a bonus, many of their locations have an attached bottle liquor store right next door! And they stay open LATE!

I would kill to have a Flanigan's open in the Spanish Springs area...

Agree on the Flanigans. Went there when they were also called Big Daddys. Drank there as a kid(back then drinking age was 18)

Noted comments on Dunkin. They are no longer known as Dunkin Donuts. Their donuts are no longer made on site and quality has been going down for a long time. They do have good muffins. To get a real good donut need to go to Donut King in Leesburg. Made there and more varieties than Baskin Robbins

[kkingston57]

Agree. I for one would LOVE a GOOD Thai restaurant. Yes, there is one in LSL, but my experience with their food is that it is Thai only in name, and seasoned for nursing home tastes. Further agree about lack of variety. Hey, here's an idea, open ANOTHER Italian eatery... Sheesh. Unfortunately, most restaurants in and around the Villages seem to strive for mediocre and celebrate when they achieve it.

These days any restaurants that stays in business must not be that bad to stay in business.

It is a tough business and TV is much more seasonal than other areas in Florida including the more metropolitan areas.

[kkingston57]

If I was still in Business school would suggest the professor assign Dunkin Donuts as a case of how quickly a business can be destroyed by going away from their core business.

I, occasionally, like to have a good donut. When they started to make donuts off site their quality went down. Try finding a good creme filled donut there. Sad to say but Publix has better donuts and to get a good donut we go to Donut King in Leesburg.

[Al2014]

We had dinner last night with two couples here longer than us. They cannot remember last time going for music in the squares.

We go rarely but the truth seems to be as villagers develop an active social life they go out to dinner or to clubs leaving little or no time to go to the squares.
We don't go much because they are so crowded.

[AMB444]

I have to agree with your assumptions about Sawgrass. This is our closest area but we seldom go here. The entertainment is usually subpar but does seem to be improving. The drink prices are $1 more than the other squares, the food is terrible and it's crowded. We do enjoy Tuesday Trivia and the occasionally Boozy Bingo but that's about it.

I'm 60 years old and I have no desire to move south of the turnpike after living here (rental) for 8 months and looking at what the south area had to offer.

I was very surprised by Sawgrass and it seemed to be just a concrete sidewalk that joined a few restaurants.

If you're looking for the real town square type entertainment Sawgrass seems like just part of the parking lot.

I'm a "younger one" at 60, I'm looking to buy north after renting here for 8 months. WAY north into areas close to 42.

To each their own.

[Kelevision]

I’m surprised Sawgrass establishments are still open. Local friends and neighbors complain about their prices. You can go to Brownwood everyday and get happy hour prices in the afternoon, no such thing at sawgrass. At Brownwood, or Lake Sumter, you have a lot of variety of restaurants that have great food for much less than Sawgrass. I’ve never eaten or had drinks at Sawgrass, nor have some of my friends because of what we’ve heard and we can walk there.

Sawgrass Tavern has happy hour from 11am to 5pm daily. I’m not sure how much happier it could get. Lol It’s not a square. It’s just a little bit more than Fenney Grill

[Marathon Man]

I'm 60 years old and I have no desire to move south of the turnpike after living here (rental) for 8 months and looking at what the south area had to offer.

I was very surprised by Sawgrass and it seemed to be just a concrete sidewalk that joined a few restaurants.

If you're looking for the real town square type entertainment Sawgrass seems like just part of the parking lot.

I'm a "younger one" at 60, I'm looking to buy north after renting here for 8 months. WAY north into areas close to 42.

To each their own.

Sawgrass is exactly what it was meant to be. A smaller gathering spot for dining and entertainment. Why would anyone be surprised?

BTW - Sawgrass is often crowded, so it is good that you don't go. Makes a parking spot available.

[DonH57]

Of the three that closed up in Spanish Square I didn't miss World of Beer or Margarita Republic.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I'm 60 years old and I have no desire to move south of the turnpike after living here (rental) for 8 months and looking at what the south area had to offer.

I was very surprised by Sawgrass and it seemed to be just a concrete sidewalk that joined a few restaurants.

If you're looking for the real town square type entertainment Sawgrass seems like just part of the parking lot.

I'm a "younger one" at 60, I'm looking to buy north after renting here for 8 months. WAY north into areas close to 42.

To each their own.

Sawgrass reminds me (vaguely) of a miniature Faneuil Hall in Boston. A big foundation yard in the middle, surrounded by commercial venues. The little indoor mall with its own central eating area, but the pizza shop has a walk-up window from outside - is very much like the old Boston Chipyard chocolate chip cookie booth that was in Faneuil Hall's central food hall. The entertainment outside is reminiscent of the buskers who had to audition and pay for the permit to entertain in the outside yard. The covering overhead wasn't like Boston at all but it was a great touch for a warmer climate, where people might like being outside in the late afternoon and evenings for most of the year.

I wish Sawgrass had a little more variety and lower prices, but rents have to be paid, the Morse Family wants their millions.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Of the three that closed up in Spanish Square I didn't miss World of Beer or Margarita Republic.

When "the cousins" came to visit, WoB was our go-to the first night they were here. I liked the blue cheese steak flatbread, hubby got a burger, we'd usually share one of their huge pretzels, and everyone tried a beer they hadn't tried before (except me, I don't like beer).

The service was SLOW as molasses, even when it wasn't busy. But it was a great "pub-food" place to go before the music started across the street in the square.

[Bill14564]

Of the three that closed up in Spanish Square I didn't miss World of Beer or Margarita Republic.

Of the three that closed up in Spanish Springs, I don't miss Margarita Republic or the one I can't even remember.

