[kcrazorbackfan]

Originally Posted by Freestyle7819

So what is the developer doing to bring in new restaurants since Gators, World of Beers and the third in The square now empty?
Seems to be me they are more focused on their new Eastport and Middleton vs where it all started.

So? Their development, their money, their decisions. Quit wanting to spend their money..

[Marathon Man]

Originally Posted by coleprice

With all of the businesses that have closed at Spanish Springs, the rental costs are obviously too high! The owner/landlord has to charge rents that allow businesses to thrive and profit given the amount of patronage that the area attracts.

And that is the problem. Low patronage.

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by Marathon Man

Then how can you be surprised that they are still open?

He's probably also surprised at how busy they are given the negative things he has heard. (which would make me wonder about the accuracy of the information I was hearing but....)

[JoMar]

Originally Posted by coleprice

With all of the businesses that have closed at Spanish Springs, the rental costs are obviously too high! The owner/landlord has to charge rents that allow businesses to thrive and profit given the amount of patronage that the area attracts.

Of course it's rent....it couldn't possibly be the people that live there not supporting the businesses could it? The aging demo couldn't be a reason could it? What is the rent difference between SS vs Sumter and Brownwood since they seem to be doing ok? Also, how many vacant store fronts are in SS?

[Indydealmaker]

Originally Posted by dewilson58

BINGO

If there appears to be a profitable market for food service, they will come.

If there appears to be no support, crickets.

People forget that the demographics across The Villages varies. Older areas trend "older" which tends to be less mobile due to health and mindset. Things change.

[thelegges]

In 2007 when I joined TOTVs, the site was perfect for those who needed recommendations, on restaurants, and business.

Those who actually ate at restaurants, or used a business, gave honest reviews.

It seems more posters crap on a business or restaurant yet have Never entered their doors to have a drink or eat, or spoken to that business.

It’s sad that so much information comes from the barber shops, grocery and the guy down the street that hasn’t left their house in 10 years. yet are experts.

How many times has the biggest complaint about Sawgrass is No Parking Available. Funny if all the spots are taken, wouldn’t that mean the establishments, are bringing in customers? Or do people just use Sawgrass parking to store their cars and golf carts?

In all our years we spent time in SS between 2007-2010. Once LSL had enough business open we traveled there.
Once we sat down and realized 5% of our year was in SS, 20% in LSL. The the rest of the % we spent in Brownwood. Now south of 44 we will have more opportunities with Eastport and Middleton. Life changes, if developer can’t convince business to open, it’s still illegal to hold a gun to their head to make them sign a contract

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by LianneMigiano

Maybe this is where Hooters was going! It's been reported in this venue that they do really good wings - and now there's a bankruptcy in their cards (which would account for the lack of activity)....

The 3 hooters that are not coming are not connected to the Hooters that apparently will file bankruptcy

[Stu from NYC]

Over time we have found that restaurants outside the bubble are better so rare do we eat at one of the squares.

[jimhoward]

Originally Posted by rsmurano

I’m surprised Sawgrass establishments are still open. Local friends and neighbors complain about their prices. You can go to Brownwood everyday and get happy hour prices in the afternoon, no such thing at sawgrass. At Brownwood, or Lake Sumter, you have a lot of variety of restaurants that have great food for much less than Sawgrass. I’ve never eaten or had drinks at Sawgrass, nor have some of my friends because of what we’ve heard and we can walk there.

They are not just open and hanging on they are packed almost every night. Since Mcgradys became the sawgrass tavern wait times if you don’t have a reservation can be as much as an hour. This according to one of my daughters who works there.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by larrycrilley@gmail.com

I truly would like to see an Indian restaurant here in The Villages. I think they would do very well. Seeing the nearest competition is in Leesburg and Ocala.

I don't know of any Indian restaurant in Leesburg. Other than Ocala, the only one I know of is Shiva, in Mt. Dora. It's pretty good but a very tiny place, somewhat pricey, and portions are smaller than what I used to get up north.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by JoMar

Of course it's rent....it couldn't possibly be the people that live there not supporting the businesses could it? The aging demo couldn't be a reason could it? What is the rent difference between SS vs Sumter and Brownwood since they seem to be doing ok? Also, how many vacant store fronts are in SS?

Several. Dunkin Donuts shut down for good last week. Ay Jalisco still has plenty of business, and for some reason I can't fathom, Ruby Tuesday's is always busy. That place is SO run down - wallpaper peeling off the walls, the carpeting is threadbare and horribly stained, the burgers are meat-flavored grease patties on gummy buns. Panera is busy at lunch time, not so much at dinner time. The only other restaurants in Spanish Springs are the fake Greek place which is MOSTLY drinkers, the Italian place which is great but VERY expensive, and the seafood place which is also great but expensive.

There used to be a wine-drinking place but they closed down a year or more ago. There's also Kilwin's ice cream which is - also very expensive (I think I had to pay something like $7 for a single SCOOP of ice cream).

In addition to the closed and still vacant restaurants there are also a few vacant stores, and I'll give J.Jill's 6 months of being open before they shut down as well.

[clwahlstrom]

Live in the Havana area and will not make that trip down… do not believe it would have much more to offer.

[clwahlstrom]

J Jill’s closed down in the malls in the West Coast ages ago. Sorry that is the only store they could get in that spot

[DaddyD]

Originally Posted by larrycrilley@gmail.com

I truly would like to see an Indian restaurant here in The Villages. I think they would do very well. Seeing the nearest competition is in Leesburg and Ocala.

"From your lips to God's ears" as the saying goes! Anyway, 100% agree, would LOVE it if an Indian restaurant (preferably one that offers a lunch buffet) would open in TV, but I doubt it will happen..I think the average Villager isn't into heavily spiced / spicy foods & has fairly bland tastes when it comes to food / restaurants. Thus why 90% of restaurants around here are boring chain restaurants & fast food. I've got more complaints about TV than most, but perhaps my biggest is the lack of variety when it comes to restaurants--I'd love to see more non-chain / franchise restaurants, and most importantly, more ethnic restaurants.

[DaddyD]

Originally Posted by Bill14564

Retirement.

My time to take other's money is past, at this point in my life I support the economy by spending money at other's businesses.

Ha! Great answer...