Originally Posted by Jimigolf (Post 1169119)

Seems to me that the $26 (That might be per person) would be in addition to the menu charge for food and drinks. Could be pretty expensive, especially if the food is as rotten as when KB was on the main floor.

Originally Posted by Allegiance (Post 1167929)

I am sure it's great for what it now is. Sad that it's gone and many feel we lost an amenity. Praising the developer or vouching for their right to make money will NOT take away that feeling. *HAROLD*SCHWARTZ would walk around the original town square, mingle and asked the villagers how he could make their lives more happy. He lived in his manufactured home and was happy to be a real villager.

Originally Posted by Allegiance (Post 1167929)

I am sure it's great for what it now is. Sad that it's gone and many feel we lost an amenity. Praising the developer or vouching for their right to make money will NOT take away that feeling. *HAROLD*SCHWARTZ would walk around the original town square, mingle and asked the villagers how he could make their lives more happy. He lived in his manufactured home and was happy to be a real villager.

Originally Posted by tomwed (Post 1169240)

I enjoy the stories from when the villages was new. It's hard for me to imagine Mr. Schwartz living in a manufactured home. Wasn't he a man of means at that time?

I like asking the villagers what would make them happier too. Most of the amenities are in the north end of town. I only made it to Katie Belles one time and listened to 4 concerts at the church on the square.

Originally Posted by rustyp (Post 1169313)

Harold lived in a manufactured home on Paradise Lake off of Aloha and Tarrson. The first town square is not Spanish Springs. It is where the alcove is at El Ranchito restaurant at Lagrande and Griffin. A few of my neighbors here on the historic side knew Harold personally. There was a celebration a few years back at Schwartz park and several people spoke about their memories of him. Every story mentioned how much he loved people and music. One story of interest is that Harold would walk around showing off the place. He would stop at a house that he had for sale and ask do you like this? Reach into his pocket and toss them the keys - try it out for a few days. The start of Lifestyle Trial.

I will miss Katie Belle's for lunch - for all day entertainment - for showing my guests our private club house (a little bit of show boating). I miss the Church On The Square - especially December countdown. I miss some of the residential vendors whose store names where part of the fictional story of how SS was settled.

Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr (Post 1167529)

Katie Belle’s has issued the following list of the most frequently asked questions about the newly remodeled venue in Spanish Springs Town Square:

• Has the menu changed – yes – totally.

• Hours of Operation – Sunday closed (except for special occasions), Monday and Tuesday hours vary depending on our special events, Wednesday and Thursday 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 3:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

• Happy Hour – Wednesday thru Saturday 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. – all alcoholic beverages are half price (happy hour not available on bottles of wine and during special events).

• What is going into downstairs – retail tenants – we do not know who.

• Do you have to make reservations for dinner – at this time, we will not take reservations for dinner – at some point, Village residents will be able to make reservations for a dinner table.

• Is there a time limit on dinner tables – in order to satisfy as many guests as possible, we plan on tables being occupied for a maximum of two hours for dinner.

• Is Katie Belle’s doing Sunday brunch – no

• Will the entertainment be the same – the entertainment will be very similar – due to the size of our restaurant, entertainment will be for seated guests only. We will not be able to have standing guests during the shows.

• Why can’t we stay all night – we have created two distinct areas in our restaurant. One is for dining and the other is for shows – as any restaurant that serves dinner, we have to turn tables, so, in our dining area, we need the tables available for the next set of dining guests (no cover charge in our dining area) – in our show area, we will charge a small cover charge to pay for the production of the show. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, there is only one show for the night. Your cover charge will enable you to stay for the entire show, if you desire – on Friday and Saturday nights, there are two shows. You can purchase tickets for both shows and stay all night. On top of the cover charge, there will be a minimum purchase per show.

Originally Posted by tomwed (Post 1169372)

thank-you Rusty
He had a gift of making regular folks feel like millionaires.

Originally Posted by tomwed (Post 1169523)

How does this work out?
Wed Jan 13, 2016 6:30PM Katie Belle's The Villages, FL
Wed Jan 13, 2016 7PM Katie Belle's The Villages, FL
Wed Jan 13, 2016 7:30PM Katie Belle's The Villages, FL

Do you sit down at 6:30, order, drink and leave before 7 so the next group can get to the table by 7?

not complaining, just asking

Originally Posted by biker1 (Post 1169581)

They are staggering the seating times so the demands on the kitchen are spread out.

Originally Posted by tomwed (Post 1169603)

Did you go to a half hour show?

Originally Posted by dotti105 (Post 1169766)

We went to the old Katie Belle's a few times before it closed. I was really not that impressed. I know it had a colorful history and was an integral part of Spanish Springs. But we actually thought it looked a bit tired and quite dusty. But we did not know it from it's opening or have a tender spot in our heart for the old Katie Belle's, like many residents do.

I think we all need to have an open mind and go to experience the new "Katie Belle's", trying not to compare. It is new and will be different. That is a given.

But if the old "Katie Belle's" was making a profit, there would have been no need to revamp it. The folks who loved it so ,perhaps, tended to order light and stay long. That is the kiss of death for any restaurant. Especially one with live entertainment.

