Is anyone else disappointed ........

[Happinow]

........With the stores/eateries going into the new Pinellas Plaza??? Whey can't something different go into this plaza instead of the same old Peachwave, Citizens First, Subway, Village Dental, Peepers.....etc. why not bring Olive Garden to that area or a real ice cream store? We also need a pizza place at this end of town. We are board with the same old places to visit. Just because its a retirement community doesn't mean we don't like variety. On the plus side, a grocery store is welcomed!

[asianthree]

would like some mom and pop places

[Heartnsoul]

I agree. We need some NEW restaurants and I'm tired of the same old chains. There could be so many differenty type restaurants and businesses but I think it's not a good time to open a business so maybe that is why. I'm concerned with Brownwood and what if anything will go in there? Tired of sonnys, too jays, etc... If every square had different eateries at least we could travel around for variety. I'd like to see some really "healthy eateries" in the villages. I ordered a salad at crispers last night and thought "wow I was trying to be healthy with a salad" but when they don't add the veggies and load it up with croutons, eggs and cheese, that to be is NOT healthy.

[LynnDeb]

Would like a Whole Foods, Mimi's Cafe

[gomoho]

I had to laugh at the paper this morning announcing Subway would be going into the new Plaza. The way they carried on you would have thought it was a Ruths Chris Steak House. I agree would love to see some variety and how many nail salons do we really need?

[pooh]

No one can be forced to open their business anywhere. Some of the chains mentioned, and I'd really like a Mimi's, too, just may no want to open in this area.

[tainsley]

Very disappointed! How many subways, hair salons, jewelers, nails, financial, health, etc etc etc...do we need?

[mm1717]

Yes, Would like to see better restaurants and stores ( PF Changs, Cheesecake Factory,Trader Joes,Dicks Sporting goods etc we need more variety. I had sent an e mail to the corporate office of Dicks Sporting Goods a couple of years ago asking them to research the area for a store after giving them a full scenario of the villages sports. And there answer to me was not enough sports are played here to warrant a store and they didn't feel that people shopped in golf carts. !!

[spk7951]

While there is some duplication of businesses in this plaza, that exist elsewhere in TV, there is still available space in the plaza and who knows what may occupy those spaces.

[keithwand]

I had to laugh at the paper this morning announcing Subway would be going into the new Plaza. The way they carried on you would have thought it was a Ruths Chris Steak House. I agree would love to see some variety and how many nail salons do we really need?

My thought exactly. I would love to see a Seasons 52 or Cheesecake Factory which we enjoyed in Winter Park, FL

Riccardis in Brownwood will be very good. It is owned by the family that has the Valdianos chain in WP, Baldwin Park etc.

TV has enough pull to make him not his Valdianos chain name but rather Riccardis which was a restaurant across from Brownwood on Torch Lake in MI.

Valdianos has been voted Best Pizza for years in the Orlando area and the Lasagna pizza is fantastic.

[Bogie Shooter]

No one can be forced to open their business anywhere. Some of the chains mentioned, and I'd really like a Mimi's, too, just may no want to open in this area.

I have to agree. All those places mentioned above will come if it is a good business decision.
Some posters make it sound like only duplicate places are allowed.....obviously they are making money to open another location.
You can bet the developer would love to have any of the big names to locate in the Brownwood area.

[gocubsgo]

Only the chains can afford the rent and 10% profits TV demands. I doubt we'll ever see anything other than the same old ,same old.

[rubicon]

Given the state of our economy I am surprised there is as much new building occurring. It is a good sign in my view if an establishment is doing well rnough to be able a second or third location. I mean enough people have to be satisifed for the business to remain open.

I suppose someone who eats out often may run through all the local restaurants in a hurry. I don't eat out that often so to me there is an abundance of choices. Beside which there are a lot of eateries to explore outside the bubble.

[Cantwaittoarrive]

I had to laugh at the paper this morning announcing Subway would be going into the new Plaza. The way they carried on you would have thought it was a Ruths Chris Steak House. I agree would love to see some variety and how many nail salons do we really need?

