Havana Management

[xkeowner]

Rumor from the staff at another country club that restaurant management is changing at Havana and they do not have their usual ad in paper. Does anyone know more?

[skip0358]

All I know is they had an offer a few months ago and turned it down.

[KathieI]

Its so sad what's happening to Havana CC.. Shows you what terrible management can do to a business. When it first opened, it was THE HAPPENING place in all the villages. Every night was jammed packed, special events all year long (outside on the patio), Saturday afternoon BBQ's, just a beautiful place. Bring your friends, kids, guests and just hang out.

These days, we are focusing on Evans Prairie and Bonifay to become the new Havana. We've started a fun evening of karaoke and dancing on Monday nights OUTSIDE at Bonifay from 6 to 8:30. Its a great venue, food and service are wonderful and last week they started the $3.00 Monday Martini's program again. It has taken off very well, we have the best singers here in TV, without question.

Thank Goodness for these two new country clubs.

[Bill32]

I hear new owner not manager

[glgene]

Its so sad what's happening to Havana CC.. Shows you what terrible management can do to a business. When it first opened, it was THE HAPPENING place in all the villages. Every night was jammed packed, special events all year long (outside on the patio), Saturday afternoon BBQ's, just a beautiful place. Bring your friends, kids, guests and just hang out.

These days, we are focusing on Evans Prairie and Bonifay to become the new Havana. We've started a fun evening of karaoke and dancing on Monday nights OUTSIDE at Bonifay from 6 to 8:30. Its a great venue, food and service are wonderful and last week they started the $3.00 Monday Martini's program again. It has taken off very well, we have the best singers here in TV, without question. J

Thank Goodness for these two new country clubs.


Kathie,

I don't understand the woes of Havanna. It seems that I have read a stream of Havanna msgs. on TOTV over the past 2 years, and most have not been complimentary. It's a beautiful facility. Why the mgt. problems??

Gene

[keithwand]

There was management?

[jblum315]

There was management?

:a040:

[spk7951]

Rumor from the staff at another country club that restaurant management is changing at Havana and they do not have their usual ad in paper. Does anyone know more?


The lease at Havana is up later this year. Word a couple of months ago at the pro shop was that a new direction is desired by the developer. One friend of mine who works for TV claims the owner of Bonifay/Evans Prairie is interested in bidding for Havana.

[elevatorman]

The lease at Havana is up later this year. Word a couple of months ago at the pro shop was that a new direction is desired by the developer. One friend of mine who works for TV claims the owner of Bonifay/Evans Prairie is interested in bidding for Havana.

I also heard that they were interested but TV did not want 3 CCs run by 1 owner. I think the reasoning is if the company goes belly up than 3 CC close all at the same time.

[OnTrack]

It seems to me that Havana would be one of the more desirable country clubs to operate, given its key location. :shrug:

Hopefully, they will get things worked out soon.


.

[skip0358]

I also heard that they were interested but TV did not want 3 CCs run by 1 owner. I think the reasoning is if the company goes belly up than 3 CC close all at the same time.

In case you didn't see the paper today. The owner of Bonifay & Evans is going to be opening the Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor in Brownwood. I would be very happy if he also took over Havana, as it's right down the road. I think he's proved himself thus far and I'm sure IF the rumor was true Havana would do a complete turn around and would become a hot spot once again.

[billethkid]

if whoever is not an owner operator then the odds are the business will not likely succeded her in TV.

When owners are hands on, restaurant people there is normally not a problem.

btk

[gomoho]

Hate to be the Debbie Downer, but if the same owner added Havanna to his list I would definitely not go there. Bad service and disappointing brunch at Bonifay (fake rubber eggs on the buffet) and poor service and food - 3 times - at Evans Prarie. I'm not particularly picky, but have been greatly disappointed at both of these facilities. Just one person's opinion. At the risk of repeating myself, Mallory has been the only consistently good cc I have been to.

[Happinow]

I have to agree that the breakfast at Bonifay is horrible. The food, in general is mediocre at best and the service is not good. Servers act like they are doing you a favor by waiting on you and are often no where to be found after you get your meal. I have to disagree about Evans Prarie. We have always had a good meal there. It seems that they are always very busy when we go but the staff is attentive. I hope someone does something with Bonifay before it goes under. It's close and convenient.

[golf2140]

Went past Havana this evening around 7 P.M. and the parking lot was almost empty. The owner, Chris Brown is a nice person, but can't operate a restaurant.

[billethkid]

there must be thr restaurant industry cannot, for some reason attract knowledgeable restaurant owners/operators/managers here in TV. A good food establishment with the right price range, clean good service is an automatic gold mine here.

