[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by loweglor

I have not experienced Sawgrass yet but have seen the video and talked to friends who have been there. The first thing I heard about was the concessions who are change free. You don't get change back???? Is that even legal? It certainly isn't ethical. That was followed up by how high the prices are. Did I hear a $5 cup of coffee? And the noise!!!! My friends said you couldn't hear yourself think. Well, now I have absolutely no interest in going there which is a shame because I was really looking forward to it. Is there something wrong with business management in The Villages??? They couldn't keep Katie Belle's open, not profitable. They couldn't keep the Hacienda restaurant open, not profitable. Now Sawgrass. Also, businesses seem to come and go here faster than they should. Is the developer that incompetent in business management or just that greedy?

The Developer and family built this place and have become Billionaires so do not think you can call them incompetent at all. They are in business and looking to maximize their profitability. If the prices are too high or rent too high at some point they will be adjustments made

[PilotGuy9853]

For my part the price is the main thing. I know the stores in there are all independent and probably set their own price but it is just too expensive. As one poster said, you are getting what is basically fast food at the price point of a nice sit down restaurant.

[thelegges]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

Wonder if anyone working for the Developer will actually read this thread

No, why would they read or participate in a bash session. They have tenets, as long as they pay rent, there are no problems. Developer successfully has run this place along time.
It takes years for venues from start to finish. Supply chain has changed their process, and May for years to come,

I truly believe Jennifer was very happy and excited how Sawgrass came together. The area fits very well for clean up of spilled food and drink.

The team picked out the interior decor, furniture, during their vmail was very happy as it was coming together. As far as the high top, they are in every bar, and nobody seems to mind using those. I agree the chairs would work better in a ice cream shop, but once the venue opens up outside how Many will mill around inside.

Cost is not in my top 5 issues if the food is good. But we do frequent Disney springs, Tampa and Orlando for restaurants and none of them are ever cheap

[Laurawilcox]

My husband and I have eaten there several times. We split what we eat so the prices haven’t been an issue. The burger and pizza were fine.

We enjoy popping in for Boston lettuce at the Villages Grown as well.

We have tried several items at Darlin’s, I like the $4 cookies and ice cream. Husband enjoys the Key Lime Pie.

I expect to the entertainment starts to be more of an excuse for people to be here and we look forward to the building have a more buzz.

We are also very grateful to have an option with those sorts of different items being very close to home and would be very disappointed to have it close or become a golf shop so we intend to continue to support it.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Originally Posted by fdpaq0580

That sounds great, however, I was thinking demolish it and start over. Think: better facilities, better food, reasonable pricing, and pay options that serve patrons needs or desires.
I don't expect it will improve with time. If enough people tolerate the prices and practices, even though they don't like it, then the business has no motivation to change.

I agree. Demolish it and build a real town square.

[MSGirl]

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 think pricing needs to be in line with other restaurants/bars in The Villages. In order to do this, rents should also be in line with other retail facilities. I’m not impressed with the pro shop, as it appears to have limited product.

[richdell]

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?

Fix the accoustics. If it's loud now, imagine what it will be like when the band is playing outside. Some posters said to have plates and silverware. I disagree. It's a glorified food court. They need to train the workers to cook the food correctly and charge reasonable prices for food court food.

Nothing wrong with a food court. When I worked in Indianapolis, I regularly had lunch in the City Market. Lots of food stalls, demo kitchen, a bar, a barbershop, other shops. They accepted credit cards or cash (and gave change). Usually it was hard to find seats, but there were benches outside or I would bring the food back to work.

[HRDave]

Never have so many,
whined so much about so little.

You’ll get a real Town Square when Eastport becomes reality in 2024-25.

Y’all better be hoping that inflation doesn’t destroy all of the fun & food you’re having right now. Be happy with what you have. 😎

[rrtjp]

Originally Posted by Normal

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?

Like your ideas

[rrtjp]

Originally Posted by 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.

Agree
You never get a second chance of making a first good impression

[jimkerr]

I wouldn’t do anything different if I were the developer. The place hasn’t even opened completely and people are trashing it.

I have some complaints about the owner of the restaurants inside. Those are his issues though and not The Villages fault. Things such as No change being given, kiddie size drink cups, not being able to order a pizza the way you want it, expensive lobster rolls that hardly have any lobster…. Those are all complaints for that VO company that owns all of those restaurants inside Sawgrass. (Not Darlins, the coffee place or the bar)

[rsmurano]

Lower the prices. I can go to Brownwood for happy hour and get $3 well drinks, can’t at sawgrass. The ice cream place should be replaced with another scooples. I can get a hot fudge at scooples for about the same price as a 2 scoop ice cream in a cup at sawgrass.
I think all all the businesses inside of sawgrass should be replaced with a similar successful business from the Brownwood or sumter sq.
Same goes for McGrady’s.

[Dotneko]

Originally Posted by Bitsee

We were in and out of there in less than 15 minutes...Boring !

I would enjoy seeing a more carnival type atmosphere.
Outdoor shooting gallery and a bowling game where you could win prizes. There could be a sunhat sales stand where you could get your name embroidered on your hat as well....remember that from the county fairs years ago ?
Then there should be a fresh fruit and vegetable market stand like the Saturday Brownwood market where prices are far more reasonable with fresher goods.
I would also incorporate a large beverage bar where you pick and pour your own drink(s) and next to that would be a Danish and donut extravaganza to choose from !
Very similar to an upscale foodmart where you serve yourself more or less.
A build your own pizza palace in there would be great also.
And on the weekend evenings I would contract stand up comic's and other likewise entertainers for some laughs.
If you desire music you can go to the squares for that.
People want to have big fun and entertain thier family and visitors when they come down to The Villages, not sip on a $5 cup of coffee and buy a $45 tee shirt,
No Thank's to that.

My votes the Carnival Concept for that place, it could be wildly
popular !

Love it!!! Skeeball, minigolf. I would be up there every night! The putting course right now needs windmills lol.

[SusanKD]

The noise level is terrible. The food prices seem higher then the squares.

[Djean1981]

Originally Posted by Dotneko

Love it!!! Skeeball, minigolf. I would be up there every night! The putting course right now needs windmills lol.

Yes, skeeball!! - with tickets for prizes. A Dave and Busters type venue would be fun. Shooting arcades, video games, escape rooms, etc!!