That’s exactly what I thought, then our property taxes went up 25% and it has become increasingly difficult to get desired T-Times. Plus, the Farmers Market we enjoyed in Spanish Springs for many years was moved to Brownwood so it could be closer to where they are selling new homes.

What does continued growth have to do with your property taxes going up? Maybe they moved the Farmers Market south because no one was spending any money when it was in Spanish Springs similar to Kattie Belle's and Hacienda Country Club and Demshire's.

Shame about the Farmers' Market, but I'm glad they still hold the monthly cruise-in at Spanish Springs.

Must have been water with lemon drinkers in Lake Sumter Landing also with the closing of well just as starters - Guy Fieri's, Honest John's Whiskey, TGI Fridays. Brownwood beware the flock is migrating south.

It's quite possible, very rarely do profitable retail establishments just decide to close up shop. One that surprised me was the steak house that was in the Sonny's BBQ restaurant, I thought that would go over very well.

Didnt know Guy Fieri had a restaurant here. However he had one in Manhattan and everyone said it was awful and it closed quickly.

Wonder how this one was?

BTW happen to like water with lemon so no reason to buy overpriced soft drinks that are full of sugar.

Yeah I normally drink water throughout the day. The only reason I ask for it with lemon in restaurants is because I can't stand the taste of unfiltered tap water. I also can't stand the taste of water that came from a soda machine's "lemonaid" spout. And rather than bother with "that conversation" with the waiter, I just ask for my water with lemon.

Guy's restaurant didn't have good food and was overpriced so they didn't last very long. The Chop House took over and they seem to be doing very well. The reference to water with a lemon is one of the reasons stated on here that Kattie Belle's and Hacienda closed as no one was buying drinks, only water.

If I owned a restaurant and people were not paying their way, would immediately put in a minimum dollar per person to allow me to stay in business.

Someone who comes in orders just a water and stays for a couple of hours should be asked to go elsewhere.

I agree

You all have an obligation to order bottled water with a piece of lemon on the side. You are the very reason restaurants in TV can't make a profit. Another example - Dominic's (Ex Red Sauce) poof gone - can't make money on tap water. To be a good TV citizen I support a bottle only water initiative in our restaurants.

I don't know that I have ever ordered a glass of water in a restaurant in place of a cocktail or soft drink, I do realize that normally they do serve water with meals but I usually have a cocktail or if not in the mood a soft drink. My wife on the other hand likes water with a lemon and I would understand and not be offended if we had to pay for it. Without drinks very few sit down restaurants would survive. (I'm not talking about fast food restaurants)

The Villages Growth

We have only lived here for 4 years and it's amazing how many restaurants have closed, we rented during the winter months for 5 or 6 years before buying and many of the restaurants from back then are also gone. I realize some of them are gone because of the virus but many more because of no profit.

IMHO, Fieri's restaurant in The Villages was easily the worst one I've experienced in the nine years I've been a resident here. Went there twice. Both times the food was close to awful, and the service was lacking. Note also, that although he allowed his name to be used, he never even showed up at "his" restaurant. Ever. He's an interesting character. He cashes in on his "chef's" credentials, but he's not a chef. He has a degree in hotel management, and has managed several restaurants, but never as a chef.

On Carnival he has a Guys Burger on the lido deck. No idea how involved he is or was.

Burgers are good but with a very high fat content.