What we have is the here and now. We can't go back. Go and enjoy it for what it is, or if you don't enjoy it, don't go back. There are lots of other places to dine.

Change is inevitable.

We are just happy to be here and I still think we are living like millionaires here.

Can you think of any place better?? ......hmmm......I didn't think so.

Originally Posted by dotti105 (Post 1169766)

We went to the old Katie Belle's a few times before it closed. I was really not that impressed. I know it had a colorful history and was an integral part of Spanish Springs. But we actually thought it looked a bit tired and quite dusty. But we did not know it from it's opening or have a tender spot in our heart for the old Katie Belle's, like many residents do.

I think we all need to have an open mind and go to experience the new "Katie Belle's", trying not to compare. It is new and will be different. That is a given.

But if the old "Katie Belle's" was making a profit, there would have been no need to revamp it. The folks who loved it so ,perhaps, tended to order light and stay long. That is the kiss of death for any restaurant. Especially one with live entertainment.

What we have is the here and now. We can't go back. Go and enjoy it for what it is, or if you don't enjoy it, don't go back. There are lots of other places to dine.

Change is inevitable.

We are just happy to be here and I still think we are living like millionaires here.

Can you think of any place better?? ......hmmm......I didn't think so.

Originally Posted by dotti105 (Post 1169766)

We went to the old Katie Belle's a few times before it closed. I was really not that impressed. I know it had a colorful history and was an integral part of Spanish Springs. But we actually thought it looked a bit tired and quite dusty. But we did not know it from it's opening or have a tender spot in our heart for the old Katie Belle's, like many residents do.

I think we all need to have an open mind and go to experience the new "Katie Belle's", trying not to compare. It is new and will be different. That is a given.

But if the old "Katie Belle's" was making a profit, there would have been no need to revamp it. The folks who loved it so ,perhaps, tended to order light and stay long. That is the kiss of death for any restaurant. Especially one with live entertainment.

What we have is the here and now. We can't go back. Go and enjoy it for what it is, or if you don't enjoy it, don't go back. There are lots of other places to dine.

Change is inevitable.

We are just happy to be here and I still think we are living like millionaires here.

Can you think of any place better?? ......hmmm......I didn't think so.

Originally Posted by earlehancock (Post 1169839)

I went but was not impressed. Expensive, food was average. it used to be a fun venue, not so much any more.

Originally Posted by JSR22 (Post 1167503)

My husband and I ate dinner last night at Katie Belle's and it was terrific! The restaurant is beautiful decorated well and very nice comfortable furniture. The menu has been completely revamped and upgraded along with a new very good wine list. Entree's come with Caesar salad or salad bar, a side dish and warm crusty bread with herbed olive oil for dipping. Appetizers included clams casino, jumbo shrimp cocktail, seared ahi tuna, spinach artichoke dip and more, We split the ahi tuna and it was excellent. There are a lot of entrees. Several fish which can be prepared baked, broiled or blackened and accompanied with choice of several sauces, chicken, veal,
rack of lamb, lollypop pork chop, crab cakes, pasta dishes. We both had very well prepared fish. Side dishes were very good. Service was excellent and we will return often. A 100% positive experience. Don't listen to the bashers who have never been there. Go and enjoy!

Originally Posted by dadspet (Post 1167695)

We did the pass through last week and haven't had a chance to try the food yet. Our opinion (shared my many we have talked with) on New vs Old Katie Belle's is > while its not bad it clearly doesn't have the class or atmosphere of the old Katie Belles which was unique and a real attraction that most residents were proud to take their quests and show off the "resident only" restaurant and entertainment center. Dancers have now lost the afternoon music many enjoyed and even most nights since they are now "shows". So from a dancers point of view and those who enjoyed a unique experience I think its lost that pazaz - but for those who expected better dinning it sounds like it will be a step in the right direction. To be honest we liked the food and drinks at Katie Belles, very reasonable and entertainment that was great. Cattle Barron's food was a step up and enjoyable with prices that were still reasonable. You couldn't beat the atmosphere downstairs or upstairs.

Originally Posted by OhioBuckeye (Post 1170228)

4 yrs. when we were just guest we ate at Katie Belle's & it was good & the prices were pretty cheap but before the close to remodel the prices went up I thought quite a bit. Now that they've remodeled I would think the prices would of went up quite a bit. But I'm sure the die hard Katie Belle go getters will argue that point. I guess I always thought that The Villages gave the residents a cut rate if they showed their ID's, but anyone from Ocala, Wildwood, Fruitland Park can go anyway in The Villages & be treated just like the residents that pay $150. a month amenities! The longer I live here the more I learn that it's not as great as they make it sound when you talk to them about buying a house.

Originally Posted by OhioBuckeye (Post 1170228)

4 yrs. when we were just guest we ate at Katie Belle's & it was good & the prices were pretty cheap but before the close to remodel the prices went up I thought quite a bit. Now that they've remodeled I would think the prices would of went up quite a bit. But I'm sure the die hard Katie Belle go getters will argue that point. I guess I always thought that The Villages gave the residents a cut rate if they showed their ID's, but anyone from Ocala, Wildwood, Fruitland Park can go anyway in The Villages & be treated just like the residents that pay $150. a month amenities! The longer I live here the more I learn that it's not as great as they make it sound when you talk to them about buying a house.