A couple of reasons I can think of are, one maybe the ownership is cheap and does not have a philosophy of hiring only the best. Or there could be a problem attracting people to COME from other areas to work here in TV. Remember they cannot draw on the resident base (retired/too old/don't want to/why would they?). TV is not exactly surrounded by enough population to provide all who need to serve the businesses here....especially the food establishments.

As I have said many times it is just too easy to do the right thing and have a seuccessful business here....especially a good restaurant.

btk

[keithwand]

Havana; great location and ambiance.
Now they only need to add great food and service to the menu.

Bonifay. Brunch is boring. A group of us go after golf on Saturday mornings.
The group gets real small when we go to Bonifay rather than Too Jays or along 466; then all go.
Yesterday the omelet line was long as only 1 guy was cooking them.
I too will be limiting going there for their breakfast after golf.
40 of us also do Bonifay after our 9 and dine on Thursdays because we live behind the club and it's convenient.
I will say the meals have come out timely and good. I personally just don't want to go to the same place 8 times a month.

[Patty55]

I went to breakfast/brunch at Havana today, had no problem. The food was good, service okay, staff friendly. It was buffet style, they made pancakes and french toast to order. It was all good.

The irony is that as I was walking in a couple was leaving and loudly said "Never Again".

I'll go back.

[Bill32]

there must be thr restaurant industry cannot, for some reason attract knowledgeable restaurant owners/operators/managers here in TV. A good food establishment with the right price range, clean good service is an automatic gold mine here.

A couple of reasons I can think of are, one maybe the ownership is cheap and does not have a philosophy of hiring only the best. Or there could be a problem attracting people to COME from other areas to work here in TV. Remember they cannot draw on the resident base (retired/too old/don't want to/why would they?). TV is not exactly surrounded by enough population to provide all who need to serve the businesses here....especially the food establishments.

As I have said many times it is just too easy to do the right thing and have a seuccessful business here....especially a good restaurant.

btk

Agree completely

[cherman338]

Had lunch after golf today at Havana. The Philly Cheese Steak was excellent but it took forever for the waitress to take our order and we were one of the 3 tables that were being served at 1pm on a Sunday. Hmm , has there reputation scared off everyone forever? New menu looks good now they just need to get the chefs, management and the wait staff all on the same page.

[Villager Dude]

Had lunch after golf today at Havana. The Philly Cheese Steak was excellent but it took forever for the waitress to take our order and we were one of the 3 tables that were being served at 1pm on a Sunday. Hmm , has there reputation scared off everyone forever? New menu looks good now they just need to get the chefs, management and the wait staff all on the same page.

I am all for a new approach and a breath of fresh air. Just moved here in November and managed Private Clubs ( city and Country ) for 30 years I just don't see why we could not get a top notch owner that could create a new normal for Havanna.

Thanks, but I am not interested.

[ROCKETMAN]

Besides bad management when they no longer could have entertainment on the patio because of some cranky neighbors who have amplified hearing aids and can't stand noise that lasted till 8:30, this certainly hasn't helped.

[Scoops]

My husband and I are new to TV but we have been to Havana three times and have had a good meal and experience all 3 times. Sometimes it is better to experience things yourself rather than being influenced by others.

[njbchbum]

maybe someone should put a petition and video together to get chef robert irvine to come out and do a makeover! he could set up his food truck in the parking lot while the remodel is completed! ;)

[rubicon]

It appears the complaints seem to come primarily from Havana, Bonifay, Cane Garden . Does this mean the remaining country clubs are satisfactory to residents? If this is correct what is it about th remaining country clubs seem to have that the former three country clubs do not?

[jblum315]

Impossible to answer as everyone has a different opinion

[musicman]

I stopped in Havana for the first time about a week ago to see Josh Leggett perform. His show was great! I was very pleased with the service and food. I spoke, briefly, to the Chef. It is my understanding that he is new. I was surprised to see so many negative comments about the place. Today, I saw an ad on craigslist that they are hiring singing servers, hosts and bussers. Anyone have an opinion about this? Is it something that you think will go over well in The Villages? Maybe they are trying to overcome their bad press, adding a new Chef and a new twist on entertainment? Don't know anything about the management, though. The place is definitely beautiful!

[Bogie Shooter]

I stopped in Havana for the first time about a week ago to see Josh Leggett perform. His show was great! I was very pleased with the service and food. I spoke, briefly, to the Chef. It is my understanding that he is new. I was surprised to see so many negative comments about the place. Today, I saw an ad on craigslist that they are hiring singing servers, hosts and bussers. Anyone have an opinion about this? Is it something that you think will go over well in The Villages? Maybe they are trying to overcome their bad press, adding a new Chef and a new twist on entertainment? Don't know anything about the management, though. The place is definitely beautiful!

