[JSR22]

Originally Posted by Kenswing

I would put it in the new pet free village.

Very funny!

[Mrs.Guy]

Originally Posted by Rainger99

There are a lot of complaints about The Market at Sawgrass Grove.

If you owned it and could make any changes, what would you do?

Originally Posted by tophcfa

I would sell it and use the proceeds to go scuba diving and golfing : )

That's hilarious! I asked the Morse family the same thing about HHCC..... they had the same reply.

[tophcfa]

Originally Posted by alwann

Turn the whole damn thing into a pro shop/country club like all the ones north of 44 that are crowded with people from below 44 who have little or nothing in the way of restaurants.

And then in about 20-25 years they can tear it all down like Hacienda Hills.

[tophcfa]

Originally Posted by Kenswing

I would put it in the new pet free village.

Since we’re cross threading, there is one veeeeeery long thread that would suggest the best thing to do would be NOTHING.

[ThirdOfFive]

Originally Posted by Rainger99

There are a lot of complaints about The Market at Sawgrass Grove.

If you owned it and could make any changes, what would you do?

Maybe none...I think the mistake was that it opened for business before it was ready. A lot of the complaints seem to be attributable to trying to do too much, too soon.

[Kenswing]

Originally Posted by tophcfa

Since we’re cross threading, there is one veeeeeery long thread that would suggest the best thing to do would be NOTHING.

There’s a lot of wisdom in NOTHING.

[Normal]

Originally Posted by Rainger99

There are a lot of complaints about The Market at Sawgrass Grove.

If you owned it and could make any changes, what would you do?

Is that a fair question when The Market at Sawgrass Grove isn’t completely open yet? Do you mean after the complete experience has been taken in?

If I was shortsighted and only had what is there now, I think I would concentrate on discounting drinks more to attract larger crowds. Then I would integrate outside activities coordinated by a marketing group to perpetuate reoccurring interest in the area. Advertising specials in food, drinks and events could go a long way. Bring in a Bubba’s type place like in Leesburg for area fish specials and throw in a Gator Joes/Rusty Bucket (Tarpon Area). Maybe even do a Homosassa type Freezer Tiki Bar?

Keep the theme, but expand the tangents by going with a Floridian theme like a beach or citrus area or something. Wine tasting would certainly be in there with local wineries , cheeses etc. Where the heck does Scottland come into play?

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by ThirdOfFive

Maybe none...I think the mistake was that it opened for business before it was ready. A lot of the complaints seem to be attributable to trying to do too much, too soon.

This is what I would suggest of the owners

Lot of truth in that. Pizza place started without knowing how to use a wood fired oven it would appear.

Also reconsider your price points. You do know where your business is located.

Sound absorbing materials would be great

[VApeople]

Originally Posted by Rainger99

There are a lot of complaints about The Market at Sawgrass Grove.

If you owned it and could make any changes, what would you do?

I would open it up instead of having it behind doors and air conditioned. That would make it a nice place to hang out in the shade.

Then I would improve the acoustics so it would not be so noisy.

[Normal]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

This is what I would suggest of the owners

Lot of truth in that. Pizza place started without knowing how to use a wood fired oven it would appear.

Also reconsider your price points. You do know where your business is located.

Sound absorbing materials would be great

You are being too pragmatic in a situation where academics were used instead of real world common sense. The idea likely looked good on paper?

[LAFwUs]

>>If you owned it and could make any changes, what would you do?<<

wouldn't this be like trying to pour the milk back in the glass after its spilled on the floor?

The reality of Sawgrass is a big let down for nearly everyone that has gone.
Myself, family, friends & several neighbors included.
A business cannot get that lost initial momentum (customers / rep) back, let alone several combined businesses (many of which were not/could not even open - at the initial opening) in what is a very poorly executed venue, weird biz formats & super edgy practices in a generally 55yr and older community = bad mix!

Starting over may not be a bad thing,! Ditch who ever thought the current platform had any chance of success and fall back to what has clearly worked in other villages/areas.
That might be a good start, but it would require some people acknowledging that there is a problem in the first place, and secondly, its not going to fix itself with time.

[rustyp]

I would rebuild the original Katie Belle's but every expert knows there is no money to be made on TVr's who order water. Out of curiosity what is the price of water in the market of Sawgrass ?

[Dotneko]

I would redo the interior. Make it a large restaurant with comfortable seating. Incorporate the existing pizza/burger/fish kitchens into one. A nice italian place would be a good counterpoint to McGradys. Sorry, the butcher shop and bakery arent going to move enough product to be successful. Leave the coffee place and have it open 6-11. Then open the restaurant 1130 on.

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by JSR22

Serve food and beverages using real dishes, silverware and glasses. Cushions on the chairs. Soundproofing on the ceiling.

Since the seating area is a shared space (like a food court), who would be responsible for busing the tables, washing the dishes and glasses and restocking the vendors?

I can't comment on the chairs or sound proofing, since I haven't been there since they opened...

[retiredguy123]

I agree with improving the sound issue and upgrading the seating and atmosphere to make the environment more inviting. The bar is ridiculous. Serious drinkers don't want to sit in an uncomfortable seat, in the middle of a walk through area, drinking expensive booze from a plastic cup.

But, the basic problem is that it is a food court like in a regional mall. A mall attracts lots of people who want to shop, but they need to grab something to eat while they are shopping. They don't care about the food court atmosphere, food quality, or the high prices. They are looking for a fast, convenient meal, so they can continue to shop. This is not the place for a food court.