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Talk of The Villages Florida (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/)
-   The Villages, Florida, General Discussion (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/)
-   -   Sawgrass Grove Market - Nothing but the FACTS (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/sawgrass-grove-market-nothing-but-facts-335129/)

richs631 09-13-2022 06:50 AM
What needs to happen is that every villager needs to boycott every village establishment for one week. Eat outside the villages for one week and demand your changes. I mean give me a break, no change. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not the few coins it’s just some terrible attitudes from store owners. It will only get worse

bowlingal 09-13-2022 06:50 AM
JRP...not necessarily especially if your card gets hacked. CASH for me....always. That way , I can sleep at night

Dsmdlm 09-13-2022 06:51 AM
Best pizza in the Villages hands down - Roberto’s!!!!
My first impression of Sawgrass was also the “food court” atmosphere but I am hopeful they will work out the kinks as they finish up the venue.

geobar 09-13-2022 06:54 AM
Saw GrAss
 
Have not nor will be there as we moved out of the villages over 2 years ago seeing the changes and omissions that brought us to the villages in 2009 being taken away.
.
Do not care for as to how the now 3rd generation now as "The Morse Money Hungry Moguls" have taken over and only build to line their pockets.
.
Still cannot imagine it took about 4 plus years for them to build a shopping center south of CR-44 for how many thousands of people to shop for food in a Publix and forget the other stores needed to live.
.
These people need to drive north of CR-44 for the shopping and to infringe on those restaurants as well.
.
Still no Town Square like the 3 that are present. Doubtful another will ever be built.
.
Wish all the new purchases South of CR-44 well. Look at the number of resales there MIGHT OPEN YOUR EYES before you buy or even after you have.
.
Shameful just how little of the important things a new purchaser needs to know the village salespeople are allowed to tell you. This is why they got rid of MLS many years ago to have total control so they thought.



Quote:
Originally Posted by Graspher (Post 2135700)
Our first visit was Sunday 9/11 - arrived 12:05 p.m. About 50 people milling around - 20 surrounding the bar area - 4 tables were occupied.

Chose Frenchy's for a wood-fired pizza - 4 employees working the pizza production.

"I'd like a medium pepperoni and sausage pizza".

"We only make one size and it's 12 inches. You can't order a pepperoni and sausage pizza. You can only order a pizza as described on our menu - but we can add and subtract toppings."

Their menu details 5 or 6 pizza combinations (each selectable pizza has several toppings on it). One of their selections includes sausage plus other toppings and another of their selections features pepperoni plus other toppings.

We chose their "sausage" pizza - deleted the onions - deleted the roasted green peppers...and added pepperoni.

The sausage combo pizza is priced at $15.00. No monetary deduction for eliminating the onions or peppers. There was an upcharge of $3.00 for the pepperoni. Total including a tax of $1.36 was $19.36.

I handed over $20 in cash. The receipt showed Total Due 19.36 / pymt cash 20.00 / Change Due .64. The cash register knows change is due - but Frenchy's policy is - they don't give coin change. They have a sign that says no coin provided but it is not located near the register.

Our pizza order was placed at 12:13pm (per the receipt). Our boxed pizza was presented to us at 12:48pm. Paper plates were not offered - but were provided upon request. The paper plates were....more paper then anything else. Very flimsy and couldn't support the weight of a small slice of pizza with just two toppings on it.

Frenchy's uses a wood-fired oven. The bottom of the crust was not crispy and was absent any degree of visible leoparding.

Darlin's Sweet Shoppe will not accept cash - only cards.

At least one other establishment (possibly 2) have signs posted indicating they will not provide any coin type change.

The majority of seating in the market area consists of flat steel or solid wood seat bottoms.

Them the facts and nothing but the facts...

