Change at Havana

[memason]

I heard a "rumor", last night, that a new owner was taking over Havana soon.

I didn't get the date, but it sounded like it was happening in the very near future.

However, the new owner (if the rumor happens to be true) will not please a lot of folks...

Anyone else heard anything ???

[justjim]

A new owner? That can't be a bad thing! I have not heard the rumor

[JohnM]

Had dinner there Wednesday and executive chef confirmed that ownership was changing in"three days" ... Today? ... Also there will be "changes" ... FWIW ...

[karostay]

I heard a "rumor", last night, that a new owner was taking over Havana soon.

I didn't get the date, but it sounded like it was happening in the very near future.

However, the new owner (if the rumor happens to be true) will not please a lot of folks...

Anyone else heard anything ???
I can just picture the whiners and dinner bashers licking their chops:jester:

[keithwand]

9 of us had breakfast there today after golf. Breakfast was good and much better price than Bonifay. Service was slow and the place was empty.
Manager/ owner was standing in the front and never said a word as we all filed out. Oh well.
We live behind Bonifay and pretty much all agree " anywhere but Bonifay"! Bring back the old menu. No burger on the menu at dinner time?

[Bogie Shooter]

I can just picture the whiners and dinner bashers licking their chops:jester:

You just know it will be coming................................:sigh:

[Bonny]

Interesting. I heard the other day that it wasn't a done deal. If it is, I'm definitely not excited.

[Cedwards38]

OK, I give up. I'm dying to know who you heard.

[swimdawg]

OK, I give up. I'm dying to know who you heard.

It's supposed to be a secret.....but I know. And I'm only here a week a month. Shhhhhh!

[KathieI]

How come everyone knows and I don't??? I'm supposed to be the mayor, no??? I'm also not thrilled that most of you say that we won't be too thrilled with who it is.. Can't imagine??? I just hope they didn't turn it over to The Villages Entertainment Group!!
:eek::eek: :oops:

[memason]

Interesting. I heard the other day that it wasn't a done deal. If it is, I'm definitely not excited.


Obviously, you know who (theoretically) is taking over ....

[logdog]

Is CiCi Pizza coming back to TV??? HavaCiCi!

[karostay]

You just know it will be coming................................:sigh:
Here they come!:crap2:

[Bonny]

Obviously, you know who (theoretically) is taking over ....

Yes, looks like we'll find out today if it's a done deal.

[edmac3]

It's the owners of Luigino's

[skip0358]

Oh boy an Italian Cuban Country Club. Now that's different.

Get the POPCORN ready !!

[scrapple]

I'm really hopeful about Havana. The singing waiters are a good touch. The rumor I heard was that new owners were coming from Orlando, ran a similar venue there and the cook of Luigiano's was coming to Havana.

[Bonny]

They will change the name. It won't be called Havana.

[jim1941]

It's true. Luigino's is taking it over. The employees of Luigino's in Spanish Springs are discussing who is going to work where. It should happen shortly after Christmas and the name will be changed to Hemingway at Havana.

[golf2140]

It's true. Luigino's is taking it over. The employees of Luigino's in Spanish Springs are discussing who is going to work where. It should happen shortly after Christmas and the name will be changed to Hemingway at Havana.

Their restaurant in Spanish Springs always seems empty, how will that change at Havana?

[Bonny]

I'm not a fan of Luiginos. Ate there once with a group of friends. Not good food at all.

[KathieI]

I'm not a fan of Luiginos. Ate there once with a group of friends. Not good food at all.

I agree, Bonny. Never was impressed with them. Hope they do better with this place. Strange that they are changing the name??? Any thoughts on this?

[skip0358]

Agree it wasn't my favorite either, liked the outside bar though. Maybe they'll have a different style menu. Will give them a try when they open though as it's so close it would be nice. Time will tell.

[Bonny]

I agree, Bonny. Never was impressed with them. Hope they do better with this place. Strange that they are changing the name??? Any thoughts on this?


I would think it's a good business decision so everyone knows it's new owners not just a new manager.

[Indydealmaker]

Seems like a questionable business decision to take a troubled restaurant and turn it over to the owner of another troubled dining establishment.

[billethkid]

That news is disappointing.
I have never experienced mediocrity bearing anything other than mediocrity.
Or would that be considered a step up in this case?

btk

[Bonny]

Seems like a questionable business decision to take a troubled restaurant and turn it over to the owner of another troubled dining establishment.

Yes, now that's a bad decision !!

