[PammyJ]

Has anyone seen the letter to the editor about what has happened to Katie Bells?
It seems that most who wrote in feel the same way. I am curious, any thoughts here? I know for me, I miss Cactus Jack and Katie Bells.....

[looneycat]

can't worry about katie belles i'm still crying over spilled milk.

[graciegirl]

Didn't go before much and haven't gone since it is changed. I think a lot of folks must have been hanging around nursing one drink or ordering soda and it was floundering.


There was a reason the business plan was changed.

[Bonny]

It is what it is. If it doesn't work, they'll figure it out and fix it.

[kilowatt]

I posted here a couple of months ago concerning the negative changes they made with the new Katie Belles. They all came true because of their greed. They ruined a good thing and changed a wonderful place that was fun to go to! What a shame.

[pbkmaine]

I did not see it. What did it say?

[Ageless209]

I felt the same way but have changed my mind without question.
Especially after I saw the caliber of talent they are finally bringing in.
I am now a fan of the new KB's and if they keep bringing in shows like this Mothers Day event I just bought tickets to, I will keep coming. What bothered me was seeing the same musicians for years with nothing new. And the atmosphere was getting stale

[Bonny]

I don't know why some people here refer to the family using the word "greed". This is a business. People go in business to make money. Doesn't matter if they need the money or not, it's still their business.
They have no obligation to subsidize any venue that's not making money.
I wouldn't do it and I'm pretty sure no one else would either if it was their money.
I am thankful for all we have here. Katie Belles is just 1 building.
I applaud the Morse family and am thankful to have such a beautiful place to live with all the activities & clubs anyone could possibly think of. I never thought I would be living such a great life in my retirement years.
A great big thank you to the Morse family !!

[outlaw]

Why do you assume KB was losing money? Maybe the developer just thought they could make more money if they reduced KB by 50% and leased out the other 50% to retail.

[mickey100]

Originally Posted by outlaw

Why do you assume KB was losing money? Maybe the developer just thought they could make more money if they reduced KB by 50% and leased out the other 50% to retail.

Good point. And has been mentioned, they are not making changes to suit the residents, they make changes to bring in more cash.

If you don't like the new venue, there are plenty of terrific places outside The Villages. We have been exploring restaurants and clubs in nearby localities, and like the variation, different clientele, etc.

[Bonny]

Originally Posted by outlaw

Why do you assume KB was losing money? Maybe the developer just thought they could make more money if they reduced KB by 50% and leased out the other 50% to retail.

We've been here 16 years and saw many changes at Katie Belles. We used to go to there 4 - 5 nights a week for dancing, drinks & most of the time dinner. I can't tell you how many people would order a coke or ice tea and expect free refills & never eat. When they tried to implement a table minimum of $5.00 per person, many would just stand around & wait for the next dance.
Can't imagine that was paying the entertainment such as Rocky & The Rollers, the upkeep, the utilities, the staff, etc.

[janmcn]

Originally Posted by outlaw

Why do you assume KB was losing money? Maybe the developer just thought they could make more money if they reduced KB by 50% and leased out the other 50% to retail.

So what is the new retail and how is it doing sales-wise?

[Northerner52]

Well said, agree 100%

Originally Posted by Bonny

I don't know why some people here refer to the family using the word "greed". This is a business. People go in business to make money. Doesn't matter if they need the money or not, it's still their business.
They have no obligation to subsidize any venue that's not making money.
I wouldn't do it and I'm pretty sure no one else would either if it was their money.
I am thankful for all we have here. Katie Belles is just 1 building.
I applaud the Morse family and am thankful to have such a beautiful place to live with all the activities & clubs anyone could possibly think of. I never thought I would be living such a great life in my retirement years.
A great big thank you to the Morse family !!

[njbchbum]

Originally Posted by kilowatt

I posted here a couple of months ago concerning the negative changes they made with the new Katie Belles. They all came true because of their greed. They ruined a good thing and changed a wonderful place that was fun to go to! What a shame.

How many businesses do you know that continue to operate under a failed business plan? Only one I'm aware of are subsidized or bailed out by government!

As far as ruining a good thing? Earlier stories reported that a lack of Villagers shared your opinion and did not frequent KBs.

Bonny knows of what she posts.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Bonny

I don't know why some people here refer to the family using the word "greed". This is a business. People go in business to make money. Doesn't matter if they need the money or not, it's still their business.
They have no obligation to subsidize any venue that's not making money.
I wouldn't do it and I'm pretty sure no one else would either if it was their money.