[Chatbrat]

Went to see Dunkirk in a small theater in Franklin,NC after the movie went to Cafee REL in Franklin, the most expensive entree was 6oz filet mignon with shrimp scampi on a bed of bowtie pasta-$19.95 and you can bring your own wine/no corkage fee

Check out their menu, honestly this restaurant which is attached to a gas station-is superior to any restaurant in TV

Please some restauranteur/chef do something like this in TV its not rocket science

[spring_chicken]

Do you realize that the rent on that building is probably 1/4 of what it would be in TV?

[valuemkt]

I pass thru the town a few times a year enroute to cherokee casino .. I'll check it out

[l2ridehd]

The real shame is that almost every town with 30 to 40K population has a better restaurant than we have here. I would classify all of ours as mediocre at best. I don't know what the root cause of the problem is, but there are just no really good places here. I go off campus more than I eat here now. Last night I went to Big Bobs in Oklawaha and for $39.55 ($50 with tip) had a great meal for two with drinks and desert. Much better than Red Sauce, Riccardi's, Geo's or any other on campus Italian.

I used to think it was the high rental space, but that has been beat to death, maybe it's because they think we are a bunch of old folks and will accept mediocre food. It will never change until we vote with our spending. I am fine spending more to support the on campus businesses if they put out a good product. But the pattern remains the same. Good for a while and then downhill.

[It's Hot There]

I doubt rent is the issue.......rent costs in NY, LA, etc., is higher than the "high" rent in this town.

Not sure if the demographics would be right.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Chatbrat

Went to see Dunkirk in a small theater in Franklin,NC after the movie went to Cafee REL in Franklin, the most expensive entree was 6oz filet mignon with shrimp scampi on a bed of bowtie pasta-$19.95 and you can bring your own wine/no corkage fee

Check out their menu, honestly this restaurant which is attached to a gas station-is superior to any restaurant in TV

Please some restauranteur/chef do something like this in TV its not rocket science

It isn't rocket science sir, but it is a simple case of providing what the market wants in a certain area, and staying in business. The Villages market needs and will sustain restaurants that provide meals around or under twelve dollars to residents who dine out frequently and who are very aware of their money and very interested in holding on to enough of it to see them safely and comfortably to the ends of their lives.

The market in the area you are staying is providing meals to vacationers who are enjoying splurging. I think $19.00 is expensive.

The thing that you may fail to understand that not supporting expensive restaurants on a frequent basis is not an indication that the residents aren't in some cases well heeled, or lack taste. It is to me the continuance of a life style that made them choose The Villages rather than West Palm Beach.

There is one neighborhood here in The Villages that house a Billionaire couple and I am told that they do not complain of the restaurants although they are shuttled by limosine to the airport that keep their jet when they go to visit the grandkids.

I am sure your food sense is accurate, that you are a judge of fine wine and have experienced and continue to experience fine dining at every chance. I am sorry for your sadness at the lack of really good restaurants in The Villages.

Unlike you, and MANY people, I enjoy chains like Carrabas, and Ruby Tuesdays. I think their large corporate backing keep the quality consistent and good to very good. I also enjoy my own cooking which has become simpler over time and I find that I can find good ingredients at Publix.

I do agree that the groups who own several restaurants are not good here in The Villages. I am not a fan of the country club restaurants below 466, the same owners who run Orange Blossom. Now Glenview has been sold to new owners and it isn't as good as it was.

Water seeks it's own level and the market will find and support decent food here, I am sure.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by spring_chicken

Do you realize that the rent on that building is probably 1/4 of what it would be in TV?

I think that is a fact and a fallacy. I think that everyone works on margins. The food here is what it is because people continue to buy it. Businesses here charge what the market will bear and that includes the properties leased by The Villages inc.

It isn't a conspiracy. I really hope the owners that own several restaurants fail and vacate their lease so someone who does a decent job like Cane Garden will take over. I hope the new owners find help who doesn't call in when they are hung over and know how to unpack and heat the preprepared food that almost all restaurants use these days. That they throw out old salad greens, have someone in charge that DOES know HOW to cook decently and I will pay a couple bucks more for it.

Here's a tip for all. If you haven't been to Stavros on 441/47 go and order their small (SMALL) spaghetti with meat sauce. The salad isn't good but the spaghetti is very good and very cheap.

[Sandtrap328]

Originally Posted by Chatbrat

Went to see Dunkirk in a small theater in Franklin,NC after the movie went to Cafee REL in Franklin, the most expensive entree was 6oz filet mignon with shrimp scampi on a bed of bowtie pasta-$19.95 and you can bring your own wine/no corkage fee

Check out their menu, honestly this restaurant which is attached to a gas station-is superior to any restaurant in TV

Please some restauranteur/chef do something like this in TV its not rocket science

Chat Brat- Have you tried Ralph's Barbeque in Franklin? Very good!

[Chatbrat]

no-went to Franklin to see Dunkirk and eat, didn't want to drive back to the Highlands thru the mans in the dark-really love NC barbecue