[NottaVillager]

It is likely that TV could consistently support ONE..just ONE..upper-scale restaurant such as Ruth Chris, Morton's or the Capital Grille. But more than one? Nope.

[zcaveman]

Longhorn is as best restaurant I would ever get for a high end chain restaurant in TV.

Z

[DougB]

Originally Posted by zcaveman

Longhorn is as best restaurant I would ever get for a high end chain restaurant in TV.

Z

I would wager of all the high end connoisseurs we have here, 95% couldn't tell the difference between a Ruth Chris and a Longhorn steak if blindfolded. Funny how people think they are an expert because they are from the Mid-west, Northeast, New York or wherever.

[buggyone]

Face it, folks - A Ruth Chris, Morton, or Fleming is not going to happen here!

Maybe after the Costco, Trader Joe, and Chucky Cheese open their Villages stores, but not before.

[zcaveman]

Originally Posted by DougB

I would wager of all the high end connoisseurs we have here, 95% couldn't tell the difference between a Ruth Chris and a Longhorn steak if blindfolded. Funny how people think they are an expert because they are from the Mid-west, Northeast, New York or wherever.

I agree!!

[3puttharry]

Many years ago our kids all got involved in cooking. Regarding steaks they taught us how to make various rubs of multiple herbs, spices rubbed w good olive oil on a quality steak... Fantastic. We eat out a lot but never order steak.

[OBXNana]

I may have missed this on the thread, but a restaurant or store will determine if they want to go to an area by the average number of people that are dining or shopping. They won't build to accommodate December through March and have little or no business the remaining 8 months. Beach areas don't attract a lot of chains. They attract the locals that have a new twist on a burger, wrap, or steak. During the summer months and shoulder months they make their money and close in the winter. A chain going into The Villages can't afford to close during the slower season. Can an upscale restaurant survive when the snow birds are gone? I don't have an answer, simply a question.

We haven't had the pleasure of spending a lot of time in The Villages. What we found was good food, at a fair price. We wanted to try restaurants other than chains because we have them in PA. We had no complaints and when we are there full time, if we find we want something that isn't offered, we'll explore the surrounding area.

The chains haven't been successful because they've made poor business decisions. Plus, from a purely personal place, I would have a hard time spending $175.00 for a meal for two. That's just me and can't judge how others spend their money.

[Shimpy]

Originally Posted by DougB

I would wager of all the high end connoisseurs we have here, 95% couldn't tell the difference between a Ruth Chris and a Longhorn steak if blindfolded. Funny how people think they are an expert because they are from the Mid-west, Northeast, New York or wherever.

[Mikeod]

Originally Posted by DougB

I would wager of all the high end connoisseurs we have here, 95% couldn't tell the difference between a Ruth Chris and a Longhorn steak if blindfolded. Funny how people think they are an expert because they are from the Mid-west, Northeast, New York or wherever.

I think that what some are looking for has as much or more to do with ambience/atmosphere and attentive service as it does with the quality of the edibles.

[TomOB]

Originally Posted by DougB

I would wager of all the high end connoisseurs we have here, 95% couldn't tell the difference between a Ruth Chris and a Longhorn steak if blindfolded. Funny how people think they are an expert because they are from the Mid-west, Northeast, New York or wherever.

I'll take that bet, and I am a vegetarian!

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by DougB

I would wager of all the high end connoisseurs we have here, 95% couldn't tell the difference between a Ruth Chris and a Longhorn steak if blindfolded. Funny how people think they are an expert because they are from the Mid-west, Northeast, New York or wherever.

Like Scotch, Like Wine, Like Gin, Like Cigars............there are great differences in meats......many people can't tell or don't care. But there are people who can tell the difference and enjoy quality. If the can nots are 60%, 70%, 90%.........who cares. If 10% or 20% can...........given TV is 100,000 villagers, that's a pretty good pool to draw from.

[NottaVillager]

Originally Posted by buggyone

Face it, folks - A Ruth Chris, Morton, or Fleming is not going to happen here!

Maybe after the Costco, Trader Joe, and Chucky Cheese open their Villages stores, but not before.

I think if any of the upscale chains were to come here, the most likely might be The Capital Grille, since they are owned by Darden which already has a large presence in TV with Longhorn, Olive Garden & Dead Lobster.

[EnglishJW]

For everyone who commented, you might want to read the latest review from The Villages Gourmet Club. They gave Ruth Chris a 15 out of 15. The Villages Gourmet Club Restaurant Reviews Page 3

[Skip]

Originally Posted by EnglishJW

For everyone who commented, you might want to read the latest review from The Villages Gourmet Club. They gave Ruth Chris a 15 out of 15. The Villages Gourmet Club Restaurant Reviews Page 3

What I like is that you can read the member's comments about the exact meal,
service received and the value for what they paid. (Not just "I always go there
and it's always good".) At $33, a dinner at Ruth's Chris is a bargain, trust me.

Thanks EnglishJW.

Skip

[rn1tv]

I would love to see many of the business establishments mentioned but, after filling out the annual survey for 10 years, requesting the same facilities as many other residents and seeing no results, I think it comes down to who the Morris' want to locate here and how can they profit from it.