Speaking of Ruth Chris that would be fine by me

[784caroline]

The BIG announcement next week for the new plaza will be



Choice Tire

[wendyquat]

I would think "mom and pop" businesses would find it not financially feasible!

[golfer808]

Would love to see a P F Changs.

[G&P SSSKI]

i'd love to see a hooters..................:mmmm:

[spk7951]

Only the chains can afford the rent and 10% profits TV demands. I doubt we'll ever see anything other than the same old ,same old.


Curious as to what you may have seen to back up that claim. I know they get a cut of the profit, which is common in renting commercial space, but that figure seems high to me.

[PaPaLarry]

Bring us something other then Franchises!!!!! I think the Italian Restaurant thats going into Colony Plaza, sounds like family owned, and not Franchise. (I think))

[njbchbum]

off the top of my head:

complaint: no grocery store
resolved: sweet bay
complaint: why not publix?

complaint: no shopping/dining oppty
resolve: pinellas plaza
complaint: why just the same old/same old?

what's next?

[Mikeod]

I wonder if these companies you want to locate here look at the demographic and decide against it because it is a retirement community. They figure it is populated by retirees on fixed incomes that will not support upscale eateries.

Just like those who can't imagine what TV is until they visit, these companies would have to actually come here to get a true impression of what we are.

Or maybe they read TOTV and read posts that complain about a $7 buffet being "pricey". :1rotfl::1rotfl:

[sueandskip]

It seems to me that everyone wants all the best restaraunts across the street from where they live...Long Horn Steak House, Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Karabas Italian, Out Back Steak House, Bone Fish, and many more are at The Villages and all are Golf Cart accesable..It may not be next door but there all inside The Villages ,,,Seems like a good thing to me...

[Bogie Shooter]

I wonder if these companies you want to locate here look at the demographic and decide against it because it is a retirement community. They figure it is populated by retirees on fixed incomes that will not support upscale eateries.

Just like those who can't imagine what TV is until they visit, these companies would have to actually come here to get a true impression of what we are.

Or maybe they read TOTV and read posts that complain about a $7 buffet being "pricey". :1rotfl::1rotfl:

Or they could go to this site and learn a great deal about The Villages.
The Villages Commercial Property Sales & Leasing (http://www.thevillagescommercialproperty.com/index.asp)

[LuckySevens]

I would love to have a TEXAS ROADHOUSE in Brownwood. It would be a perfect fit, with the western theme, plus they have great food at a reasonable price!
I'd love to see a PIZZA RANCH go into the old CICI'S at Colony. (their pizza was awful). Pizza Ranches are located in the midwest, and they are so good. They have great chicken and a wonderful salad- hot vegetable bar as well as pizza.

[missypie]

We own a successful ice cream shoppe in North Carolina. We tried very hard to lobby to get into TV. We sleep eat and drink ice cream. We make the BEST! We are top rated customer service folks. You all would have loved us.

Still building our house in TV. Can't wait.

[JB in TV]

We own a successful ice cream shoppe in North Carolina. We tried very hard to lobby to get into TV. We sleep eat and drink ice cream. We make the BEST! We are top rated customer service folks. You all would have loved us.

Still building our house in TV. Can't wait.
What exactly does this mean? "..We tried very hard to lobby to get into TV.."

[JourneyOfLife]

Are most of these restaurants in the local community... just outside of TV?

[simpkinp]

We own a successful ice cream shoppe in North Carolina. We tried very hard to lobby to get into TV. We sleep eat and drink ice cream. We make the BEST! We are top rated customer service folks. You all would have loved us.

Still building our house in TV. Can't wait.

Are you saying they refused to let you open a store here?

[sueandskip]

Are most of these restaurants in the local community... just outside of TV?

What restaurants are you referring to ?