Axemansa 09-13-2022 06:59 AM
I actually live close to Sawgrass and have mixed feelings about the marketplace. The noise is, as others described, loud when there are numerous people inside. The prices are higher than I like but I vote with my wallet and choose other more reasonably priced places. I do think this will change once the complete Sawgrass venue is open. I will add that I have not had a bad meal at McGradys and the bar staff is very friendly. $7 beers are becoming the norm everywhere. I just attended a AAA ballgame in Virginia and paid $10.50! Needless to say, you are paying for the experience.

Veracity 09-13-2022 07:02 AM
After the restaurants in Sawgrass go out of business, the people who own the country club restaurants, and/or the people who own Blue Fin/Chophouse/Scooples, will swoop in and fix the mess. At least that is what seems to be happening to every other bad restaurant in The Villages.

Rodneysblue 09-13-2022 07:05 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Graspher (Post 2135700)
Our first visit was Sunday 9/11 - arrived 12:05 p.m. About 50 people milling around - 20 surrounding the bar area - 4 tables were occupied.

Chose Frenchy's for a wood-fired pizza - 4 employees working the pizza production.

"I'd like a medium pepperoni and sausage pizza".

"We only make one size and it's 12 inches. You can't order a pepperoni and sausage pizza. You can only order a pizza as described on our menu - but we can add and subtract toppings."

Their menu details 5 or 6 pizza combinations (each selectable pizza has several toppings on it). One of their selections includes sausage plus other toppings and another of their selections features pepperoni plus other toppings.

We chose their "sausage" pizza - deleted the onions - deleted the roasted green peppers...and added pepperoni.

The sausage combo pizza is priced at $15.00. No monetary deduction for eliminating the onions or peppers. There was an upcharge of $3.00 for the pepperoni. Total including a tax of $1.36 was $19.36.

I handed over $20 in cash. The receipt showed Total Due 19.36 / pymt cash 20.00 / Change Due .64. The cash register knows change is due - but Frenchy's policy is - they don't give coin change. They have a sign that says no coin provided but it is not located near the register.

Our pizza order was placed at 12:13pm (per the receipt). Our boxed pizza was presented to us at 12:48pm. Paper plates were not offered - but were provided upon request. The paper plates were....more paper then anything else. Very flimsy and couldn't support the weight of a small slice of pizza with just two toppings on it.

Frenchy's uses a wood-fired oven. The bottom of the crust was not crispy and was absent any degree of visible leoparding.

Darlin's Sweet Shoppe will not accept cash - only cards.

At least one other establishment (possibly 2) have signs posted indicating they will not provide any coin type change.

The majority of seating in the market area consists of flat steel or solid wood seat bottoms.

Them the facts and nothing but the facts...
$20 for a 12” pizza, no thanks. Oh but wait you’re paying for the atmosphere.

dewilson58 09-13-2022 07:08 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by srswans (Post 2135992)
30 minutes for the pizza? Not my experience. I’ve ordered pizza on three occasions (two pies each time) and have had it ready in 10 minutes or less.
& the taste???

Dendrn 09-13-2022 07:09 AM
Visited coffee shop that was to have New York bagels. They only offer three different bagels. We ordered two, one added cream cheese and two plain coffee. Total $17, the worst bagels I've eaten in my life. Dry as cardboard and no taste. Coffee OK but never again. Couldn't even finish bagel. VERY DISAPPOINTED.

jaygardens 09-13-2022 07:11 AM
leapin leopards
 
well thank you for teaching me about leoparding and for this review

we are truly spoiled here in TV because almost everything is "done" so well and
i find it hard to find anything to complain about.

word of mouth is the best - and worst - advertising a business can get so let's
hope that 'they' see the light and make improvements

retiredguy123 09-13-2022 07:13 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by fastboat (Post 2136003)
Johnny Walker Blue $60+ a shot. Give me a break!
I don't know anything about whiskey, but I had to do the math.

You can buy a 750 ml bottle of Johnny Walker Blue Label at Total Wine for $230, which will yield about 17, 1.5 ounce shots.