[logdog]

It's true. Luigino's is taking it over. The employees of Luigino's in Spanish Springs are discussing who is going to work where. It should happen shortly after Christmas and the name will be changed to Hemingway at Havana.

I hear they will also rename the golf courses to Antipasto at Kilimanjaro, Marinara at Kenya and Lasagna at Hemingway.

[DougB]

I hear the parking lot will have a space marked "RESERVED - HEALTH INSPECTOR"

[Shirleevee]

I agree, Bonny. Never was impressed with them. Hope they do better with this place. Strange that they are changing the name??? Any thoughts on this?


I wish I had taken a picture of Luigino's stuffed pork chop that a friend ordered there a while back......if our meal was any indication of their future, "I'm Out"!

[Shirleevee]

I'm not a fan of Luiginos. Ate there once with a group of friends. Not good food at all.

3 Strikes for me and never went back!

[lcmca]

Its luiginos from spanish springs i shared this with someones post that had numerous complaints with luiginos.closing for 3 weeks, then its anyones guess how it will be

[PaPaLarry]

The good thing is, we have plenty of other choices here in The Villages!!!! Let the "Bashing" party begin!!!

[billybye]

I must say that Lugiano's food is not the problem - it is their customer service.
Had lunch special there recently and ordered the lasagna, food was good, but came with nothing else but lasagna. Was waited on by bartender and told soup, salad or even bread was extra and told what did I expect for the price.
I'll pass on anything they are connected to.
Manager did give us some bread, reluctantly.

[golf2140]

Had lunch at Havana today, same folks still there !!!!

[Barefoot]

It's true. Luigino's is taking it over .... and the name will be changed to Hemingway at Havana.

I hear they will also rename the golf courses to Antipasto at Kilimanjaro, Marinara at Kenya and Lasagna at Hemingway.

:bigbow:

[jhrc4]

This posting is really almost amusing. Complain, complain and yet keep, going back to the same place why, why oh why ? The singing group talented yes, eager yes noisy YES, annoying, YES, Now the Important deal the FOOD, and the SERVICE why even talk about this the reputation of this JOINT has already been established so why bother going their...WHY, oh WHY..I can see if you are born again Stupid but if you are not Why would anyone try to be STUPID on Purpose. Explain. Thanks in Advance !!

[Indydealmaker]

This posting is really almost amusing. Complain, complain and yet keep, going back to the same place why, why oh why ? The singing group talented yes, eager yes noisy YES, annoying, YES, Now the Important deal the FOOD, and the SERVICE why even talk about this the reputation of this JOINT has already been established so why bother going their...WHY, oh WHY..I can see if you are born again Stupid but if you are not Why would anyone try to be STUPID on Purpose. Explain. Thanks in Advance !!

Congratulations! You win the Pot-Stirring Award of the day!

[golf2140]

This posting is really almost amusing. Complain, complain and yet keep, going back to the same place why, why oh why ? The singing group talented yes, eager yes noisy YES, annoying, YES, Now the Important deal the FOOD, and the SERVICE why even talk about this the reputation of this JOINT has already been established so why bother going their...WHY, oh WHY..I can see if you are born again Stupid but if you are not Why would anyone try to be STUPID on Purpose. Explain. Thanks in Advance !!

Gracie, I'll be nice and just let this pass !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bonny]

This posting is really almost amusing. Complain, complain and yet keep, going back to the same place why, why oh why ? The singing group talented yes, eager yes noisy YES, annoying, YES, Now the Important deal the FOOD, and the SERVICE why even talk about this the reputation of this JOINT has already been established so why bother going their...WHY, oh WHY..I can see if you are born again Stupid but if you are not Why would anyone try to be STUPID on Purpose. Explain. Thanks in Advance !!
Wow, that's quite a post ! :ohdear:

[Stdole]

Sounds like a tax right off to me for this type of arrangement..

I hope not for our sake..

[jhrc4]

Congratulations! You win the Pot-Stirring Award of the day!

Before I accept this Award I want to Thank my Wife, who has always been there for me, supported me, stood by me, my Children, my Parents if not for them I would not be here, my Friends, Acquaintances, Fans, the many People that I have met over the years, and of course the Ones who I have not met, and the People who I am going to meet one day, hopefully soon.

With a Tear in my green eyes I accept this Award. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

[graciegirl]

Sounds like a tax right off to me for this type of arrangement..

I hope not for our sake..




It began five years at this time, so I am guessing the lease is up and the old leasers don't want to renew.