[BarryRX]

........With the stores/eateries going into the new Pinellas Plaza??? Whey can't something different go into this plaza instead of the same old Peachwave, Citizens First, Subway, Village Dental, Peepers.....etc. why not bring Olive Garden to that area or a real ice cream store? We also need a pizza place at this end of town. We are board with the same old places to visit. Just because its a retirement community doesn't mean we don't like variety. On the plus side, a grocery store is welcomed!

Same thing I thought when I read it.

[graciegirl]

I am guessing that the developers give precedence to those restaurants who are already a success in TV. It rewards the restaurant for doing a good job and it is a good move, because that restaurant has proven to be successful.

I am guessing this, if two restaurants want a site, one being Toojays and one being a new business, previously not here, and you, the developer owned the space, what would you do? Who would you choose? Someone that has paid their bills and fill the seats every night? Or a new entity?

Remember, this is business. What would you do if it was YOUR money?

[rayschic]

Or they could go to this site and learn a great deal about The Villages.
The Villages Commercial Property Sales & Leasing (http://www.thevillagescommercialproperty.com/index.asp)

BogieShooter...I couldn't get your link to work but I went to the website. It has tons of info...thanks for posting

[missypie]

I am guessing that the developers give precedence to those restaurants who are already a success in TV. It rewards the restaurant for doing a good job and it is a good move, because that restaurant has proven to be successful.

I am guessing this, if two restaurants want a site, one being Toojays and one being a new business, previously not here, and you, the developer owned the space, what would you do? Who would you choose? Someone that has paid their bills and fill the seats every night? Or a new entity?

Remember, this is business. What would you do if it was YOUR money?



You are totally right Grace. If a business IS paying their bills and making money, why not? We felt we had a concept eg: ice cream, but all is well. Still building in TV and still maintaing our shoppe in NC. For us, life is very good.

[Brownwood Bob]

You need to come to the Brownwood Farmers Market!

[shcisamax]

I had to laugh at the paper this morning announcing Subway would be going into the new Plaza. The way they carried on you would have thought it was a Ruths Chris Steak House. I agree would love to see some variety and how many nail salons do we really need?

I couldn't agree more.

[shcisamax]

The BIG announcement next week for the new plaza will be



Choice Tire

You're kidding, right?

[billethkid]

Only the chains can afford the rent and 10% profits TV demands. I doubt we'll ever see anything other than the same old ,same old.

I would like to know the source of these stats.

The rents and fees charged by TV is an urban legend that has a life of it's own.....and very little first hand or factual knowledge.....this commentary is not directed at the poater quoted above.

btk

[skyguy79]

For what?Scroll down to "Vendors on the Squares" on the following web page and you find an answer to your question:

http://www.vendini.com/e/viewEmail.php?cpid=118070423&memberID=807b78359cb8323c0f3a5b31b2a2e80a

[billethkid]

to answer the OP question.....NO!!!

some of us remember what was here in TV when there was nothing South of 466 (NOT 466A). When they opened Buena Vista to where the Arnold Palmer CC was TO BE is when we bought and built our home. None of the national names were here. At that time we as well as 35,000 other residents decided this was the place without having a promise of where is the next this or that. That was 9 years ago.

Then as the critical mass/population increased South of 466, doubling the size of TV national brands statred to come slowly then very quickly. As developement has now crossed South of 466A.....the population is now over 100,000....and more south of 466A is undeveloped than is developed. There is considerable commercial property owned by TV that will eventually fill in. There is a substantial amount of non developer owned commercial property all arounf the main roads surrounding TV adjacent to SR44 and many others.....this too will eveolve.

There are a lot of cities that do not have some of what has been expressed as a desire to have. And TV won't satisfy everybodies wants....all you can do is....Count your blessings and be patient.

btk

[Heartnsoul]

I am guessing that the developers give precedence to those restaurants who are already a success in TV. It rewards the restaurant for doing a good job and it is a good move, because that restaurant has proven to be successful.

I am guessing this, if two restaurants want a site, one being Toojays and one being a new business, previously not here, and you, the developer owned the space, what would you do? Who would you choose? Someone that has paid their bills and fill the seats every night? Or a new entity?