[thelegges]

I'm 60 years old and I have no desire to move south of the turnpike after living here (rental) for 8 months and looking at what the south area had to offer.

I was very surprised by Sawgrass and it seemed to be just a concrete sidewalk that joined a few restaurants.

If you're looking for the real town square type entertainment Sawgrass seems like just part of the parking lot.

I'm a "younger one" at 60, I'm looking to buy north after renting here for 8 months. WAY north into areas close to 42.

To each their own.

I agree close to 42 was where my parents stayed. They were definitely younger than the neighborhood original residents, which was great for a year or two. They were always happy to help the elderly with chores and sometimes shopping. Eventually it became a part time job, with some expecting favors.

The house was in need of major overhaul, so LSL was chosen, no longer the youngest, and more people who stayed up past 8p and up at 5a.

We also started in LSL area, last move was south of 44. Younger residents, less siren noise 24/7.
I have a fear of giant oaks dropping on my house, so less trees make me very happy

[Papa_lecki]

I wish Sawgrass had a little more variety and lower prices, but rents have to be paid, the Morse Family wants their millions.

Sawgrass is fairly crowded most evenings. Saturday and Sunday, when they have entertainment all afternoon, people show up.

People pay the prices for pizza, ice cream, burgers, tacos and drinks.
Why would the operators of the establishments lower their prices?

Since you know what they pay for rent (because the Morse family needs their millions), what else is the leases that might surprise us? Can you share the lease you read?

[Bill14564]

Sawgrass is fairly crowded most evenings. Saturday and Sunday, when they have entertainment all afternoon, people show up.

People pay the prices for pizza, ice cream, burgers, tacos and drinks.
Why would the operators of the establishments lower their prices?

Since you know what they pay for rent (because the Morse family needs their millions), what else is the leases that might surprise us? Can you share the lease you read?

A captive customer base will pay nearly whatever the business asks. Residents south of 44 along Morse could always trek up to Brownwood but that's a bit of an investment in time. While smaller, more expensive, and "not a square," Sawgrass is better than nothing.

It will be interesting to see what happens as Middleton and Eastport continue to open; competition may affect prices.

[DonH57]

When "the cousins" came to visit, WoB was our go-to the first night they were here. I liked the blue cheese steak flatbread, hubby got a burger, we'd usually share one of their huge pretzels, and everyone tried a beer they hadn't tried before (except me, I don't like beer).

The service was SLOW as molasses, even when it wasn't busy. But it was a great "pub-food" place to go before the music started across the street in the square.

Service was slow at WOB. I felt their food was over seasoned. Margarita Republic food was under seasoned and every time I was in Gators Dockside you could see the cops were always over at Margarita's. LOL

[JMintzer]

Sawgrass is fairly crowded most evenings. Saturday and Sunday, when they have entertainment all afternoon, people show up.

People pay the prices for pizza, ice cream, burgers, tacos and drinks.
Why would the operators of the establishments lower their prices?

Since you know what they pay for rent (because the Morse family needs their millions), what else is the leases that might surprise us? Can you share the lease you read?

I'm guessing none.They just had to get in the "Greedy Morse Family" dig...

[JMintzer]

A captive customer base will pay nearly whatever the business asks. Residents south of 44 along Morse could always trek up to Brownwood but that's a bit of an investment in time. While smaller, more expensive, and "not a square," Sawgrass is better than nothing.

It will be interesting to see what happens as Middleton and Eastport continue to open; competition may affect prices.

"It's better than nothing" doesn't sound like a sound advertising plan...

[Marathon Man]

A captive customer base will pay nearly whatever the business asks. Residents south of 44 along Morse could always trek up to Brownwood but that's a bit of an investment in time. While smaller, more expensive, and "not a square," Sawgrass is better than nothing.

It will be interesting to see what happens as Middleton and Eastport continue to open; competition may affect prices.

OH PLEASE. We go to Sawgrass because we enjoy it as a smaller venue. The squares seem old fashioned in their design when we go there. Eastport will be amazing - coming soon.

[Bill14564]

OH PLEASE. We go to Sawgrass because we enjoy it as a smaller venue. The squares seem old fashioned in their design when we go there. Eastport will be amazing - coming soon.

"coming soon" - future-ware - open-ended. I'm sure it will happen soon enough, I'm just not sure I would agree with "soon."

From the sketches it appears that the entertainment area at Eastport will be configured a bit like Sumter Landing. If it turns out that way will it still seem old fashioned or will it be amazing?

[JMintzer]

OH PLEASE. We go to Sawgrass because we enjoy it as a smaller venue. The squares seem old fashioned in their design when we go there. Eastport will be amazing - coming soon.

While Sawgrass is nice, it lacks dining options. We do like the Fish & Chips in the food hall, but were unimpressed by McGrady's.

The other problem is lack of seating. Even if we brought our own chairs, it was often difficult to find a place to put them. Getting a table is usually damn near impossible.

I hope you're correct about Eastport. It will be different than the other squares, which we don not find to be "old fashioned" at all...

[Whatnext]

We have always liked 'old fashioned.' Bit like us really.

[HappyTraveler]

In addition to the renovations currently taking place at SS Town Square, I had a recent conversation with a TV employee about the long-planned revamping of Paradise Rec Center in the Historic area.

She told me, "Yep, it's happening, We just had a meeting about it and starting early Fall many of the activities at Paradise will be moving to Hacienda Rec or elsewhere and likely around Oct the entire Paradise Rec, the pool, the little library and shuffleboard courts will be bulldozed and an entirely new Rec complex will be built."

She stated it will likely take the better part of a year for it to be completed. I imagine at some point renderings and descriptions will be published. It should be very nice.

[gobuck827]

More details needed--names & descriptions.

Wolfy's.