50% will hate it and 50% will love it, however the haters will post twice.:wave:

[buggyone]

"I know you're not in a hurry, but please move over. Not everyone here is retired!"

If you ask me, this is NOT a good tagline. Try leaving home a little bit earlier - we all did when we were working!

[Whalen]

"I know you're not in a hurry, but please move over. Not everyone here is retired!"

If you ask me, this is NOT a good tagline. Try leaving home a little bit earlier - we all did when we were working!


I'm with you Buggyone.
Musicman, you moved into a Retirement Community.
We're retired, no need to hurry...unless I'm late for a Tee time.

[skyc6]

I'm with you Buggyone.
Musicman, you moved into a Retirement Community.
We're retired, no need to hurry...unless I'm late for a Tee time.

I know this is a retirement community, but it is still nice to be able to leave home and get somewhere on time as anticipated. It is good driving manners to stay to the right and let others pass on by when driving anywhere. If someone wants to drive slower than the speed limit, that's fine, but moving over a little so others can pass is courteous, especially since some, like yourself, are late for a tee time! :).
I also think people should be able to pick their own tagline without criticism. It is a free country. And...this thread is off topic! :)

[Moderator]

Please...back on topic of Havana CC and not another members tagline.

[GOJODO]

I recently meet some friends at Havana for lunch, having not been there for over a year. We were seated outside by choice, great view, our server was excellent and very attentive. Sandwich was good, there were only a few (4 others) that we saw. The negative point was at the end of our meal they, meaning who ever manages the putting green sprinklers, came on and sprinkled all of us! We had to move.

[PaPaLarry]

I recently meet some friends at Havana for lunch, having not been there for over a year. We were seated outside by choice, great view, our server was excellent and very attentive. Sandwich was good, there were only a few (4 others) that we saw. The negative point was at the end of our meal they, meaning who ever manages the putting green sprinklers, came on and sprinkled all of us! We had to move.
Maybe the wind was blowing towards you too. Usually sprinklers are set so customers don't get wet.

[gomoho]

I love the ambiance at Havanna both inside and out, it is very convenient to where I live in Hadley and I just wish they would get their stuff together once and for all.

[musicman]

If you ask me, this is NOT a good tagline. Try leaving home a little bit earlier - we all did when we were working!

Thanks, leave earlier, good advice, should of thought of that myself... Really, I was just trying to add a little humor, sorry you took it wrong. Perhaps I should just change it to "be considerate of others around you"... Is that more to your liking?? Perhaps you go review all tag lines on the site and offer more appropriate ones to all of us.

I'm with you Buggyone. Musicman, you moved into a Retirement Community. We're retired, no need to hurry...unless I'm late for a Tee time.

Terrific! Happy for you! I didn't move into a retirement community. I moved adjacent to a retirement community for work. I work in a retirement community. Without me and others like me, there would be little for you to do around here. Not enough of The Villager's work to cover the need for workers in the area. Just don't get cranky when someone is late to get you your coffee, tea, beer, ice cream, car wash, etc, because they were stuck behind a slow driver on their way to work, taking their time, feeling that there is no need to move over for someone that wants to move a little faster. And I am not talking about SPEEDING. Most times, I would just like to drive the actual speed limit! In fact, I enjoy a relaxed drive from time to time, but I do it in the RIGHT lane, allowing those who wish to go a little faster to pass me. Unfortunately, the attitude you express here is rather common, in my experience. My tagline was meant to express a little humor, and to remind people that there are other people here trying to make a living at allowing you to live the good life for which you worked so hard. Or, gosh, I don't know...think of others once in awhile, be nice, do unto others... Geez! And I did say PLEASE!!

Funny how this thread got "hijacked" because of my tag line. So far few have commented on the meat of my post.

[musicman]

So, back to my original question... Any thoughts about the new Chef at Havana? And what do you all think about the singing staff? I find it intriguing. I think it is something I would enjoy attending and something I would enjoy doing, but not sure how it would fly here.

[gomoho]

So, back to my original question... Any thoughts about the new Chef at Havana? And what do you all think about the singing staff? I find it intriguing. I think it is something I would enjoy attending and something I would enjoy doing, but not sure how it would fly here.

Don't know anything about the new chef so can't comment on that.

Singing staff would go over great if it was done well. Villagers love to have a good time and it wouldn't surprise me if you found them singing along.
I believe Johnny Rockets already does this.