[Chi-Town]

Tough news about Katie Belle's, makes you wonder. I still miss the members only Cattle Baron Club. It was perfect in its second floor location.

[davem4616]

what nobody but the owners knows is whether the venue was profitable or not

There's always the chance that someone else will move in once the economy gets back on it's feet...happens all the time with restaurants...one goes out and another goes in (unless the location was just awful)

[John_W]

I loved the old KB's, if you didn't like the band at the square, walk in and find a table around the dance floor, and good chance Uncle Bob or somebody better than the square was playing. If needed a snack, they had great pizza and cold beer by the pitcher.

I went one time to the new place, didn't like anything about it and never went back.

[tophcfa]

Never like to see any place close regardless of whether or not it is a place we frequent. First concern is the employees and second is that the other places will have longer waits when things eventually return to the new normal.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

The old Katie Belles stayed above water when it was open to all then many people complained about non residents and the problems that so called came with them . When the villages stopped giving away coupons for perspective buyers that left a bunch of people ordering lemon and water and complaining when they started it having a cover charge. I’m out at least 4 or 5 nights a week ( not now ) I have nothing against the place but I guess they gave me no reason to go either , things change especially restaurants I would rather be at BoneFish , Bluefin , Chop House

[John_W]

The big question now is, where is Donna Moore and Dunning Shaw going to perform. Some smart restaurant will hire them every week.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by davem4616

saddened to read this, as we too have enjoyed taking out-of-town visitors to KB's for dinner and show

on the flip side...there's been a lot of 'bashing' on the developer asking what's he doing to support local businesses yadda, yadda

I'm certain that as the landlord he's been doing a lot to help the businesses around the squares survive....this is just another example...my guess is that he doesn't want to compete with the other restaurants while they're trying to make a come back

smart business move...albeit disappointing for the Katie Belle employees

No need to guess. It is stated in the Daily Sun article....

[600th Photo Sq]

Originally Posted by Kahuna32162

According to an article in the "other" online news source, Katie Belles will not be reopened by The Villages. Will you miss it?

Katie Belles, that was the headquarters of the infamous " Captain Midnight " the guy allegedly had a thick address book. Popular with the ladies who frequented Katie's.

He is mentioned in the book " Leisureville " which is all about The Villages.

Who knows whatever happened to him, he might be living in Freedom Point or Coleman.

[rustyp]

With no hint if, how, or when the squares will open I predict a couple restaurants within a stones throw of Katie Belle's will also be closing shortly. FYI drive by SS square around 3PM and observe what looks like a "bar" to me that is open. People sitting arm to arm on stools with drinks in hand. At least across the street they are seated at tables and appear to be eating.

[BamaBoy451]

Originally Posted by raynan

Very sad about Katie Belles and no news on reopening Hacienda Hills CC either.

You won't see Hacienda open back up. It's sad to have to go elsewhere for a cold one and lunch after golf. Katie Belles was way better before the renovation.

[BamaBoy451]

Originally Posted by bilcon

Since they ruined the original concept of a place for Village Residents only, we have never gone back to Katie Bells. We used to love the Cattleman's Club Restaurant and the sights at Katie Bells on a Saturday night. We also miss El Santiago and Hacienda Hills Restaurants. OH Well!

Some old timers told me how El Santiago and Silver Lake had great breakfast and lunch for nearby residents golfing or tennis.

[Chatbrat]

Never returned to KB, since the renovation, used to like the old layout & had several nice meals @ the upstairs bar

IMHO, the Villages cocktail crowd made the place unprofitable--can't make money with a glass of iceboater & a lemon wedge

Also, the area around SS is frequented by an aging demographic who are just too cheap to support an upper scale establishment

Flame on, looks like the Villages management has come to the same conclusion

[karostay]

Keep taking away the reasons to move here
10 years we miss many changes that figured into our decision to drink the Koolaid
They may call it progress how ever at times you have to look back and evaluate what made us what we are.

[DDVeteran]

If Radio City Music Hall closed I'd miss it too. But, haven't been there since 1981 with no plans to revisit. Feel the same about the Belle.

[billlaur]

Katie Bells is closing?????Anyone else hear this???