[Mitchell Sheinbaum]

We had the best "white' pizza ever and the eggplant parmigiana was also excellent. We were also able to dance to a very good duo (Danny and Johnny).

We stopped going here 5 years ago after disappointing meals and were amazed at the difference the new owners have made.

They told us that if you have a favorite dish they will make it for you (even if it's not on the menu) if you give them 24 - 48 hour notice to purchase the ingredients. Lobster here we come!

[philnpat]

Does the hostess still greet you with a roll of her eyes asking "Do you have reservations" when there are only half a dozen patrons seated?
We've had great bar service but were disappointed in the dining room. To be fair, it's been a couple of years since we've last visited.

[raynan]

Originally Posted by philnpat

Does the hostess still greet you with a roll of her eyes asking "Do you have reservations" when there are only half a dozen patrons seated?
We've had great bar service but were disappointed in the dining room. To be fair, it's been a couple of years since we've last visited.

Yes, she does.

[gatherer47]

But Pete is a great guy and his holiday picnics are terrific!

[PaPaLarry]

Originally Posted by philnpat

Does the hostess still greet you with a roll of her eyes asking "Do you have reservations" when there are only half a dozen patrons seated?
We've had great bar service but were disappointed in the dining room. To be fair, it's been a couple of years since we've last visited.

I laugh when I read your comment. We had the same experience. And that's the owners wife!!! But Pete (the owner) means well, and is very clean. He just needs his wife to stay away from the business. Nothing like arriving, and asked, if you have a reservation, and there are 8 tables empty?? hehe

[Mudder]

That hostess is not Pete's wife ! The looks are worth it to get the cream puff at end of meal!

[BobandMarilyn]

We had lunch last week and were very disappointed in the quality of the food. Will not return.

[rkimball]

When we first moved to The Villages years ago the restaurant at the Santiago Club was standing room only. The developer then allowed the tenant to let this property fall into disrepair. So now its up to us residents to buy and maintain this building as another small rec. center/pool hall. If he, the developer did not want to be in the restaurant business he should not have built them in the first place.

But, of course, they were big selling points to future home site buyers. A restaurant/club house right across the street. Remember Chula Vista. Now El Santiago. Next Tierra Del Sol and then Havana.

[ilovetv]

We had the exact same experience with the hostess, rolling her eyes and huffy when we had no reservation and the tables are 80% empty. Big turn off!

When will business owners and doctors' offices get it, that receptionists and hostesses can drive customers away, and the most enthusiastic, well-mannered person they can find should be placed in that position??

[Challenger]

Originally Posted by rkimball

When we first moved to The Villages years ago the restaurant at the Santiago Club was standing room only. The developer then allowed the tenant to let this property fall into disrepair. So now its up to us residents to buy and maintain this building as another small rec. center/pool hall. If he, the developer did not want to be in the restaurant business he should not have built them in the first place.

But, of course, they were big selling points to future home site buyers. A restaurant/club house right across the street. Remember Chula Vista. Now El Santiago. Next Tierra Del Sol and then Havana.

Early in my banking career I learned that new independent and family owned restaurants had a failure rate of about 50% in the first year. another 50% or so failed in the next two years. The exception to this pattern is national chains, which have sophisticated models for the placement and operations of the stores.
I don't think the "Developer has much control over the bigger forces that are characteristic os a problematic type of business.

In a town of 35000 people I know of one location that housed 9 start up eateries in 20 years, all failed.

[Irishmen]

It is a business with low margins. TDS was once a great hangout after a round of golf. Maybe it still is.....

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Mudder

That hostess is not Pete's wife ! The looks are worth it to get the cream puff at end of meal!

You are SO right.

Their breakfast buffets are so wonderful too. Pete really works hard at what he does and does it well, in my opinion. Wonderful baked stuff there. For new folks in the southlands...travel north on Morse and take a left after 466, somebody say which street..first or second?

[Mudder]

Left at the first traffic light after 466. Sometimes they have a coupon in the Sunday paper....two for one on about 6 different meals. And the creaam puff is thrown in. DELICIOUS !!!!

[TomOB]

Tierra Del Sol is excellent, IMHO. I will continue to go there. The pizza is the best in town. Pasta night is awesome. The entertainment is great.

[collie1228]

It's on San Marino Drive off Morse - across the street from the De La Vista executive golf course. We love their pizza and always enjoy talking to Pete, the owner.