[carm310]

It is sad, when they first opened it was a nice place to go. The food was pretty good at the time but the music, atmosphere and good times is what kept us coming back. We have not been in over a year. It would be nice if they could get their act together.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Challenger

This establishment is in mortal danger and the location could be tainted for years. IMO, nothing short of new ownership(not a sham transfer) will make a difference. I have great respect for the business savy of the "developer" and this problem needs immediate attention, lest it reflect badly on the community and other clubs.

It appears it has already done that. Reflect badly. I have had a bad impression from the very first month they were opened and appeared to let the chef go who was supposedly famous and the preopening advertisement draw.

The folks who OWN the building (The developers) are in a lease agreement with the people who own the restaurant business and I hope that I am counting correctly and that they have a five year lease that should be up this fall. It is a WONDERFUL location for someone who knows how to do it. I don't get down on things too often but that place is on my avoid list.

You are so right, they must know how badly they fare from criticisms on this forum, and they don't seem to care enough to clean up their act and do something different. I wonder what restaurant they had before Havana?

[spk7951]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

It appears it has already done that. Reflect badly. I have had a bad impression from the very first month they were opened and appeared to let the chef go who was supposedly famous and the preopening advertisement draw.

The folks who OWN the building (The developers) are in a lease agreement with the people who own the restaurant business and I hope that I am counting correctly and that they have a five year lease that should be up this fall. It is a WONDERFUL location for someone who knows how to do it. I don't get down on things too often but that place is on my avoid list.

You are so right, they must know how badly they fare from criticisms on this forum, and they don't seem to care enough to clean up their act and do something different. I wonder what restaurant they had before Havana?

Kris Brown previously was the general manager of Park Plaza Gardens restaurant in Winter Park, at least that is what I found when doing a web search. As to the lease at the restaurant I have heard that there is a five year lease in effect from the latter part of 2008. Now for the disclaimer; while one of the folks telling me about the lease is a former manager at Havana I have no concrete proof to support it.

[Bonny]

Yes, Kris used to be at Park Plaza. I'm fairly sure he has already signed the new lease at Havana.

[memason]

Originally Posted by Bonny

Yes, Kris used to be at Park Plaza. I'm fairly sure he has already signed the new lease at Havana.

I sure hope this isn't the case, otherwise we are in for 5 more years of these types of posts.

Whatever the case, I predict a failed business within the next year.

[LndLocked]

Originally Posted by Bonny

Yes, Kris used to be at Park Plaza. I'm fairly sure he has already signed the new lease at Havana.

Interesting that this location apparently continues to have problems as the Park Plaza Gardens has been for many years and continues to be an outstanding restaurant.

How long has he been at Havana?

[KathieI]

Originally Posted by Bonny

Yes, Kris used to be at Park Plaza. I'm fairly sure he has already signed the new lease at Havana.

Originally Posted by memason

I sure hope this isn't the case, otherwise we are in for 5 more years of these types of posts.

Whatever the case, I predict a failed business within the next year.

Oh pleaseeee, Bonny, don't tell me this is true. I've been waiting at least the past 3 years to get this guy out. He and I do not get along because we've been telling him what's wrong with his place for 3 years. He will NOT listen, nor does he care. He's lost everyone in that place that was good and cared about running a nice, happy, clean restaurant. When it first opened, I was there almost every day and night. It was a fantastic environment and then he started firing people around him and then others left because they couldn't put up with him any longer. Now its a shell of what it used to be and its getting worse.

Please, please lets hope he's out and some one who knows how to run it is in...

[Bonny]

Originally Posted by LndLocked

Interesting that this location apparently continues to have problems as the Park Plaza Gardens has been for many years and continues to be an outstanding restaurant.

How long has he been at Havana?

I believe Kris has been there right from the beginning.
Mike & Gina who own City Fire have been over seeing Park Plaza Gardens.

