I'm, from the Chicago area and I much prefer thin crust pizza. Aurelio's pizza is known for their thin crust. Someone else on this thread asked about Uno's Pizza from Chicago. They have a very good deep dish pizza. I understand that pizza taste is regional but I'll put Aurelio's up against any other pizza.

I haven't had Aurelio's in 35 years. I would be there on opening day. :icon_hungry:

If you prefer to work on a smaller scale and control all aspects of your company, the Villages has an unending appetite for service businesses: home watch, house cleaning, power washing, lawn maintenance, handyman, car detailing, personal driving, running errands, etc. You wouldn't exactly be raking in the money, though.

As someone that grew up in Queens and as an Italian citizen that has spent a good piece of my life in Italy, I would classify myself as a pizza snob. NYC pizza is the best, and yes even better than Italy, in my opinion. In my travels I occasionally run into a pizza place that comes close to what you find in NY. In AZ you have NYPD in Scottsdale, in Las Vegas you have the pizza place on the first floor of the Venetian, and in TV you have Bravo’s in LSL which is ok, no not great but for this pizza snob to say their pizza is ok, that’s a major endorsement.

What I did not find in TV was a good bagel shop, or a “real” deli. Also, when I was there I did not see a car wash/detail shop, is there one in TV? Personally, I like having my vehicles hand washed and couple times a year detailed but don’t know how well that would sell in a community with a great number on a fixed income. If there isn’t a detail shop in TV, my vote (and it’s worth what you paid for it) is auto detail, bagels, or a deli in that order.

A good product or service, at a reasonable price with good customer service, will do well.

Because water is expensive that may be another reason villagers would go to a car wash.
I'm guessing an efficient wand that is monitored, and turns off after so many gallons would be more efficient then what the homeowner has even if recycling is not feasible.


I had a great idea for a business years ago. Long before anyone else I thought I could rent audio books to drivers going up and down 95. The idea was you pick it up at one rest stop and drop it off at another.
It didn't go anywhere but I did end up at the Rutgers University Business department in Camden. There were experts there that helped me put together a business plan and do research, all for free.

There is a PF in Leesburg off 27, approximately 11 minutes from Rohan (Morse/44). In PA, PF has been a huge hit... $10 per month (with min start-up fees). Haven't been to Leesburg PF (but will when we move in after January 22!), but the fees at Rohan's "gym" and the place in Brownwood are VERY pricey.

Do not know the exclusivity for sites, but PF is actively seeking franchisees.

In looking at business ops, the build out area in Southeast (down Morse, off 44) appears a calculated risk (to the plus side); lots of new TV folks, lots of new money, lots of folks looking to establish "their" local digs... restaurants have to be a top choice (but at our age, seriously, isn't it counterintuitive to work 80hrs plus a week to establish a solid business when setting up our retirement castle?)... Unless, you are setting up a restaurant business with your younger relations poised to run things, perhaps some service business? Dog training-grooming? Golf Cart rental? Handy Andy Home repairs? Uber drive?

My wife would LOVE a WAWA, closest one is Orlando (last I checked).

However, keep in mind the swings in population, local traditions (aka happy hours, etc.), golf cart access is a must. O'Shays just across RT 44 failed, and I am sure this was partly due to the fact GC cannot cross 44. The GC access, will probably mean you will be under developer control, not sure how much 'other' land is available with this access.

Good luck in your quest.

Actually a car wash on rt 44- between the two new Publiex

One word !

"CUPCAKES"

Skip

A great business is ZIP CAR. Snowbirds and snowflakes could fly down, use their cart and when a car is needed, rent a zip car for a day or a few hours. They would be a good alternative to keeping a second car in TV.

As far as pizza goes , a real coal fired NY pizza is $$$ maker. When we lived in Cary NC, a family from the Bronx-opened one--they were restaurant of the year in the triangle. They solid after 3 years , made mucho $$$- the new owners screwed up and its now a World of Beer

Whatever you do, make sure who the property owner is !!!

Cracker Barrel had those audio tapes for our long car rides along the major highways....they didnt last long...

Looking for a Business
 

Actually water is a lot less expensive here than it is in other places- like Las Vegas. While the strip hotels had their fountains, homeowners and other businesses took it on the chin.

I know. That was after my idea. My kids tease me about all my ideas. Just like I used to tease my dad.

My father's last idea was to a huge cell phone keyboard on the car floor so you could dial with your left foot and keep both hands on the wheel.
As he got older, we would just say"That's a good idea dad" and leave it at that. I'm waiting for that.

It's coming fast

There is a restaurant 1 hour from TV in Hernando called "Reds". It is a goldmine and extremely busy, breakfast and lunch. They serve excellent food, lots of it and at a good price. Country looking and atmosphere. It's in the middle of nowhere and has large crowds. If located near TV it would be another goldmine. After talking to one of the employees I learned they would like to open another one somewhere in the area. It would be worth checking out.

How about World of Soda? Not everybody drinks you know.

I like a drive thru car wash with an area to vacuum. The last one I went to gave everyone that requested them two hand towels to wipe down their car on the inside and outside.
$6.00

I face some of the same teasing from my kids over technology issues. Eventually when the answers I find on the internet don't solve the problem and I have to ask for help they let me have it. I would rather eat a goldfish than ask for help. They make me feel bad sometimes but now I remind them that is was me that taught them how to use a spoon. That usually quiets them down. When Who Wants To Be A Millionaire first came out and I would go straight to $1,000,000 they were amazed. My head is full of useless information but it felt great to have the kids look at me like I was a brain surgeon. I would love to know the day they crossed over and became smarter than the old man. Tom I'm like your dad in that I'm always thinking about engineering something better. Especially with the entrepreneurial shows that are on television nowadays.

