[LB]

Hello to all, We visited again from West Palm last weekend, and followed our usual pattern and stopped at the Veranda for coffee and read the paper looking for houses. We got into a discussion with some of the servers and learned that they were having a meeting with management on Monday to learn the fate of The Veranda. They believed that Panera was going to take over the space. Does anyone know what the outcome was? We would be saddened to loose the Veranda as it is such a comfortable place and oozes atmosphere, and the food is good. LB & LB

[pooh]

The Veranda is going to become the newest Panera in The Villages. Story was in the Daily Sun this morning.

[Challenger]

Rats

[LB]

Thank you for the info!

[villages07]

I will be very happy to see Panera come to LSL .... love their soups and sandwiches and bread. I think it will do very well at the square. For those out of town, today's article said they may open as early as first quarter of 2011. No mention on when Veranda would close.

I always found Veranda to be just OK...not one of my 'top ten' restaurants in TV.

To each his own...

[Lou Card]

The Veranda was very quaint and OK food so do not like to see it go away, but I all for a Panera Bread coming in.

[gardenia]

I had dinner at the Veranda earlier this week while watching the dancers/listening to the music in the square, and was surprised that there was only one other table with a handful of people while the other eateries/bars in the areas were full. I questioned how much business they did at night, how they survived in a prime spot like that- only had a sandwich which was reasonably priced but taste was quite disappointing, service was good. Interesting seeing the article in today's paper - I thought the charm of the Veranda would be a staple in TV (I will never forget how lovely I felt it was eating bkfst there on my preview there few years ago), but guess not.

[eremite06]

The rumor that Panera was taking over Veranda has been around for a very long time. I see it's no longer a rumor.

[PR1234]

So Sorry to see the Veranda leave. I loved the atmosphere and have many fond memories of lunches with special friends there. Can't say I even remember the food!

[kb8tpw]

I shed a tear as I read the article in the paper this morning, though the rumours have been widespread for a while. The aura and ambience of the veranda were key ingredients of our first preview visit and we have frequented numerous times since. I have nothing against Panera Bread and have patronized them in Ohio, but just seems like the veranda will lose it's current curb appeal and Mrs kb8tpw and I will miss it, though we'll give Panera a fair chance. Being a diabetic I'll probably pass on their carbs more often than not however.

[Pturner]

The Veranda was part of the TV marketing program. It is closing now that LS-area is nearly built out. Any word on whether developers will open a similar venue in the new town square?