17 shots x $60 = $1,020
$1,020 - $230 = $790 gross profit

Bogie Shooter 09-13-2022 07:17 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bilyclub (Post 2135906)
I've seen other posts that are critical of something posters experienced down South, particularly at Sawgrass and the knifes came out in force.
Pot stirring?

Keefelane66 09-13-2022 07:23 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Axemansa (Post 2136010)
I actually live close to Sawgrass and have mixed feelings about the marketplace. The noise is, as others described, loud when there are numerous people inside. The prices are higher than I like but I vote with my wallet and choose other more reasonably priced places. I do think this will change once the complete Sawgrass venue is open. I will add that I have not had a bad meal at McGradys and the bar staff is very friendly. $7 beers are becoming the norm everywhere. I just attended a AAA ballgame in Virginia and paid $10.50! Needless to say, you are paying for the experience.
All I can say is whether it be paying $7 or $10.50 for a beer I have willpower to say NO!

midiwiz 09-13-2022 07:24 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Graspher (Post 2135700)
Our first visit was Sunday 9/11 - arrived 12:05 p.m. About 50 people milling around - 20 surrounding the bar area - 4 tables were occupied.

Chose Frenchy's for a wood-fired pizza - 4 employees working the pizza production.

"I'd like a medium pepperoni and sausage pizza".

"We only make one size and it's 12 inches. You can't order a pepperoni and sausage pizza. You can only order a pizza as described on our menu - but we can add and subtract toppings."

Their menu details 5 or 6 pizza combinations (each selectable pizza has several toppings on it). One of their selections includes sausage plus other toppings and another of their selections features pepperoni plus other toppings.

We chose their "sausage" pizza - deleted the onions - deleted the roasted green peppers...and added pepperoni.

The sausage combo pizza is priced at $15.00. No monetary deduction for eliminating the onions or peppers. There was an upcharge of $3.00 for the pepperoni. Total including a tax of $1.36 was $19.36.

I handed over $20 in cash. The receipt showed Total Due 19.36 / pymt cash 20.00 / Change Due .64. The cash register knows change is due - but Frenchy's policy is - they don't give coin change. They have a sign that says no coin provided but it is not located near the register.

Our pizza order was placed at 12:13pm (per the receipt). Our boxed pizza was presented to us at 12:48pm. Paper plates were not offered - but were provided upon request. The paper plates were....more paper then anything else. Very flimsy and couldn't support the weight of a small slice of pizza with just two toppings on it.

Frenchy's uses a wood-fired oven. The bottom of the crust was not crispy and was absent any degree of visible leoparding.

Darlin's Sweet Shoppe will not accept cash - only cards.

At least one other establishment (possibly 2) have signs posted indicating they will not provide any coin type change.

The majority of seating in the market area consists of flat steel or solid wood seat bottoms.

Them the facts and nothing but the facts...
good facts, and our facts also line up pretty much spot on except for pizza type ordered. We also found the fish place (forgot the name) next to the burger place is highly over priced. actually the entire market is. Everything from the villages repackaged "fresh market" to the bar. The entire experience lacks in so many ways. I highly doubt we will ever bother with the facility again. Underwhelming and repackaged items aren't our thing. Not a fan.

PugMom 09-13-2022 07:26 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dotneko (Post 2135949)
Lol. We tried piesanos twice to be fair. Soggy crap both times. I even asked them to cook it longer.
Clearly you've never had Regina's in MA.
or RedRose where you get to watch everything going on in the kitchen. excellent food. piesanos used to be better in the early days. it was close to bertucci's, but they must've changed either leadership or recipes-everything is spicy now, with added salt. it used to be our go to place until i discovered Gio's off 466. it's like 'grandma's pizza', & lovely ambiance. is in the same plaza off the road near a veterinarian's office

rschwan9 09-13-2022 07:29 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Laker14 (Post 2135802)
Tragi-comedy. An apt description.

The pizzas must be pre-made, frozen. They can pick the onions off for you, but they still had to buy them, so you still gotta pay for them.