I hope it works out. Hemingway seems like a good name and a good theme for a restaurant that sits on the Hemingway course and is designed inside like it is. But I suspect that if what we are hearing is true, we will see Italian food. AND Shirleevee who never posts negative, isn't a fan. She is a great cook and knows good cooking, so I hope the new folks have their ducks in a better line for this new venture. It is a GREAT location.

[Bogie Shooter]

I think if the Pope himself opened a restaurant at Havanna........it would get bashed before it even opened.

[JB in TV]

edited...no longer relevant, glad you are ok!

[Patty55]

I think if the Pope himself opened a restaurant at Havanna........it would get bashed before it even opened.

Can he cook?

[graciegirl]

I think if the Pope himself opened a restaurant at Havanna........it would get bashed before it even opened.



Hmm.. IF he did, what would he call it?


Viva la Papa Johns? Pie from the Sky? Manna from Heaven?

Would the waiters wear cassocks?

[Skip]

How itmthe newwer orner frrld he g
Has to cut prices dersticslly tipo gert foof,in the door. A couople of momonthd kplster, this has gone poorly and he has to repaise the by 100 percert. Who wouold stay?

Must be Happy Hour somewhere.

Skip

[Indydealmaker]

Must be Happy Hour somewhere.

Skip

I hope Buggyone is OK!

[Carla B]

I hope Buggyone is OK!

It must be jet lag.

[buggyone]

Hi Folks,

Wow, jet lag is a terrible thing. I came home extremely sleepy but could not sleep. I took an Ambien (yes, I have a prescription), went to sleep for about an hour, woke up and decided to do some TOTV messaging. That was definitely NOT the thing to do - as you see the results. I even got a PM from a dear friend asking if I was alright.

Let's just say that the results could have been worse if I had a credit card and had been watching Home Shopping Network!

Anyhow, thanks for the concern from everyone. It is good to be home in The Villages.

[xkeowner]

As much as I would love to see a change at Havana, there is not a permanent food service license application being processed by the state as far as I can find. The current license was recently extended until Feb 1, 2014. Change may be coming but I doubt it will be this week.

[Biancarose]

Is Havana sold?

[kittygilchrist]

good grief Charlie Brown, this thread is a loser! nobody knows anything and yet are upset about it even though everybody knows they are clueless.

[Bonny]

Is Havana sold?

No it's not.

[golf2140]

Kris Brown is still owner.

[Golf-Tinker]

The lessee is Kris Brown's company.

[buggyone]

Being operated by the same management/chefs as at Luigino's is certainly NOT a good recommendation for the place.

[exmayor95]

Oh no, not Luigino's? Get ready for that special "Hot Ham n Cheese with fries"!

[eweissenbach]

Before I accept this Award I want to Thank my Wife, who has always been there for me, supported me, stood by me, my Children, my Parents if not for them I would not be here, my Friends, Acquaintances, Fans, the many People that I have met over the years, and of course the Ones who I have not met, and the People who I am going to meet one day, hopefully soon.

With a Tear in my green eyes I accept this Award. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

They like you!! They really really like you!!

Our winter rental is next door to Havana and I keep hoping that someone will take over and improve it so we can go more than once during the winter. I would vote for the owner(s)/manager of Cane or Mallory. Oh well, they are a short trip.

[buf2mco2tv]

I heard a "rumor", last night, that a new owner was taking over Havana soon.

I didn't get the date, but it sounded like it was happening in the very near future.

However, the new owner (if the rumor happens to be true) will not please a lot of folks...

Anyone else heard anything ???
Rumor has it that is "Luigino's" (sp) The owners from the restaurant in Spanish Springs.
I sure hope it isn't them! I was in there one time with a bunch of friends and I saw a cockroach walking by me and I told the waiter and he squashed itwith his shoe and said you can keep them out. Ugh!!!!

[Bonny]

It doesn't look like the deal with Luiginos is going through.

[billethkid]

It doesn't look like the deal with Luiginos is going through.

that will be good news to many of us, leaving the possibility of a real CC caliber eatery open.:pray::mmmm:

btk

[Bonny]

What a wonderful time at Havana last night ! We sat at the bar. I ordered the chicken saltimbocca & hubby got the pork tenderloin. I got salad with mine & he got the soup ! It was delicious. I actually have enough for lunch & dinner and then some !
The singing waiters / waitresses were awesome. Lots of good Christmas music.
We were there about 4 hours. We saw the bar turn over several times. Everyone was eating & drinking and having a great time. Never saw anyone complain. We had a party of 12 Red Hats behind us and a group of 7 next to them. Everyone was enjoying.
The place was packed. So great to see.

