Originally Posted by thevillages2013 (Post 2033053)

Oh my god you are telling me that smooth talking lady was a pupuprostitue ? I thought she was really digging me:bigbow:

Originally Posted by rustyp (Post 2032930)

Not picking on you Stu. I have been here since 2005 and logged countless hours at KB's. Tony D (RIP) and I were on first name basis. No way did they fold because they couldn't make a profit. If that is so how can the other restaurants around the square survive when they have to pay rent and the developer didn't? No proof has ever been offered up in these countless conversations about this other than hearsay. From one who has some firsthand experience may I possibly suggest there was possibly a drug and prostitute problem that wasn't worth dealing with if one's entire livelihood depended on Katie Belle's.. Be observant to what may appear to be a sheltered bubble.

Originally Posted by barbnick (Post 2033071)

So… Where did all the Prostitutes and drugs go?? Don’t believe it

Originally Posted by dadspet (Post 2032912)

The newer villagers probably haven't heard of Katie Belle's which was a Villager only unique 2 story country dance hall with 2 restaurants located in Spanish Springs. For many it was the place to go and bring out of town guests. Down stairs there was a large dance floor with a raised stage and casual dining around the floor to watch the dancers. Upstairs was a fine dinning restaurant “Cattle Barren” overlooking the dance floor. There was a live band everyday. Katie Belles was unique, everyone we knew loved it and I'm sure it had a lot to do with many of us buying our first home here; but for some reason The Villages closed it. In our opinion, and everyone else we talk to, it was and remains The Villages biggest mistake. I guess I should also say the Villages built an outstanding community and I don't think they make many mistakes. As The Villages grew, many hoped they would build a new Katie Belle's and it seemed like a wonderful location was Brownwood across the street from Blue Fin. Of course we know that isn't going to happen since we will be graced with some other restaurant serving health food I think. The excitement is really building on this!!!!

But, besides bringing back a sore subject for many, it turns out The Villages announced in today's (11/23/21) paper they are planning to put apartments in the Van Patten building were Katie Belle's was located.

Just wondering what others think about the old Katie Belle's and The Villages building a new one – Someplace? Who knows, maybe someone who counts will read this and listen. I think the advertisement value of Katie Belle's far exceeded the restaurant profit.

Originally Posted by dadspet (Post 2032912)

The newer villagers probably haven't heard of Katie Belle's which was a Villager only unique 2 story country dance hall with 2 restaurants located in Spanish Springs. For many it was the place to go and bring out of town guests. Down stairs there was a large dance floor with a raised stage and casual dining around the floor to watch the dancers. Upstairs was a fine dinning restaurant “Cattle Barren” overlooking the dance floor. There was a live band everyday. Katie Belles was unique, everyone we knew loved it and I'm sure it had a lot to do with many of us buying our first home here; but for some reason The Villages closed it. In our opinion, and everyone else we talk to, it was and remains The Villages biggest mistake. I guess I should also say the Villages built an outstanding community and I don't think they make many mistakes. As The Villages grew, many hoped they would build a new Katie Belle's and it seemed like a wonderful location was Brownwood across the street from Blue Fin. Of course we know that isn't going to happen since we will be graced with some other restaurant serving health food I think. The excitement is really building on this!!!!

But, besides bringing back a sore subject for many, it turns out The Villages announced in today's (11/23/21) paper they are planning to put apartments in the Van Patten building were Katie Belle's was located.

Just wondering what others think about the old Katie Belle's and The Villages building a new one – Someplace? Who knows, maybe someone who counts will read this and listen. I think the advertisement value of Katie Belle's far exceeded the restaurant profit.

Originally Posted by msilagy (Post 2033055)

How does that poster know it wasn't making money? I guess he was the accountant. You think?

Originally Posted by npwalters (Post 2032952)

That was not what I saw or experienced in the several times I was there.

Originally Posted by dadspet (Post 2032912)

The newer villagers probably haven't heard of Katie Belle's which was a Villager only unique 2 story country dance hall with 2 restaurants located in Spanish Springs. For many it was the place to go and bring out of town guests. Down stairs there was a large dance floor with a raised stage and casual dining around the floor to watch the dancers. Upstairs was a fine dinning restaurant “Cattle Barren” overlooking the dance floor. There was a live band everyday. Katie Belles was unique, everyone we knew loved it and I'm sure it had a lot to do with many of us buying our first home here; but for some reason The Villages closed it. In our opinion, and everyone else we talk to, it was and remains The Villages biggest mistake. I guess I should also say the Villages built an outstanding community and I don't think they make many mistakes. As The Villages grew, many hoped they would build a new Katie Belle's and it seemed like a wonderful location was Brownwood across the street from Blue Fin. Of course we know that isn't going to happen since we will be graced with some other restaurant serving health food I think. The excitement is really building on this!!!!

But, besides bringing back a sore subject for many, it turns out The Villages announced in today's (11/23/21) paper they are planning to put apartments in the Van Patten building were Katie Belle's was located.

Just wondering what others think about the old Katie Belle's and The Villages building a new one – Someplace? Who knows, maybe someone who counts will read this and listen. I think the advertisement value of Katie Belle's far exceeded the restaurant profit.

Originally Posted by JSR22 (Post 2032915)

Katie Belle's downstairs was closed because it was not making a profit. The Cattle Baron was an okay restaurant not fine dining. The upstairs Katie Belle's restaurant was much better then the Cattle Baron and had good entertainment. Not enough people wanted to pay for shows and dinner.
The Harvest opening across from Blue Fin is not a health food restaurant. It will be a very good restaurant along the the lines of Blue Fin and Chop House.
When Katie Belle's was closed all furnishings were removed. There will be apts in the upstairs.
I can not fathom why rhey would reopen a business that is not profitable.

Originally Posted by rustyp (Post 2032937)

How can one not make a profit when people stand in line waiting to get in. Again burden is on you to show they didn't make a profit. Just produce one piece of evidence like yearly Morse meeting or (chuckle) The Villages Sun other than TV posters of which 90% spouting out this hearsay didn't live here and never stepped foot in KB's. Added footnote - let me be clear - I am talking about the original KB's. Not that poor excuse we were fed when it went upstairs. Yea that's how successful the developers wanted it to be. They put a night club on the second floor of a senior citizen's community.