Remember, this is business. What would you do if it was YOUR money?

I would support the small businessman as I think Morse would do.

[graciegirl]

You are totally right Grace. If a business IS paying their bills and making money, why not? We felt we had a concept eg: ice cream, but all is well. Still building in TV and still maintaing our shoppe in NC. For us, life is very good.


I hope Missy Pie and Mr. Pie and their ice cream store find a home here in TV. They are good people!

[FMF Doc]

I wonder if these companies you want to locate here look at the demographic and decide against it because it is a retirement community. They figure it is populated by retirees on fixed incomes that will not support upscale eateries.

Just like those who can't imagine what TV is until they visit, these companies would have to actually come here to get a true impression of what we are.

Or maybe they read TOTV and read posts that complain about a $7 buffet being "pricey". :1rotfl::1rotfl:

:BigApplause::highfive::thumbup:

[villagefriend123]

Well for starters I suggest we patronize the upstart businesses "mom and pop's" and give them a chance to gain a foothold instead of always going off to the "big box" stores and corporate restaurants. We long for the warmth and friendliness that family owned stores give us so put your money where your mouth is and stop patronizing corporate chain stores, or we wont have much choice at all where we shop.

[OnTrack]

If a business IS paying their bills and making money, why not? We felt we had a concept eg: ice cream, but all is well.

Can you tell us why you weren't able to make a deal with The Villages, to bring your ice cream concept here?

.

[missypie]

Can you tell us why you weren't able to make a deal with The Villages, to bring your ice cream concept here?

.



Not a clue but we believe when a door closes, God opens a window. That's just who we are. Plain and simple.

[Patty55]

Can you tell us why you weren't able to make a deal with The Villages, to bring your ice cream concept here?

.

A few years back I wanted to sell Italian Ice in lsl. At the time Haagen Daz had an exclusive for ice cream, but not ice, they were okay with it. Found the powers to be very easy to deal with.

Then it hit me that DUH, this will be work, a lot of work. I really just wanted to eat a lemon ice, so I gave up on the idea.

[Happinow]

We own a successful ice cream shoppe in North Carolina. We tried very hard to lobby to get into TV. We sleep eat and drink ice cream. We make the BEST! We are top rated customer service folks. You all would have loved us.

Still building our house in TV. Can't wait.

We would so love a REAL ice cream store here. Not the kind like Peachwave has. Thats not ice cream. I mean reach, creamy, rich soft ice cream. How could they not do good in TV? It's an ice cream store in Florida for Gods sake!

[Patty55]

I think it comes down to we all want these businesses but don't want the work and aggravation of doing it ourselves. Can't really blame TV for it.

[keithwand]

Who remembers Frivolous Sals or whatever she called her store in LSL. She sold women's shoes and clothing etc. and spends the summers in Harbor Springs at her FS store there.
Rather than blame herself for any shortcomings she blames TV and the outlet store mentality of the residents.. HER words not mine.
Kind of sorry we told her we moved to TV and love it here.

[Love2cruise]

........With the stores/eateries going into the new Pinellas Plaza??? Whey can't something different go into this plaza instead of the same old Peachwave, Citizens First, Subway, Village Dental, Peepers.....etc. why not bring Olive Garden to that area or a real ice cream store? We also need a pizza place at this end of town. We are board with the same old places to visit. Just because its a retirement community doesn't mean we don't like variety. On the plus side, a grocery store is welcomed!

Sorry, but can someone tell me where Pinellas plaza is going to be located. Thanks.

[JB in TV]

466A just east of the County building/Library

[jrandall]

Seasons 52 would be fabulous!

[graciegirl]

Who remembers Frivolous Sals or whatever she called her store in LSL. She sold women's shoes and clothing etc. and spends the summers in Harbor Springs at her FS store there.
Rather than blame herself for any shortcomings she blames TV and the outlet store mentality of the residents.. HER words not mine.
Kind of sorry we told her we moved to TV and love it here.