To the OP, was the pizza tasty? How was the crust, other than not being crispy? I'm pretty fussy about my pies, and I don't think I'd bother ordering one there, based upon your review.
Pizza recommendations? Please.

PugMom 09-13-2022 07:34 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by VApeople (Post 2135793)
Yeah, we feel the same way.

We have been at Sawgrass a few times and were not impressed. Even Goldwingnut, in his recent video, commented how noisy it was, and that was when there was no singer inside.

It did not seem to be a place where we would like to stop and have a drink or a snack after riding our bikes.

Anyway, we will keep on enjoying our life in TV and see if Sawgrass improves. If not, we know a lot of other places that we enjoy.
yeah, the entrance is a walkway with construction fences, lined with hanging pots. idk if i was going the right way, lol. also yes on the noise level. but everyone inside looked so HAPPY to be there, it was kind of nice watching them enjoy themselves. i didn't order food, it wasn't to appealing, imo, just had a soda & walked around

PoolBrews 09-13-2022 07:36 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Boston-Sean (Post 2135942)
Scottish.
OK, it's Scottish, not Irish. Every Scottish or Irish pub I've ever been to has a nice selection of Scottish, Irish, and English ales.

Here's their current beer list:

Guinness, Yuengling, Michelob Ultra, Sam Adams Seasonal, Cigar City Brewing Margarita Gose, Sweetwater Hazy IPA, Islamorada Sandbar Sunday, Crooked Can High Stepper, Swamp Head Brewery Stump Knocker

Not a single Scottish beer, and only one Irish beer (that I can get anywhere). I admit it, I'm a beer snob (and a brewer as well), but I found the list disappointing. Beers ranged from $7 to $8. I can get any of these beers elsewhere for $2 to $6, so not a good deal at all.

Laker 09-13-2022 07:36 AM
We will be returning to our home in St. Catherine next month (no, we do not live in "St. Cat") having been away since May. Almost all of the reviews of Sawgrass here have been negative, with many people saying they will never go back. Although disappointed that it doesn't appear we will be happy with it short-term, like any business it will have to improve, or disappear, with a better operator coming in.
But the upside of the "never go back" attitude is that we will never have to stand in line behind you when things get better.

UpNorth 09-13-2022 07:39 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by rschwan9 (Post 2136036)
Pizza recommendations? Please.
Learn how to make your own. Pizza dough is not difficult to make if you do it right. Bake the dough first, before you put on toppings, and you will never have to deal with a soggy crust. Easy to put the toppings you want on, then back into the oven at 450 degrees. You may never get a take out pizza again.

PugMom 09-13-2022 07:49 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by PoolBrews (Post 2136042)
OK, it's Scottish, not Irish. Every Scottish or Irish pub I've ever been to has a nice selection of Scottish, Irish, and English ales.

Here's their current beer list:

Guinness, Yuengling, Michelob Ultra, Sam Adams Seasonal, Cigar City Brewing Margarita Gose, Sweetwater Hazy IPA, Islamorada Sandbar Sunday, Crooked Can High Stepper, Swamp Head Brewery Stump Knocker

Not a single Scottish beer, and only one Irish beer (that I can get anywhere). I admit it, I'm a beer snob (and a brewer as well), but I found the list disappointing. Beers ranged from $7 to $8. I can get any of these beers elsewhere for $2 to $6, so not a good deal at all.
but no Bass Ale! i'd pay a higher price if i could just find it. so far i've only seen it in that liquor warehouse type business on 441, can't remember the name. any other place is hit or miss whether they carry it @ all. hubby's family was from Burton-on-Trent, so Bass was a staple in the home. is also darn good & hearty

Jacob85 09-13-2022 07:54 AM
I think maybe that change they are keeping could be the tip or at least part of it depending on how much you want to give.

Joeint 09-13-2022 08:07 AM
The good news is the Southern Oaks Pro Shop and logo shirts for $109...

HawkinsGuy 09-13-2022 08:11 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2136023)
I don't know anything about whiskey, but I had to do the math.