Flipping hurting houses in TV is a wonderful business. If you need an assist Here we are.

This is easy "Hooters" they have great wings.

Yes, all that sugar is good for you.

Looking for a Business
 

I believe Tomwed had the idea of consultants. I think that is a great idea. The Villages has a local chapter of SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives). I don't believe they charge much, if anything. You get the brainpower of men and women who have been successful and want to help others. I bet they could be very helpful.

The rest of us have some good ideas but they may not be what you are looking for. Besides, you know what they say about too many cooks....

Whatever you do we will welcome you to TV and look forward to your business decision.

--------------------------------------

Oh - GE, Barefoot, Nucky, Tal, Tomwed and I would be happy to join you as partners in a local lobster pound for a certain Maine crustacean.

We have been looking all around for a brushless car wash self-service or not. Just can't seem to find one.

Obviously the answer is a car wash that serves pizza. Any other questions?:laugh:

I presume it would have a drive through pizza pickup?

I second the motion for REALLY GOOD PIZZA

Won't the pizza get wet?

Depends on whether you pick it up on the front end or back end.

I have had an idea for years. So many people have dogs that need a bath. Groomers are expensive and let's face it, it's hard to wash a dog by yourself in the bathroom

So I came up with a Doggie Mat (like laundry mat) where I would have about 6-8 stalls to rent out by the hour, consisting of stainless tubs/sinks, a pole to attach your dog's leash/ collar and a hair dryer

I would be there to sell dog shampoo, rent towels, etc to customers that forget theirs

No nail clipper techs, or fur cutting or shaving--just a good clean dog wash

Property just outside of TV property and still accessible by golf cart is very rare.

You have Lowes, Bealls, Aldi and Walmart and the little stores adjacent to them on 27/441. I don't know about the Wal Mart and those stores on 466. I think that property might be owned by TV. Other than that, I think if you want to use your cart, you have to stay in the bubble.

This one of the reasons that the rents within TV are so high and the developer doesn't have to negotiate. The properties within the bubble are that much more valuable.

How about kiosks?
 

What a wonderful idea! Yes this is sorely needed. Why pay $20-40 for grooming when you could do it yourself if only you had the equipment to do it without leaning over a tub. About $10 per 15' sounds great to me. Two platforms set up as kiosks inside or out all over The Villages would be frequently used. Tapping into hot water if outside might be troublesome but maybe some business would let you do that for a fee. Set up a vending machine type unit next to them for supplies, soap, towel etc.
It's fun to brainstorm!

This may be slightly off topic but, did anyone catch that someone says they have owned property in The Villages for several years and it has gone undeveloped. I thought all property in the Villages is owned by and sold by the developer and, you have a certain amount of time required before you have to build on it. Thoughts anyone?

:agree:

Yes and it should be in Brownwood area! There is no competition but it better be really good pizza!

a wawa would make a killing here!!!

We own a home in the villages. Not commercial property.

Thank you so much. I have been thinking about this for a long time.

I used to have a small long haired dog and a big spaniel. Giving them a bath in the bathroom was a nightmare. The small one was fast and would jump out as soon as he went in. When it was the bigger one's turn, she'd try to climb out and I spent most of the time--not washing her---but trying to keep her in the tub :(

To use the hose outside was just as bad. I needed someone to help or the dog would high-tail down the road.

Business.
 

Great Thread. Exactly what I was looking for. Brainstorm, ideas..keep them coming.

how about a car wash in combo with a pet wash?

About the Pizza ideas, What makes the pizza great? is it the sauce, cheese, crust? I did look up Aurelio's Pizza :icon_hungry:

I don't know if this is helpful.

The best pizza I ever had was in Rome 3 years ago. We walked a long way to go to restaurant that was closed. The sign said they would reopen 8 pm for dinner.

We found a pizza place nearby that was in a business district. Only 1 person was working. Going from the oven in the back to the counter in the front of the store. The pizza'a were square. You could order anything that was cooked. They had a variety of toppings or you could order a fresh one. When you ordered he would hold a cutter over the pie and you would point if you wanted wider or narrower. He cut the piece and weighed it and charged by the weight.

A customer came in and picked up a whole pie. He wrapped it in coated paper, not put it in a box.

I gathered it was a slow day. I don't know if it's that way all over Italy.

ps is it the sauce, cheese, crust? it's all of it.

The best pizza I ever had was DeLorenzos. Read about it and you might get some ideas. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Lor...7s_Tomato_Pies

It was clean but there were no bathrooms for customers.
DeLorenzo's fans, rejoice! New site has restrooms | NJ.com

It was a rough neighborhood when I used to go. I only went with the other high school coaches after work before Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter vacations. They only served Pizza and soda. I asked for a salad once, and like the SNL skit, the guy said "No salad, just pizza."

My driveway is my self serve car wash and it is free. Always has been since about 1956 for my first car. It got washed and waxed EVERY week.

Although one closer to The Villages would be great, there already is a place like this up near the Market of Marion next to Big Al's Barber Shop.

Good bagel shop for me, please!