Mikeod and you both touched on a VERY important subject, the willingness of the residents to support a store or restaurant that is more high end.

We are a frugal bunch of folks on "fixed incomes" and mostly savvy enough to budget for those things that are important to us. For some it is championship golf and for others happy hour, neither are cheap.

We are aware we have to outlast our finances and although we want all wonderful things it takes the real financial support of a number of people to keep those "wonderful things" alive.

A Toojays is alive and well because of the decent food and a reasonable price, the same type of restaurant brings much higher prices in a place such as Chicago, I am told by friends from Chicago.

Embers makes it by finding a lower rent place off site. Their food is excellent and they charge more for it. A very good business plan.

I have known for years to look for better prices on EVERYTHING on vacation by going "off" the strip, off the beachfront, off the high rent area. I have never been interested in shopping in the womens boutiques in the same kinds of places, I know that the overhead there is making the prices much greater than I could find them in another location. Posh location equals a higher price.

AND most seniors have figured this all out. They are savvy shoppers but still want to dine out in expensive and excellent restaurants...OCCASIONALLY....and that makes it almost impossible for those kinds of restaurants to survive. Once you get past fourteen dollars here for an entree, you have lost our collective attention and more importantly, our frequent visits.

[Uncle Tom]

Its all about demographics, these chains study the market. We eat out about 5 times a week. Its cheaper to build a Subway than it is a Ruth Chris Steak house. If you notice several major chain resturants DIE out of season. We talk to servers at Applebees, Chilis, Outback they are all complaining how slow it is. So its cheaper to keep a subway open with two employees than staffing a huge resturant and pay utilities and maintenance.

[mulligan]

And for those that want more of the upscale eateries, watch the whining about prices when the world of beer opens. They will all want $1 beers, and a $4 or $5 draft of really good beer will drive em nuts.

[Bogie Shooter]

And for those that want more of the upscale eateries, watch the whining about prices when the world of beer opens. They will all want $1 beers, and a $4 or $5 draft of really good beer will drive em nuts.

You are so right. I think when the World of Beers thread first appeared on TOTV one of the early posts was "Will they have a happy hour?" This is called whining before the fact.

[billethkid]

unless all the servers who are compaining are all new in the year or so they would realize that todays (2013) slow season population WAS....the 5 years ago (2009) busy season population. And that all the slow seaosons since then have been busier than the last one!

I know several business owners here in TV and some of them used to look forward to the slow season 5,7 or 9 years ago as the time they could take their time away from the business. And now in recent years they can't get away as easily because of the ever increasing population and the bigger and bigger retail slow seasons!!!

btk

[jbdlfan]

Let's do an inventory:
Beef's (3)
China 1
Toscanni's
Subway(?)
Gators Dockside
Flippers
Luigios
Margarita Republic
.....I started to list them all but realized it was a tedious task. There are OVER 90 places to eat in The Villages that are golf cart accessible. Granted, this includes the Taco Bells, McDonalds and such, but still....geesh folks. These do not include the others that are within 15 minutes of drive time by car that will easily double that number!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You could literally eat somewhere different every day for over six months!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Spoiled??????? Just a bit???????

[janmcn]

Totally unrelated, but today's Tampa Bay Times has a front page article about Trader Joe's scouting out locations. Unfortunately, they are not looking at The Villages area, but if they open one in Tampa this will be the fifth store opening since first opening in Naples a few years ago.



Talk of a South Tampa Trader Joe's heats up again | Tampa Bay Times (http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/retail/talk-of-a-south-tampa-trader-joes-heats-up-again/2117207)

[Virtual Geezer]

Let's do an inventory:
Beef's (3)
China 1
Toscanni's
Subway(?)
Gators Dockside
Flippers
Luigios
Margarita Republic
.....I started to list them all but realized it was a tedious task. There are OVER 90 places to eat in The Villages that are golf cart accessible. Granted, this includes the Taco Bells, McDonalds and such, but still....geesh folks. These do not include the others that are within 15 minutes of drive time by car that will easily double that number!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You could literally eat somewhere different every day for over six months!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Spoiled??????? Just a bit???????

