maybe I can help

This may come as a shock to many here, but it has always been about the money. I never read where Mr. Schwartz or Mr. Morse ever said they were building a benevolent community. They were here to have an income, to feed their families. If you read their financial situation when this was started you would know that what they did was hard. Because they were very successful, because they built a legacy for the kids and their grand kids and because they didn't include us there is a need to malign them. Give us what WE want, keep things the way WE liked it and don't charge us any more than WE pay now even though we think we are paying too much. When will we understand.....probably never. The good news is they said the same thing about Sharon and people felt if they didn't show up it would fail. How is that going? I agree with the poster that if you don't like what they are doing then don't show up. But, please don't malign those that gave you the opportunity to enjoy this place....assuming you do. END OF ANOTHER RANT

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.

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

We used to go to Katie Belles 3 or 4 days a week. Watched soooooo many people come in to dance, never get a seat because they weren't buying anything and stay all night. When there was a $5.00 min. they would spend $5.00.
We have been here almost 16 years. It takes a lot of money to pay for the operation of a building that large, the entertainment and staff at Katie Belles.
We have seen so many changes there over the years trying to make it profitable.

I remember villagers telling me that potential buyers were picked up by limo and comped including dinner at any village owned restaurant including the Cattle Barron. They had a $40 steak. That was the most expensive meal. A show at Katie Belles is right there. I wonder how much business was from potential buyers.

My wife was there two weeks ago to buy tickets for a show. She was asked for ID. She said "I thought Katie Belles was open to the public"? His reply was "no, its just like it was before, guest must be accompanied by a resident".

With ID it's cheaper. The shows always allowed non-residents

He was referring to admittance to the restaurant.

Well Bonny has manage to cheerlead on every page of this post. Katie belle's was special and now it is just another dinner joint. Schwartz wanted it to be special, and his sons tried their best. Now, 2 billion in profits later and the grandkids want more. They make money selling you a house. They make money renting buildings to restaurants, medical offices and virtually every other property in tjhe area. Why couldn't there be one place for residents only that tried it's best to break even and not seek to squeeze more dollars out of the people that have made them wealthy? Schwartz and Gary both got it. Bonny aside, this place isn't as special as it use to be. If I want a good dinner I'll go to Harry's or the Lopez. Palmer. Bonefish ...etc. Many of my visitors will miss the old KB/CB as much as I will.

I just stepped outside to check - no full moon that I could see.

So, just a hunch? No actual financials or word from the Morses?

I am all for profit. Beats the heck out of running in the red...

I think the bottom line is that "you can't please all of the people all of the time".
-Katie Belle's needed to make a profit, it wasn't.
-It has been remastered and will not be the same old Katie Belle's.
-If you go and check it out and decide you don't like it. Don't go back.
-If you go and enjoy it's new menu and entertainment offerings, Great! You will return.
-The Villages was once a small "hometown", it isn't any longer.
-114,000 people have decided this is a great place to live.
-The old Katie Belle's most likely did not influence that decision for the majority of residents.
-If you decide this is not the place for you, there are people waiting in line to take your place.
-There is no place equal to The Villages, anywhere. That does not mean it is perfect.
-Each of us can think of something we would like to have changed, perhaps.
-We believe that The Villages offers us so much, and are thankful for every minute we have here.
-Like I said, You can't please all of the people all of the time. There will always be those who complain just to have something to complain about.

[emoji106]