[LuvItHere]

I read that the new Panera going into the Veranda building won't be opening until first quarter of 2011. That is too long to see the once-friendly and quaint Veranda sitting there dark and empty.

What could possibly take so long to get this prime venue operational?? A new village can be built in that amount of time!

The veranda with wicker chairs, ceiling fans and palms was such an attraction when we came for the Lifestyle Preview stay. Sitting there, watching people go by, was where we saw that this is a true hometown atmosphere.

I hope Panera keeps the outdoor portion furnished the same as it was--beckoning northerners and others with some relaxed, southern atmosphere.

[Mikeod]

I would expect that clearing the current spaces, obtaining and installing kitchen equipment (ovens, vents, cooktops, etc.), getting the interior remodeled to fit the Panera model, as well as getting all the permits through channels could create that much delay.

[Free2Roam]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

I always agree with 07 and Memason.

I think the food is not so great anywhere in TV. I wonder why that is ? (There are exceptions and we know where they are and we frequent them)

Do all of the good cooks who do it for money still live outside of The Villages?

We need immigration from young people who know how to cook and want to cook here in The Villages.

Maybe they don't pay them enough? The prices are low in most restaurants. hmmm.

Hey graciegirl,
Nice to meet you. My wife and I are snowflake owners (bought in Bonita in 4/09) from northern Virginia. Recently found out about ToTV and have been eavesdropping when I can. Saw your comment "(there are exceptions and we know where they are...)". Would you mind sharing your secret places so we can also enjoy some good eats on our future visits?
Thanks a bunch,
OGP

[elevatorman]

Anyone have an opening date yet, or are we still going with the first quarter of 2011?

[Jane52]

I like Panera but NOT in the Veranda location. People come from other states where everything is noisy and rush, rush, rush, and it was a pleasant surprise to come to Lake Sumter Landing and have a quiet, pretty southern hometown restaurant there where one can sit and be served.

The place was peaceful and warm as The Veranda, and now, knowing how Panera is at Spanish Springs, it will be just another Panera where you have to push and shove to crawl between people standing in the long lines, to get to the condiments bar, and people are trying to push and shove thru the people without spilling their drinks and food.

I think it is an obnoxious, loud atmosphere, having all the sights and sounds of an airport bar selling 25 cent shots of booze at 9:00 a.m.

[mac9]

Jane

[Freeda]

Originally Posted by Jane52

. . . an obnoxious, loud atmosphere, having all the sights and sounds of an airport bar selling 25 cent shots of booze at 9:00 a.m. . . .

Careful ... don't give the merchants here an idea! ... and ...errr ... what airport is that?

[kb8tpw]

The ambiance of the veranda will never in a million years be duplicated by Panera, and as much as I have liked them they will not have my business. The "veranda experience" , as expressed by others, is on the top five reasons we decided that the villages was for us on our two lifestyle previews. In recent months we have begun to concentrate on patronizing the various country clubs and have rarely been disappointed, though we are forming our list of favorites. I must say that the 25 pounds I have had to shed since our first few months here attest to the quality and number of fine eating experiences in the general villages area. The culinary experience may not equal the golf experience, but everyone eats and not everyone golfs...

[pooh]

Whether we like it or not, Panera is coming and The Veranda is no more. Life is ever changing and this is one example of it.

One thing to remember is that this particular Panera might not be at all like other Panera restaurants in the chain for noise or crowds. It's more off the "beaten path" than the one in Spanish Springs, which is very close to 441.

We'll adjust and have either good or bad memories of one eatery in our home town, The Veranda....just like we did of other restaurants in other communities we've lived in.

Will I miss The Veranda? Yes, though I was not a frequent patron. Will I enjoy Panera? Who knows, I don't go there much anyway.

[Taj44]

Good points Pooh, about adapting to change. Personally I love Panera, especially their soups. I'm looking forward to having them in town. A great place to go after golf. We've found the country clubs to be pretty mediocre as far as the food, and very busy and noisy.

[Pturner]

Originally Posted by Jane52

...it will be just another Panera where you have to push and shove to crawl between people standing in the long lines, to get to the condiments bar, and people are trying to push and shove thru the people without spilling their drinks and food.

I think it is an obnoxious, loud atmosphere, having all the sights and sounds of an airport bar selling 25 cent shots of booze at 9:00 a.m.

To misquote a former President, "You won't have me to push around anymore".

P(andora) Fan-- Not

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Originally Posted by Pturner

P(andora) Fan-- Not

Sooooooooo......I guess I probably ought to just keep that Panera gift card we got you for your b-day.

Bill

[Skip]

Originally Posted by elevatorman

Anyone have an opening date yet, or are we still going with the first quarter of 2011?

Gourmet Club says May, 2011.

Skip

[Pturner]

Originally Posted by Bill-n-Brillo

Sooooooooo......I guess I probably ought to just keep that Panera gift card we got you for your b-day.

Bill

I'm sure I could find something there I like.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Originally Posted by Pturner

I'm sure I could find something there I like.

....she muttered quietly under her breath.

Bill