Here you go. There may be one or two name changes or closings since this list was put together. 101 entries by my count.

I one thing that I think Gracie mentioned was that existing businesses that have a good track record would be given first dibs on new locations and a better lease deal than would be given to a new business. They may even go as far as to make changes to the current lease to make things more inviting to open another location.

Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar
Arby's
Athens - New York Restaurant
Ay! Jalisco
Bamboo Bistro
Baskin - Robbins
Beef O'Brady's Family Sports Pub (Colony Plaza)
Beef O'Brady's Family Sports Pub (Mulberry Grove Plaza)
Beef O'Brady's Family Sports Pub (Southern Trace Plaza)
Bob Evans Restaurant
Bonefish Grill
Bonifay Country Club
Bravo Pizza
Burger King
Cane Garden Country Club
Carrabba's Italian Grill
Cattle Baron Club
Cheng's Chinese and Sushi Restaurant
Chi's Grill and Ice Cream
Chick - Fil - A
Chili's Grill & Bar
China Gourmet III
City Fire American Oven & Bar LSL
City Fire American Oven & Bar Brownwood
Cody's Original Roadhouse
Crispers
Denny's Restaurant
Dunkin' Donuts
Dunkin' Donuts
El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant
Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill
First Watch The Daytime Café
Flippers Pizzeria
Gator's Dockside
Giovanni's Ristorante & Pizzeria
Glenview Champions Country Club
Golden Corral Buffet & Grill
Haagen-Dazs
Hacienda Hills Country Club Restaurant
Havana Country Club
High Five Frozen Yogurt
IHOP Restaurant
Johnny Rockets
KFC - La Plaza Grande
Katie Belle's Dining & Music Hall
Kilwin's Chocolate & Ice Cream
Koyame Asian Express
Li'l Bits Café, Suite 403
Lighthouse Point Bar & Grill
Luigino's Restaurant
Mallory Hill Country Club
Margarita Republic
McCall's Tavern
McDonald's - Buffalo Ridge
McDonald's - Colony Shopping Center
Moe's Southwest Grill
NYPD Pizzeria
Nancy Lopez Legacy Restaurant
Oasis Bar & Grill
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
Ollie's Frozen Custards
Orange Blossom Hills Country Club
Outback Steakhouse
Palmer Legends Country Club
Panera Bread Bakery & Café (Lake Sumter Landing)
Panera Bread Bakery & Café (Spanish Springs)
Peachwave
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery (Buffalo Ridge)
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery (La Plaza Grande)
Peterbrooke Chocolatier - Lake Sumter Landing
R. J. Gator's Florida Sea Grill & Bar
Red Lobster
Redsauce
Ruby Tuesday Restaurant
Sakura Japanese Restaurant (Colony Plaza)
Sakura Japanese Restaurant (La Plaza Grande)
Shanghai China Buffet
Shanghai Chinese Reataurant - Mulberry Grove
Snappy Tomato Pizza
SonRise Café
Sonny's Real Pit Bar-B-Q
Starbucks - Lake Sumter Landing
Steak 'n Shake
Subway - Colony Shopping Center
Subway - Lake Sumter Landing
Subway - Mulberry Grove
Subway - Spanish Plaines
T.G.I. Friday's
Taco Bell
Taco Bell - La Plaza Grande
Thai Ruby
The Pub
The Village Eatery
The Waterfront Inn
Tierra Del Sol Club
Too Jay's Original Gourmet Deli (Lake Sumter Landing)
Too Jay's Original Gourmet Deli (Spanish Springs)
Toscani's Deli & Pizzeria
Urban Curry
VKI Japanese Steakhouse
Wendy's - La Plaza Grande

[senior citizen]

..........

