[BrianL99]

It really is unfortunate, that a community of almost 200,000 people, can't manage to attract a single, decent, competent Restaurant operator, who can produce quality food and service.

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by BrianL99

It really is unfortunate, that a community of almost 200,000 people, can't manage to attract a single, decent, competent Restaurant operator, who can produce quality food and service.

It isn't the quantity of the customer base, it's the quality.

- For every one complement a restaurant might get there will be five others waiting to disparage it (see recent posts on Chophouse and Thanksgiving dinner)

- Nothing will ever be as good as it was in the place where the customers came from (see any posts on pizza or nearly any other ethnic food)

- The high rent in the bubble combined with the frugality of the residents makes the bubble inhospitable to high-end establishments

A restaurant needs customers in order to survive. If they can't attract customers because of unending criticism of quality, authenticity, or price then they won't survive here.

[JoMar]

Originally Posted by BrianL99

It really is unfortunate, that a community of almost 200,000 people, can't manage to attract a single, decent, competent Restaurant operator, who can produce quality food and service.

Subjective.

[Two Bills]

The majority of villagers will not support high-end restaurants, that is why there aren't any, and you have to travel outside the bubble for such establishments.
Pile it high, sell it cheap is the majority mantra of villagers.
There are some high-priced restaurants to choose from, but they are not selling high-end food.
JMO.

[gatorbill1]

They already ruined Mallory in short time!!!!

[Altavia]

Originally Posted by Altavia

Posted on Facebook
...

**A Heartfelt Thank You After 20 Amazing Years**

After two incredible decades of serving our community, we've made the difficult decision to sell Palmer Legends Country Club. It has been an absolute honor to welcome so many of you through our doors, celebrate countless memories, and be part of this vibrant community.

To our loyal guests: Your support has meant the world to us. Whether you’ve been with us from the start or just joined us recently, your patronage has been the heart of everything we do. We are deeply grateful for each meal shared and every smile exchanged.

To our incredible staff: Thank you for your dedication, passion, and hard work. You’ve not only been colleagues, but also family. We couldn’t have made it this far without you.

As we close this chapter, we’re filled with gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead for our family. We will forever treasure the memories we’ve made and the people we’ve met along the way. Thank you for being part of this amazing journey!

Sincerely,
The Strausbaugh Family

https://files.constantcontact.com/01...256c7d9be2.png

[Kelevision]

Originally Posted by Bill14564

It isn't the quantity of the customer base, it's the quality.

- For every one complement a restaurant might get there will be five others waiting to disparage it (see recent posts on Chophouse and Thanksgiving dinner)

- Nothing will ever be as good as it was in the place where the customers came from (see any posts on pizza or nearly any other ethnic food)

- The high rent in the bubble combined with the frugality of the residents makes the bubble inhospitable to high-end establishments

A restaurant needs customers in order to survive. If they can't attract customers because of unending criticism of quality, authenticity, or price then they won't survive here.

This is spot on. Restaurants in general don’t make money so nobody is coming in here to lose money.

[kkingston57]

Originally Posted by CoachKandSportsguy

Is this true?

Are the new owners experienced and good management?

Apologies if this was covered elsewhere .

Article(or wharever) should have said dining room. Golf course was not sold.

[eweissenbach]

IMHO the Suliemans are the best restaurateurs in The Villages. Lopez, Havana, and Prima are among the best venues in TV.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Originally Posted by Bill14564

It isn't the quantity of the customer base, it's the quality.

- For every one complement a restaurant might get there will be five others waiting to disparage it (see recent posts on Chophouse and Thanksgiving dinner)

- Nothing will ever be as good as it was in the place where the customers came from (see any posts on pizza or nearly any other ethnic food)

- The high rent in the bubble combined with the frugality of the residents makes the bubble inhospitable to high-end establishments

A restaurant needs customers in order to survive. If they can't attract customers because of unending criticism of quality, authenticity, or price then they won't survive here.

Very true, you live in a fricken* rural farmland FL. . . on a fixed salary for many. . .

Although the customer base pays the bills, the staff attracts the customers, and the staff in rural FL with better wages paid in Orlando with bigger tips and prices, and top class staff isn't here. Class C cooks and wait staff work here in rural FL. . . there's a lot more herding of Cats than over in Orlando, one hour away, with a better night life and a singles lifestyle available, which doesn't exist here, and for the most part, wasn't really good location to raise a family, until recently. .

So if you want good restaurants, you need to pay up when you go out, recognize that you are in rural retirement frickin* Florida, not in the city of working and business wagers. . . otherwise, they won't exist when you want them. . or not, your choice. . . but be realistic about where you live, and the competition for staff.. .

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by kkingston57

Article(or wharever) should have said dining room. Golf course was not sold.

Not even the dining room............The Villages still own the dining room.

[tophcfa]

Originally Posted by CoachKandSportsguy

Very true, you live in a fricken* rural farmland FL. . . on a fixed salary for many. . .

Although the customer base pays the bills, the staff attracts the customers, and the staff in rural FL with better wages paid in Orlando with bigger tips and prices, and top class staff isn't here. Class C cooks and wait staff work here in rural FL. . . there's a lot more herding of Cats than over in Orlando, one hour away, with a better night life and a singles lifestyle available, which doesn't exist here, and for the most part, wasn't really good location to raise a family, until recently. .

So if you want good restaurants, you need to pay up when you go out, recognize that you are in rural retirement frickin* Florida, not in the city of working and business wagers. . . otherwise, they won't exist when you want them. . or not, your choice. . . but be realistic about where you live, and the competition for staff.. .

I guess it’s all relative. When we leave our rural northern home and head to the Villages, we feel like we are entering an urban area. Instead of an hour round trip drive in my truck to get takeout from the closest restaurant, it’s about a y15 minute round trip golf cart ride to multiple different restaurants. The Villages is as urban as we want to get. I’ll gladly give up the option of 5 star restaurants to not have to deal with the hustle and bustle of a City like Orlando.

[tophcfa]

Originally Posted by eweissenbach

IMHO the Suliemans are the best restaurateurs in The Villages. Lopez, Havana, and Prima are among the best venues in TV.

We have eaten a few times over the years at both Lopez and Palmer and very much preferred the food at Lopez. I see this as an upgrade for Palmer.

[ROCKETMAN]

Went there tonight for happy hour. Beer still $3.00, wine still $3.13, but mixed drinks went from $3.25 to $4.26. Still 2-5

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by Bill14564

It isn't the quantity of the customer base, it's the quality.

- For every one complement a restaurant might get there will be five others waiting to disparage it (see recent posts on Chophouse and Thanksgiving dinner)

- Nothing will ever be as good as it was in the place where the customers came from (see any posts on pizza or nearly any other ethnic food)

- The high rent in the bubble combined with the frugality of the residents makes the bubble inhospitable to high-end establishments

A restaurant needs customers in order to survive. If they can't attract customers because of unending criticism of quality, authenticity, or price then they won't survive here.

I don't want another high-end restaurant. I can't afford to go to them. I just want a decent take-out pizzeria that I can get to by car within 10 minutes of ordering. And maybe a decent Italian bakery. Maybe a decent kosher deli. Maybe ANY middle-eastern (NOT GREEK) falafel joint.

None of that stuff is expensive, you should be able to get a slice of secilian pizza and a coke for under $6. A stuffed falafel in a syrian pita (NOT GREEK) with tahini shouldn't be more than $5. A half dozen snowballs (italian wedding cookies) should be under $4. A hot potato knish and a half-sour pickle shouldn't be more than $6.

It doesn't even have to be IN the Villages. It just has to be close enough that it doesn't get cold/thaw out on the way home.