You can buy a 750 ml bottle of Johnny Walker Blue Label at Total Wine for $230, which will yield about 17, 1.5 ounce shots.

17 shots x $60 = $1,020
$1,020 - $230 = $790 gross profit
All business owners wish it were as simple as that calculation. From that $790 you need to deduct the the direct labor costs (which unfortunately have been very high to attract labor from a shrinking pool), percentage of overhead costs (including rent, utilities, insurance, maintenance, taxes, etc), percentage of fringe benefits (health, life, 401k, if any of these apply), and percentage of general and administrative costs like business management, hostess, etc. There is always a higher profit margin in alcohol sales, but the profit surely ain't $790 per bottle of whiskey. And, I'm certainly not suggesting $60 for a shot of whiskey is reasonable. I wouldn't pay that no way, no how. Precisely why I don't drink :)

PilotGuy9853 09-13-2022 08:12 AM
I was there about a month ago and ate at a couple places (pizza and burger joints) and the bar and don't remember this policy. I do remember everything was crazy expensive. I paid $21 for a burger, fries and small drink. The pizza was expensive too but I don't remember how much. We paid $14.00 for 2 cans of domestic beer at the center bar. As long as the prices stay like that we won't visit very often. Other than the prices it seemed like a nice place.

capecoralbill 09-13-2022 08:12 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by valuemkt (Post 2135987)
After all the hype it certainly appears the Villages missed the mark on Sawgrass. Sawgrass was a great concept with absolutely horrible implementation.
We went there Sunday on 9/11. I agree the implementation is horrible. It seems like the vendors / restauranteurs believe that they are located in Boca Raton, this is the villages. Please do not charge us Boca prices, this is not Boca.

tophcfa 09-13-2022 08:19 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by PugMom (Post 2136051)
but no Bass Ale! i'd pay a higher price if i could just find it. so far i've only seen it in that liquor warehouse type business on 441, can't remember the name. any other place is hit or miss whether they carry it @ all. hubby's family was from Burton-on-Trent, so Bass was a staple in the home. is also darn good & hearty
Love Bass Ale, always been my go to. They were way ahead of their time, been brewing the delicious Ale for over 150 years. All of these Johnny come lately microbreweries, making all those bitter hop laced beers with stupid names, can’t hold a candle to a Bass. Just tell the bartender, give me a big ass glass of Bass : )

Fltpkr 09-13-2022 08:20 AM
Not an avid beer drinker, but just curious. What is a Scottish beer and how does taste differ from others that are available? Not looking for a debate - just interested. Thanks.

tophcfa 09-13-2022 08:26 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fltpkr (Post 2136073)
Not an avid beer drinker, but just curious. What is a Scottish beer and how does taste differ from others that are available? Not looking for a debate - just interested. Thanks.
Pick yourself up a bottle of McEwans Scottish Ale. Dark, thick, malty, with a hint of toffee and caramel, and 8% alcohol by volume. It’s a great sipping beer.

dewilson58 09-13-2022 08:30 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Joeint (Post 2136061)
The good news is the Southern Oaks Pro Shop and logo shirts for $109...
:1rotfl::1rotfl:

Bill14564 09-13-2022 08:33 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by tophcfa (Post 2136072)
Love Bass Ale, always been my go to. They were way ahead of their time, been brewing the delicious Ale for over 150 years. All of these Johnny come lately microbreweries, making all those bitter hop laced beers with stupid names, can’t hold a candle to a Bass. Just tell the bartender, give me a big ass glass of Bass : )
I've heard the same thing from those who drink Iron City, Natty Boh, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Miller Lite, Coors, etc..... (though Bass is much better than all of those)

Try some of those "Johnny come lately" microbrews, you might like them. Not all of them are bitter, that phase has passed. Sours are on the rise now and hopefully wheat beers will have a resurgence of popularity in the near future.

