[TOMCAT]

How many of you miss the Veranda and how many of you like the restaurant in its place. We used to like going to The Veranda for our breakfast. It is a shame that it had to go.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

The Veranda versus Panera - two different types of restaurants. We liked The Veranda and we like Panera as well.

Bill

[KathieI]

I miss the Veranda a lot. Panera just doesn't have that cozy feel like we would expect in the Villages.

It was a great place to hold "meet and greets" with newbies coming into town. We had many an impromptu luncheon there with quite a few TOTV members showing up to greet new people. It was such a pleasant atmosphere and the food was good too.

[redwitch]

I'm not a Panera fan. I miss The Veranda. Too many chain and mini-chain restaurants in TV.

[chuckinca]

Never went to the Veranda (thought it was part of the sales dept). It did look very nice tho.

.

[ilovetv]

I miss the Veranda because for us northerners, it was a bit of southern charm. I must say that the ambiance was what I liked.....not the mediocre food and older women waitressing who were a bit sloppy in grooming/appearance (several looked like they were in a janitorial job).

Panera is good in the p.m. and evening, and the veranda outside is great. But I don't like the industrial feel of the interior decor, and the breakfast-hour long lines that don't move are terrible. I've always had good food there and it's not as crowded as the SS store.

[Floridagal]

I miss the Veranda. Used to love going there with friends for lunch. Don't care for Panera.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by ilovetv

I miss the Veranda because for us northerners, it was a bit of southern charm. I must say that the ambiance was what I liked.....not the mediocre food and older women waitressing who were a bit sloppy in grooming/appearance (several looked like they were in a janitorial job).

Panera is good in the p.m. and evening, and the veranda outside is great. But I don't like the industrial feel of the interior decor, and the breakfast-hour long lines that don't move are terrible. I've always had good food there and it's not as crowded as the SS store.

Wow!

[tainsley]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

Wow!

Wow is right! I too miss The Veranda...our first date in TV was there! Really liked the atmosphere, the sandwiches and salads were yummy and the servers were always pleasant and made us feel welcomed!

[jojo]

It was a great place to take visitors and to meet with groups of friends. I was so sorry when it closed.

[angel222]

Count me among those who are sorry the Veranda closed...I miss bringing visiting friends there....friends can go to Paneras anywhere. Too many chains here not enough "different" places IMO...

[CTgolfer]

I think Panera is doing a great job in bring a lot of customers to Sumter Landing. Whether you are a fan of the restaurant or not, bringing traffic to the area only benefits all of the stores, whether it's residents or guests. While Veranda had more charm, it never succeeded in bringing in the customer base (in my 2 years when it was open).

[memason]

I was not a huge fan of the Varanda. I really like that Panera moved into that location...

Different stokes, I guess