[travelguy]

so let me get this straight. the owner decided not to re-new his franchise agreement with cici's. business was fine until he decided this, and as soon as he re-launched then suddenly the customers stopped coming in and he was forced to go out of business in a matter of weeks? there is more to this than we are hearing.

[exmayor95]

I'm sure there is more to the story. The Villages owns the property. They will decide who and what goes in. Be nice to see some type of breakfast/lunch place there.

[skyguy79]

Originally Posted by travelguy

so let me get this straight. the owner decided not to re-new his franchise agreement with cici's. business was fine until he decided this, and as soon as he re-launched then suddenly the customers stopped coming in and he was forced to go out of business in a matter of weeks? there is more to this than we are hearing.

Probably, but do we ever hear everything about anything now a days?

[bike42]

Originally Posted by travelguy

so let me get this straight. the owner decided not to re-new his franchise agreement with cici's. business was fine until he decided this, and as soon as he re-launched then suddenly the customers stopped coming in and he was forced to go out of business in a matter of weeks? there is more to this than we are hearing.

The franchise agreement (with CiCi's) probably had a non-compete clause in it.

[Roaddog53]

Originally Posted by bike42

The franchise agreement (with CiCi's) probably had a non-compete clause in it.

This is true. Cicis sued when they broke the agreement. Cici's franchise marketing was not tailored for the area. In fact many Cicis restaurants are going under. They tried to get out and start fresh with better ingredients on their own. Whether it is known or not, businesses have cycles. It is harder for a business as this to make it in the summer months when no one is here. I know, now I am going to hear the whining on how bad they were anyway. Talk to ANY owner on the difference. They could not have another pizza or Italian restaurant within a certain radius for a determined amount of time.
This is typical of many franchises. Some have from a 5 to 10 year agreement. I checked into many franchises over the years. Read the fine print. Most take a HUGE portion in fees such as licensing, marketing, and you are restricted on what and how it is served. Thus, if you can;t make it in the area, your options to get out are few.

[Walker]

This is what they told me back end of November when they were closing up:
He wanted to break his contract with CiCi's. They were too restrictive. The one month he was Villages Pizza, he made more money, and had more compliments on the food, then the whole previous 4 years they were open. He could do things his way. CiCi's sued him and took him to court. The judge sided with CiCi's only because he broke his contract. CiCi's forced him to close. He offered to sell his equipment to CiCi's but they didn't want it, so it won't likely be a CiCi's again. CiCi's will sue him again if he opens up anywhere else. His lawyer offered to pay them a "cut" if they leave him alone. Otherwise he will have to go bankrupt and they won't get anything. He paid December rent. He moved and stored everything except his oven. Said he would deep clean and reopen if they accept his offer. It's Jan 2 and the oven is still there. The saga continues...

[SALYBOW]

Originally Posted by sralph99

CiCi's in the Colony Plaza is now Village Pizza. Same owner and staff and it looks like it hasn't changed, other then the name.

Unfortunately, the name was not the problem!!!

[Pharmer]

so now there isn't any thing there: no ci ci's or Village Pizza. What a shame. What's next?

[Down Sized]

CiCi's all closed from where I came from a few years ago. When I arrived here I was supprised to see the CiCi's pizza. I took a picture to email back home to show there was one still opened here.

[Villageshooter]

This was one of the best places here in the compound to get a great pizza,, the help was always so friendly,, was so clean u culd eat off the floor,,,the restrooms looked like a high $$$ hotels ... Pies were always so fresh ,, they Wuld make anything for u,,,, so sad to see a village pillar no longer here in paradice! Was truly a sad closing

[davecz1]

They are now closed. Building is empty.

[USSGompers]

Originally Posted by Villageshooter

This was one of the best places here in the compound to get a great pizza,, the help was always so friendly,, was so clean u culd eat off the floor,,,the restrooms looked like a high $$$ hotels ... Pies were always so fresh ,, they Wuld make anything for u,,,, so sad to see a village pillar no longer here in paradice! Was truly a sad closing

I agree, I went there when they opened. Went there with my PT Cruiser Club (40 of us). Went there whenever my sister and kids were in town. Went there with my Mom numerous times before cancer took her. Went with my hubby several times.

I feel that in a short amount of time, something horrible has happened.

I still have my memories. I was always treated like a Queen there, unlike other restaurants and I felt wanted. I am going to miss them

Does this mean I am a 'Bush leaguer"? Inside joke!!

[Walker]

Originally Posted by Walker

This is what they told me back end of November when they were closing up:
He wanted to break his contract with CiCi's. They were too restrictive. The one month he was Villages Pizza, he made more money, and had more compliments on the food, then the whole previous 4 years they were open. He could do things his way. CiCi's sued him and took him to court. The judge sided with CiCi's only because he broke his contract. CiCi's forced him to close. He offered to sell his equipment to CiCi's but they didn't want it, so it won't likely be a CiCi's again. CiCi's will sue him again if he opens up anywhere else. His lawyer offered to pay them a "cut" if they leave him alone. Otherwise he will have to go bankrupt and they won't get anything. He paid December rent. He moved and stored everything except his oven. Said he would deep clean and reopen if they accept his offer. It's Jan 2 and the oven is still there. The saga continues...

2/13/13 Just noticed that the pizza oven has been removed. They must have given up the lease, I wish them well. So the news is: That location is now WIDE OPEN! I hope for another Pizza place, maybe with oven toasted subs thrown in as well. Hey, if anybody happens to be dining at maybe say Flippers or NYPD Pizza, ask the question and post their replies here…

[Russ_Boston]

Originally Posted by Walker

2/13/13 Just noticed that the pizza oven has been removed. They must have given up the lease, I wish them well. So the news is: That location is now WIDE OPEN! I hope for another Pizza place, maybe with oven toasted subs thrown in as well. Hey, if anybody happens to be dining at maybe say Flippers or NYPD Pizza, ask the question and post their replies here…

Word on the street is that Flippers is optioning another site. The rumor is that Colony is the front-runner (but LSL is still a possibility but not sure which store front it would be).

[Aloha]

I understand that Flippers will have 5 locations in The Villages. The locations are still to be determined and the time frame. They have been very pleased with the great customers they have had at their current location. Folks in The Villages are smart enough to realize a great product, with excellent pricing and excellent service. The new locations should help with the over-crowding at the one Flipper's location in Spanish Springs.

Here is their current Menu.,,

Flippers Pizzeria Menu, Voted Best Pizza Places in Florida, Online pizza deals | Flippers Pizzeria