Originally Posted by billethkid (Post 1170258)

Now entering year 12! Some things have changed. Some are always disappointed with change....no matter what it is.

More good has come from the evolution of TV.

And 12 years hence, with the plus or minus changes TV is not what they make it sound like when the sales people talk but it has been and is what just about everybody was looking for when the decided to buy here.

Remember TV provides the infrastructure.....we are TV.....there is no better lifestyle in my humble opinion.

Originally Posted by 2BNTV (Post 1170454)

:agree:

Sorry, I have to disagree with some people in TV. The $150 ammenity fee does not mean all things in TV, should be free. There are a certain amount of people who want things to be virtually free, as when you see someone bringing a cooler into the square, instead of supporting the entertaining provided.

I hear of certain places trying to imitate our lifestyle but will never duplicate it! This developer has spent billions creating this paradise and I am deeply grateful.

Everyone has the option of staying home and or, not spending any money, or living in a nearby community and visiting all of the wonderful activities that are always happening. Outsiders that spend money at businesses in TV are supporting those businesses. It's better than having them close.

I've heard people complaining of snowbirds, (traffic, restaurant crowding, etc), but they also bring a lot of money into TV economy.

But can 114,350 people be wrong? :D

Nuff said.

Originally Posted by ladean46 (Post 1168003)

So happy that the restaurant was redone.........but what about us, The Village residents
Katie Belles was our restaurant, now anyone and everyone can go in
I think they made a big mistake when they made it open to the general public.

Originally Posted by the square (Post 1168008)

Ah yes. "resident only", that term seems to be going the way of the dial telephone. I think Katie Belles and the Alamo have something in common. They're both been over run by outside forces. I believe that non-residents already get enough entertainment here as it is. The three squares leading the list. If the Villages with it's supposed 100,000 residents can't keep Katie belles afloat then maybe it wasn't meant to be. I've been going there since 2008 and thought is great the way it was. It seem that The Villages is going from a " friendliest hometown" to another tourist destination.

Originally Posted by JoMar (Post 1169044)

How was opening it to the general public a mistake? As I understand it the residents didn't really support Katie Belles. The came to dance and didn't spend much money which was one of the reasons for the change. So if the general public can help make it successful I don't know how you can say it's a mistake.

Originally Posted by Mudder (Post 1169092)

"Outsiders" can go into any country club to eat also so why all the complaints about letting them into KB?

Originally Posted by glenbrook (Post 1170547)

Will the new Katie Belles be opened to the public?

Originally Posted by abbysmom (Post 1170680)

Never was exclusive despite what they said. Loads of outsiders in there all the time. New policy just says anyone is now welcome.

Originally Posted by abbysmom (Post 1170680)

Never was exclusive despite what they said. Loads of outsiders in there all the time. New policy just says anyone is now welcome.

Originally Posted by Skip (Post 1171092)

Hmmm. Open to the public now is BIG NEWS. Did I miss the article in The Daily Sun that said we no longer have a "Residents Only" club?
It wasn't long ago that I read in the sales lit that residents enjoy an "exclusive club" called Katie Belle's. I keep missing these official announcements.

Skip

Originally Posted by Villager1181 (Post 1171677)

Went to Momma Mia. Dinner was ok. We had a lot of fun but the movie quality was very poor. I think it is worn out. The actors faces all looked dirty. We had a good time singing and dancing at our seats. Either the movie or the screen needs updating.
We wanted to go see Norman Lee in February but there will be no dance floor. They put the tables on the dance floor right up to the stage. If we are going we want to dance.
If they do the same for Rocky they will die out. It can't just be about the money - they have to give us what we want or we won't come.
KB was so nice before. We could just stop in on Sunday for drinks, a bite to eat and dancing. Our visitors loved going there and dancing with us.
Nothing stays the same - a new generation of Morse's are taking over and it is all about the money.

Originally Posted by Villager1181 (Post 1171677)

Went to Momma Mia. Dinner was ok. We had a lot of fun but the movie quality was very poor. I think it is worn out. The actors faces all looked dirty. We had a good time singing and dancing at our seats. Either the movie or the screen needs updating.
We wanted to go see Norman Lee in February but there will be no dance floor. They put the tables on the dance floor right up to the stage. If we are going we want to dance.
If they do the same for Rocky they will die out. It can't just be about the money - they have to give us what we want or we won't come.
KB was so nice before. We could just stop in on Sunday for drinks, a bite to eat and dancing. Our visitors loved going there and dancing with us.
Nothing stays the same - a new generation of Morse's are taking over and it is all about the money.

Originally Posted by Bonny (Post 1171839)

It's a business. That's what you do when you have a business, you make money, as it should be. If I owned it, it would be to hopefully make money.

Originally Posted by outlaw (Post 1171874)

Who says they weren't making money before the remodel?