[Mallory]

Any new names surfacing as to who will take it over?

[Bonny]

There are a few looking into it.

[Mverduchi]

I hope you are right. It is such a shame that Havanna Country Club can not seem to get it "together" like Mallory or Cane Garden. What is up with that? They have had so many chances, and actually do do good as they allow Pancake breakfasts for several of the non-profits around the Villages. So why is it so inconsistent...either the service is horrible and the food is good, or the food is horrible and the service is OK. ???? We live right around the corner and yet travel to Mallory, or many of the other Country Clubs to enjoy lunch or dinner out. Such a shame. They need to get a good manager who understands the importance of good food and good service at the same time.

[scrapple]

What a wonderful time at Havana last night ! We sat at the bar. I ordered the chicken saltimbocca & hubby got the pork tenderloin. I got salad with mine & he got the soup ! It was delicious. I actually have enough for lunch & dinner and then some !
The singing waiters / waitresses were awesome. Lots of good Christmas music.
We were there about 4 hours. We saw the bar turn over several times. Everyone was eating & drinking and having a great time. Never saw anyone complain. We had a party of 12 Red Hats behind us and a group of 7 next to them. Everyone was enjoying.
The place was packed. So great to see.

Bonny, we must have been there at the same time. And we ordered the same thing! And yes, I have enough for a few work lunches. I love the singing waiters, enjoy going every few months and hope no big changes are on the way.

[Bill32]

reading some of these posts on Havana makes me wonder why they are struggling???? People here are raving about the food ,service, entertainment.....sounds like the're the premier eatery here in TV...can't figure it out???.....or can I...

[Muddykatchen]

I too heard the rumor. But if what I heard is true, I will like it a lot!!! In fact, will love it if they serve authentic dishes. Guess we'll have to wait and see ...

[goldenlucydog]

We're supposed to be going there with a group of 14-18, Jan. 9th to hear the "Singing Waiters". Are they no longer there ?

[Bonny]

Yes, they are there

[Skip]

No takers, so they're going to make another rec. center out of it. :evil6:

Skip

[janmcn]

No takers, so they're going to make another rec. center out of it. :evil6:

Skip


WOW!!! Is this true? It's hard to believe that this post has been up for over 24 hours and not one person commented about Hemingway closing and becoming a rec center.

[JSR22]

When is the Havana restaurant becoming a rec center? I am very surprised and was hoping a good restaurant would move into the space.

[CFrance]

When is the Havana restaurant becoming a rec center? I am very surprised and was hoping a good restaurant would move into the space.

Because of the laughing emoticon at the end of Skip's post, I believe his statement was a joke.

[JSR22]

I didn't notice his emoticon. Still hoping a better restaurant goes into Havana.

[Bonny]

No, this will be a restaurant. NO Rec Center !!!!

[SALYBOW]

I am not sure why Havana is closing. It is always packed since the Opera Singers have been singing.

[Bonny]

It is NOT closing !!

[jmarkohio]

We thought we would try out the the new Havana yesterday afternoon. Found out from the bar staff that nothing is new. The deal fell through. Then watched a couple of guys try to order draft beer only to be told that they only have bottled beer. Have to say that the bar staff was great and very friendly.

[jim1941]

Luigino's deal fell through. Confirmed last night by employees. Rumor - they couldn't come to terms on the $$$.

[buggyone]

Having Luigino's takeover Havana would not have been any improvement. Luigino's does not have good food or service!

[Shirleevee]

Having Luigino's takeover Havana would not have been any improvement. Luigino's does not have good food or service!

I agree!:BigApplause:

[SyrNancy]

6 of us had dinner tonight and we all enjoyed the food and entertainment! My haddock dinner was cooked perfectly! Seafood platters were enjoyed and steak eaters were happy as well. The singers performed a variety of songs from musical theater. A fun evening!

[Matzy]

We never had any problems with Havana or Bonifay. Both places offer good food and service, Havana sometimes slow service.
When we are out for breakfast, lunch or dinner we take our time, we don't want to be in rush, and so we always enjoy the places.

[Skip]

with a name like Havana is it too much to ask for great Spanish rice and beans ,maybe some good fish, Mahi,snapper,etc.... hire a cook from Miami all you need is one good one he can train the locals YIKES!!!

When it first opened George Stella had wonderful Cuban dishes on the menu. Within a month they lost him, the manager and much of the staff. Write to George and ask him to come back.

Skip