mikeycereal 09-13-2022 08:34 AM
As far as pizza goes I've been pretty spoiled over the last 3 years where I used to live. We had a mom & pop nearby called Lucino's, owner from Italy who was a top chef somewhere. Crust cooked just right, soft with a slight crunch on the edges. Tasted almost like French bread and not salty like Pizza Hut. Tomato sauce tasted real, with a slightly sweet edge. The toppings were awesome; sausage/meat was shaved, pepperoni added after pie removed from oven so no pool of oil. Cheese was great. Used fresh mushrooms. The meat lovers was the best I ever had. They even did a Philly cheese pizza with shaved steak. Loved that place. Hopefully find something nearly as good here. Gotta have pizza at least once a month.

Laker14 09-13-2022 08:38 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Joeint (Post 2136061)
The good news is the Southern Oaks Pro Shop and logo shirts for $109...
Get 'em while they last!!

Bill14564 09-13-2022 08:40 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fltpkr (Post 2136073)
Not an avid beer drinker, but just curious. What is a Scottish beer and how does taste differ from others that are available? Not looking for a debate - just interested. Thanks.
Different countries or areas have different styles with different flavors. Most Canadian, British, Irish, Scottish, German, and even Italian beers have distinct flavors. The US used to be that way too though with the explosion of microbreweries this has changed.

A Scottish restaurant with a nice selection of microbrews and American lagers but without a Scottish beer is something like a Mexican restaurant that only serves spaghetti and gyros.

tophcfa 09-13-2022 08:40 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Joeint (Post 2136061)
The good news is the Southern Oaks Pro Shop and logo shirts for $109...
Be careful not to get any of the horrible overpriced pizza sauce on that new $109 shirt, the horror of it all!

TerryCamlin 09-13-2022 08:44 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by JRP2TV (Post 2135761)
I haven't used cash or coins in years. Using a card and paying it in full each month is much easier, cleaner and profitable with perks.
Those perks are getting negated by restaurants starting to charge you for using your CC. People have been complaining about Arnold Palmer they add a 3.75% surcharge if you use your card. I for one was not impressed by Saw Grass at all. I think they know they have a captive audience since you folks don't have many choices down South of 44.

Regarding the entire complex offering food we asked the General Contractor why he did not add a sanitation station to wash your hands. He said that is what rest rooms are for. Really??

Laker14 09-13-2022 08:58 AM
It will be interesting to see how this place does, over time. With the large number of people who constitute their market, they don't need to make everyone happy. They just need to make enough people happy to get a flow of customers willing to pay what they charge, for the services and goods they provide.

This was obviously someone's vision for an exciting, attractive venue. I will definitely check it out when I return in October, but not sure I'll bother with any of the food. To me, it sounds like someone took the current model for airport shops and restaurants and thought it would make a great concept for The Villages.

Personally, I hate airports, and I hate paying twice what I would normally expect to pay for fast food, just because I am a captive in an airport, so I don't see the appeal of duplicating that unpleasant experience voluntarily. However, there are a lot of people in TV, and I wouldn't be surprised if many of them enjoy things I don't. Different strokes, and all of that.

BostonRich 09-13-2022 09:00 AM
Sam
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by ThirdOfFive (Post 2135984)
Any place around here where you can get Sam Adams Boston Lager on tap?
I believe the Lighthouse has Sam on draft. I also got it a while ago someplace else but can't recall exactly where. Might have been Oakwood. I was surprised to see it so ordered immediately. But menus have been pretty fluid lately due to supply issues do I guess you may need to call first. Octoberfest time too! Enjoy.

rickaslin 09-13-2022 09:30 AM
Agree
 
I love The Viilages but I don't agree with this concept. Country Club pricing but mall food court quality. Small portions served on paper with plastic utensils. I do like the produce store. Southern Oaks golf is charging a premium price for a course that needs a couple of years to grow.

Still love it here.

mgkw1 09-13-2022 09:38 AM
Have you tried New York Pizza ? Up near Walmart


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