[xkeowner]

Villagers love rumors, so let me start one. A search of the Florida Department of Business Regulation website shows two listings at the Havana Club address. The first is the current business identified as “Havana Club.” The second listing is identified as “Havana Country Club Restaurant” and a status of “Application in progress.” It shows the License Location Address as 2484 Odell Cir The Villages, FL 32162. However the Main Address is 11608 Carmody Ct Orlando, FL 32837. A Google search of that address results in it being a residence, but also the location of Laid Back Gator, Inc.. Another Google search identifies David Hoefer as Director, President, Secretary, Treasurer and Principal at Laid Back Gator, Inc. At least this is a name not previously identified with Havana as far as I know.

I checked several other country clubs including the recently closed Orange Blossom Hills and none has an application in progress. World of Beer, coming soon to Brownwood, also has an application in progress. We can only hope this is more than rumor and change is coming soon.

[PaPaLarry]

I really agree!! This man does not belong in business. He must have lots of money, because I don't think he's making much, or holding on to his help

[DougB]

I guess even bad publicity is good publicity. We have never been to Havana, but now with all the negative posts, my wife is asking to go there to see if it is as bad as everyone says. Geez, thanks guys!

[ilovetv]

We reluctantly went there for lunch on the patio one afternoon 4 weeks ago. The reason we were reluctant was because twice after golf the week before, there was NO BEER. It's so ridiculous!!!!

Personally, if I were working there as I did as a server (elsewhere) for years, if my regulars came in after golf and there was no beer for them, I would have gotten my arse into my car or onto my golf cart and whizzed around the corner to Walgreens to get a couple of 12-packs in 5 minutes flat.

BUT, that would take initiative and a willingness to get off one's butt to please their patron. Apparently no bartender, server nor manager knew nor cared that in a pinch, there is beer one could buy around the corner, at Walgreens, Publix, etc.

So, getting back to our last attempt 4 weeks ago.....when we sat down we were greeted by a server with a work ethic and brains. When we stated our reluctance to come back, she assured us she would make sure we got good food and service, and then carefully said, "Well....we finally are getting a new manager, and finally it's the right combination of what it takes: A woman.....and she's New Yorker".

So if that was the case, this woman supposedly hired to manage either had the b@ll$ to not put up with the owner who seems to like wasting one of the best locations/physical plants in all of TV and she quit.....or the owner decided not to hire her because she might want to have money to pay for cleaning, ongoing pest control, and enough petty cash on hand to run to Walgreens and buy a couple of 12-packs in a pinch, when they run out of beer!!

How can TV and developers POSSIBLY sign another lease with this kind of lame-brain outfit infecting the place for 5 years now???

[Golfingnut]

Originally Posted by DougB

I guess even bad publicity is good publicity. We have never been to Havana, but now with all the negative posts, my wife is asking to go there to see if it is as bad as everyone says. Geez, thanks guys!

I have had good food at havana but I have had a lot of bad meals also.

[skip0358]

I hope the rumor of him renewing the lease isn't true. Used to go there ALL the time as it's only up the block. Spoke with Kris many times and defended the place as many times. Hate to say I haven't been there in quite some time as there are to many other places although not as close as Havana. Great location, nice decor, love the outside area but had to leave.

[Mikeod]

Originally Posted by memason

I sure hope this isn't the case, otherwise we are in for 5 more years of these types of posts.

Whatever the case, I predict a failed business within the next year.

It's a self-fulfilling prophecy. Bad restaurant leads to fewer patrons leads to reduced revenue leads to poorer meals and service leads to fewer patrons which ends in failure. Although it appears it has already failed.

Whoever takes over that place, if it does change hands, has a real mountain of an uphill climb to regain our business. When it first opened, they had a prime rib special that was excellent. Somewhat later, we stopped in after golf for lunch and they had a hot dog special with quarter pound hot dogs for lunch. A few of the guys ordered the special. They got two regular hot dogs, not the quarter pound dogs. And no notice so they could have changed their orders. We asked what happened and they told us they ran out. It was noon!! And Publix is just down the street. Geez, just send someone down and buy some.