[kb8tpw]

Wow, this thread is right on target. The developer is apparently losing an opportunity to show that they are really interested in Villagers, not superficially. Those that we have are fine, recommendations made here are super great, but I don't have much faith we'll see anything different. I hope they don't subscribe to the notion that old folks like us should be treated with repetition, etc, etc. When I heard about 5 Guys I thought maybe we had a chance, but looking bleak now. Northern Villages is in the 20 year realm, it is now 2013.......

[senior citizen]

.........

[mulligan]

The developer does not make the decision on which businesses to open in a given location. The business owners do. Generally, the demographics of TV do not support anything more as far as larger upscale eateries go. Not enough full time people within a few minutes drive.

[ssmith]

.... see other thread.....maybe someone is listening to TOTV!!!! Sure hope it is real good though. My husband discovered the ice cream hidden in the
Ambosia store at LSL and liked it....but then he likes any and all ice cream!!!!

I know I am in the minority but was not a fan of Peach Wave.

[tucson]

I agree, especially with your last sentence.

Subway also tastes fresh, whether it's the hot or cold subs.............

Whereas........Applebees which we do have in northern Vermont and have tried on numerous occasions........is not that good, at least not up here.
It's all frozen foods with sauces that have tons of "flavor enhansors" comparable to MSG, etc. In the beginning, we would take the grandkids to it and liked it as it seemed "modern".........but lately, even the burgers are weird......maybe it's just the management up here.

We had looked forward to the Olive Garden as we do not have any up here. Was not impressed at all with the Olive Garden in The Villages.
No Italian bread......just breadsticks. All the soups were exactly the same, but with different "names"........the lasagna, etc. and the meatballs, by which I critique an Italian restaurant were not good, at least on the day we were there. We didn't go back.

Red Lobster was TOTALLY EMPTY. That was another one we looked forward to going to. We used to take the kids and their dorm friends to Red Lobster up in Burlington Vermont back when they were in college.....
..............but guess our tastes have changed. Wasn't that great.

We did like the WATERFRONT INN ............their turkey, stuffing etc. dinner tasted "real" when we there......ditto for their shrimp. Also, we liked the LIGHTHOUSE......went there a lot just to sit on the outer deck and eat outdoors.......

Didn't go to any place like Katie Belle's or Cattle Baron after reading all the bad comments.......on dirty "stuff".

As I've said before, we had nothing but good food from Toscani's in Mulberry Grove........which had been recommended to us. Real Sicilian cooking on the premises..........NOT FROZEN ENTRES put in the microwave. They even make their own buffalo mozarella cheese.........

Sometimes, if you get off the beaten path, you find these little gems.
But then again, everyone has a different taste in food.

Even up here, we notice that the "quality" is no longer there as food is very expensive and very perishable.........but they make the mistake that if a customer has a bad experience, they WILL NOT RETURN.

I still prefer my own cooking...........as I know under what conditions it was prepared, how fresh it is, etc..........just me. Eating out isn't what it used to be.

I agree, eating out is not the same as it used to be! I'm extremely cautious re;which restuarants I eat at after suffering big time last year w/Salmonella from eating a cheeseburger in a restuarant. I was sick for 3+wks! I now eat mostly my own meals at home, plus I save alot of $$.

[Heartnsoul]

I agree the Developer does NOT make the decision who comes in. The business owner himself must decide IF it is worth it to try to open a business today. I think any would do well here with the population however due to new regulations and taxes not many businesses are willing to open today.
Another point I'd like to make is when we dine out I find we are getting less and less for our money. Hardly any veggies, more starches as they are less expensive however not good for our health. I keep making this promise I will eat home more however with the active lifestyle it is many times difficult.

[Buckeye Girl]

Bahama Breeze would be great here, and Giordano's Pizza...

