[spk7951]

We had breakfast today at The Veranda and were told by the waitresses they have now been given a closing date. Sunday September 12th will be their last day of business. Breakfast and lunch only that day. Going to miss that place.

[TOMCAT]

That is too bad about the Veranda. We loved that place when we came down for a visit. It was very charming and the waitress was very nice. Why is it closing??

[zcaveman]

Panara's is opening a restaurant where the Varanda is.

[JimJoe]

Originally Posted by TOMCAT

That is too bad about the Veranda. We loved that place when we came down for a visit. It was very charming and the waitress was very nice. Why is it closing??

What I would like to know is if not making enough money what do the owners attribute that too?
Few customers, higher supply costs, taxes, rent, wage costs, just "fed up"( that is an attempt at a double funny). JJ

[villages07]

See prior threads... Site will be converted to a Panera Bread by first quarter next year. veranda was owned by developer and used extensively for lifestyle preview. Maybe operations are moving south? Maybe developer wants out of restaurant business.

[kb8tpw]

Had lunch there today and received the same sad news. If, after two lifestyle previews, I had to list 5 "things" that prompted us to buy in The Villages one would definitely be "the veranda experience" for breakfast and/or lunch. I had hoped they would keep the decor but it is apparently going to be gutted. Nothing against Panera, but we will probably not patronize them. Living on the extreme south end of things prompts us to look forward to what south of 466a will bring. We already enjoy the short straight shot to Speckled Butter Bean. We'll get to the veranda a time or two this week and chalk it up as one of finer memories of early days in The Villages. I sure hope they don't ruin the overall quaint and unique design of the building........

[KARENNN]

Part of the charm of The Villages is (was) the unique shops and restaurants. Now that more and more chains are coming in, it will just look and feel like any other town.

I personally despise Panera and the noisy fast food assembly line atmosphere of it..not to mention the same ol same ol basic food that can be found in any cafe restaurant in the US. Why not just bring in a McD's and get it over with?!

[golfnut]

Love Panera, would never compare it to McDonalds myself....TEHO....gn

[zcaveman]

I would love a McDs in one of the squares.

[dpingram]

I love the broccoli and cheddar soup on a cold winter day.. wait that is in Virginia. I hope I will have some chilly days in TV to enjoy their soup.

[njbchbum]

losing the veranda is like losing an old friend. it often reminded me of one of the few places in the villages where one could stop and smell the roses, so to speak. it oozed a soft gentility compared to the likes of other lsl dining establishments and to the hustle and bustle of shoppers. guess i will enjoy my coffee in the quietude of the boardwalk rather than the porch - but the people watching will not be as pleasant on the boards! you will never catch this soul in either panera bread establishment - it will leave a seat for those who prefer dining of that ilk - my friends and i will likely take our spending off site when we want to get away from it all now; and i do regret that.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by njbchbum

losing the veranda is like losing an old friend. it often reminded me of one of the few places in the villages where one could stop and smell the roses, so to speak. it oozed a soft gentility compared to the likes of other lsl dining establishments and to the hustle and bustle of shoppers. guess i will enjoy my coffee in the quietude of the boardwalk rather than the porch - but the people watching will not be as pleasant on the boards! you will never catch this soul in either panera bread establishment - it will leave a seat for those who prefer dining of that ilk - my friends and i will likely take our spending off site when we want to get away from it all now; and i do regret that.

I agree that it was a wonderful place to eat and their southern sweet tea was wonderful. The wait staff could not have been better and we almost always got the quiche, even my real man, Sweetie!

It is an example of how well run the Morse restaurants are. I imagine they will have another great one open in the new Town Square, let me think...what might they call a restaurant in a place called Paddock...

Any ideas?

[mak44070]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

I imagine they will have another great one open in the new Town Square, let me think...what might they call a restaurant in a place called Paddock...

Any ideas?

How about the Corral?
Or maybe the Saloon?
hmmm......The Horseshoe??

[Pturner]

Originally Posted by KARENNN

Part of the charm of The Villages is (was) the unique shops and restaurants. Now that more and more chains are coming in, it will just look and feel like any other town.

I thought I was the only one! Pandera is ok, but I'd take a non-franchised restaurant with good soup over Pandera any day of the week. Too me, Pandera is every bit as un-charming as The Veranda is charming.

I guess I shouldn't be sad that it's opening on the square, since so many TVers are glad it's coming. But I do wish it were off-campus instead. Yes, I am a wee bit sad to see Veranda replaced with Pandera. I'll be a wee bit more sad to see any more franchise restaurants on the squares.

And sorry Z, but PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE no McDs on the square. That would make me more than a wee bit sad.

[quiltaddict]

They have sold it to Panera Bread as TV do not want to be in the restaurant business. Most all restaurants are independently owned and operated.