[fdpaq0580]

Asking if they will ever bring back Katie Belles is like asking if Rudolph Valentino will ever make another movie.

Times change. And sometimes they may even change for the better. Sometimes they don't.

[fdpaq0580]

Originally Posted by thevillages2013

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

Are you sure "she" was a lady?
😯😯😯

[Laker14]

Originally Posted by skippy05

For all those wanting "The Villages" to bring back Katie Belles: Why not put together a Business Venture with investors and bring it back to The Villages yourself, without "The Villages" help? Certainly, you can lease one of the many vacant commercial spaces in the Villages. And, it is sure to turn a profit, as everyone desiring to bring it back says the old one made good money. This is not a sarcastic reply. For sure you can do it if you put your mind to it.

Your (not sarcastic) suggestion is antithetical to the concept of retirement.

But, as far as making a profit, and I was never in Katie Belles, if they were making a profit, it must not have been enough of a profit to justify the work, and/or the use of real estate that could be more profitably used in another manner.

Businesses seldom disappear because they are too profitable.

[Inexes@aol.com]

Kind of ironic..... the one thing most people have a problem with as they age, is "change". So, we retire, move to an area with all these amenities "promised", expecting it to never change.

The first restaurant I visited in the Villages, in the late 90's, was Silver Lake. It was a great restaurant on the historic side. Really good food. Whoops.... closed.

Next was Chula Vista. We ate there several times a week, food was great. Dancing nightly, ballroom type and good dancers. Whoops, closed.

Big draw for prospective buyers.... the indoor heated pool at the Sharon Morse building, great for aging bones, lol. Whoops, closed..... needed more office space???

Little restaurant in Santiago, at golf course, Jimmy Buffett style entertainment... great food, lively crowd,always jammed.... Whoops, closed.

Katie Bell's experienced many changes during its time in an effort to keep it going. I never really cared for the place, didn't spend much time there, but many people did. But, in the end..... another whoops.

Hacienda Hills CC restaurant, more upscale (?) for TV... dress code, shirts, ties, etc. Then, more relaxed (no dress code), Very popular place for dining and dancing.... Whoops, closed.

The Church on the Square... then changed to The Sharon.... what's next there?
Savannah Center used to be very popular for entertainment, think most of that moved to The Sharon.

Tierra Del Sol, thank goodness has survived, though many changes with same, but thank goodness they did not close that one.

Yes, I do understand that change is inevitable but that does not mean I have to like it much. All the things that drew those of us here in the 1990s, early 2000s, have gone slowly by the wayside. As many of us have, who moved here back then.

What I do understand is that the age group that is looking at The Villages now is far removed from what our age group was looking for. And I believe the "family" is well aware of this, as they are in that age group, and going forward will be catering to a much different outlook and lifestyle.

We have a choice.... embrace it and go with the flow or reject it, lay back, relax and relive the memories of "the good old days". At 84.... I choose to lay back and relax and enjoy whatever time I have left rather than get all worked up over something I have no control over.

[Ramone]

Originally Posted by dadspet

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.

Well, it seems the historic end of The Villages keeps getting their home sales incentives of 30 years ago taken away; Katie Belles, Silver Lake Club, Palm Tiki bar at OB, Hacienda Country Club, Realto Theater, bowling soon, etc. A thank you from the 3rd gen of Morse's.

[thevillages2013]

Originally Posted by fdpaq0580

Are you sure "she" was a lady?
😯😯😯

Oh she was no lady

[Indydealmaker]

Originally Posted by dadspet

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.

Katue Belles closed because it was a moneypit.

[fdpaq0580]

Originally Posted by Indydealmaker

Katue Belles closed because it was a moneypit.

Inquiring minds wanted to know. Now we do.
Thank you.

[Worldseries27]

Originally Posted by coralway

kb closed because deadbeat patrons sat for hours and hours on end nursing one drink. Food was, frankly, mediocre - nothing to brag about. In another location, probably outside of tv, kb would have been very successful.

that's the story i always heard since i started coming to tv over 20 years ago
to be frank certain nights were m/f cougar
scenarios.

[fdpaq0580]

Originally Posted by Worldseries27

to be frank certain nights were m/f cougar
scenarios.

Ah! The good old days. 😁😁😁

[airdote22]

Originally Posted by billethkid

Good business planning dictates cutting losses and do not repeat a losing venue!!

Was a loss leader and a great one, with this area now built out if it was still in operation
am sure the residents at Brownwood would want one there, only larger, but as long as they can sell the houses without that expense there, it is not going to happen.

[jsjackman]

I wish they had tried to adjust the hours to being open only 4 nites/days/wk with a DJ instead of a band every hour open! They could hire a band on Friday & Saturday nites. However, I too feel if they hadn’t messed with the remodel to begin with, it might still be a success. Our guests always had a great time & the food/service was over all pretty good! It helped to sell The Villages to our guests! Being there always gave you a special feeling of being a part of a glamorous life style! Why not have tried fewer hours first & let Villagers know they needed our support!

[Ipecoraro]

Here 17 years and sure miss Katie Belles. Please bring it back!

[fdpaq0580]

Originally Posted by Ipecoraro

Here 17 years and sure miss Katie Belles. Please bring it back!

My guess, it ain't gonna happen. Time to find someplace else to enjoy.

[rustyp]

Over the holidays we would take our guests to the holiday countdown at the church on the square (admission = can food for the food pantry), then stop at the square and catch a set (HH 2 for 1) and wind up the night with dinner and entertainment at Katie Belle's. Sharing our entrees and sipping water made for a very affordable evening. Nowadays I ask my guests would you like to go to our performing arts center. They inquire what's there ? I answer if we are lucky maybe the high school choir but primarily tribute bands and practicing students of the arts.