[skip0358]

The places moving to Pinellas Plaza are small, very successfully stores, good for them if they can open a second shop. Many of us have sent requests to larger stores and the response has been the same. Thanks for your request but not at this time. We have a new Italian Restaurant coming to Colony Plaza, Yalhala Bakery is coming to TV, Scooples Old Fashion Ice Cream to Brownwood, World of Beers to Brownwood, O'Sheas in Wildwood across from Brownwood, Gators Dockside a second store in Brownwood, another New Italian Restaurant in Brownwood. I think that's a pretty good start seeing how s/o 466A is only about half finished. There is also vacant stores space in Brownwood start sending requests to your favorite stores, ask them to relocate and see what response you get. Just remember after Pinellas Plaza there is no other vacant GC accessible property other then IFO the County Center so Brownwood and the proposed Shopping Center w/o Brownwood will be it. Start writing people.

[Cantwaittoarrive]

If you don't like the businesses then you don't have to give them your money

[Scoops]

Pinellas Plaza should be renamed 'Colony West' since it is almost a carbon copy of Colony Plaza.

[marianne237]

Would anyone else want a fast food fish (ala Capt. D or Long John Silver) or Boston Market here? They do serve a lot of fried items, but sometimes that's what you want or feel like having.

[SusanOfWoodbury]

I have no idea what the answer is to this problem, but, I do have a suggestion... Why not contact the Villages Marketing, Business office and talk with them.

Also, there is a old fashion ice cream shop coming to Brownwood, also a family owned Italian eating establishment

[lance.boyle]

I'd love to see a Hooter's too. But I'm not sure where they will get the "appropriate" wait staff, if you get my drift. No college's in the local area.
Oh well..

[JP]

I mainly go to the plaza that is closest to my house so I appreciate the duplication of businesses so that I can have what is available at the other plazas at my plaza.

If people want something different, open up a new business yourself instead of complaining that nobody will do it.

[DonH57]

I'd love to see a Hooter's too. But I'm not sure where they will get the "appropriate" wait staff, if you get my drift. No college's in the local area.
Oh well..

I missed this earlier but yes I would like to see a Hooter's also and yes, I get ya.

[Cathy H]

Face facts! This is mostly a blue-collar community & has no money for nice things.

[Wing-nut2]

Cold Stone.

[Bogie Shooter]

Face facts! This is mostly a blue-collar community & has no money for nice things.

Do you mean TV? What nice things do you mean?

[Doro22]

I would really like a Boston Market and a Pollo Tropical! Both have fast food that is tasty.

[Indydealmaker]

Face facts! This is mostly a blue-collar community & has no money for nice things.

I am not sure that a retirement community with a median income of $98,000 per year can be called blue collar. That is quite a handsome disposable income.

[skip0358]

I would ask with ALL these suggestions if anyone contacted these other stores? Several that have been contacted have said NOT enough people in the area their loss. If a store is in TV and is doing well they'll venture out with a second or third. TV doesn't build a store and say so & so this is your store. Big box and small stores contact TV to move here. So if you want new and different I'd suggest you contact them and try a petition drive hasn't worked yet but you never know. JMO

[TexaninVA]

I am not sure that a retirement community with a median income of $98,000 per year can be called blue collar. That is quite a handsome disposable income.

According to this link, the average income based on 2008 tax returns was $35,880 per person. Thus, round that to $72K for an average (ie mean) income for family of two ... just another way to look at it.

ZIP Code 32162 IRS Income Tax Statistics THE VILLAGES, FL (http://www.zip-codes.com/zip-code/32162/zip-code-32162-irs-tax-stats.asp)

[alwann]

I'm with you. Also, I feel it is somewhat misleading for the resident survey I just completed to list dozens of restaurant chains and stores and ask for preferences when all we ever see is the same old faces. But, we don't know whether or not other restaurants have been approached and declined because of high rents, market analysis, or something else.

Still, it's true that the more things change, the more they stay the same around here. I've been in and around The Villages for five years and wonder, will there ever be anything new and intersting at Market Night? The same vendors year in and year out.

[TexaninVA]

I'd love to see a Hooter's too. But I'm not sure where they will get the "appropriate" wait staff, if you get my drift. No college's in the local area.
Oh well..

A very creative suggestion ... but unrealistic :)