[champion6]

Daily Sun , 8/19/24, pg C3

FMK RESTAURANT GROUP OPENING ANOTHER RESTAURANT

FMK Restaurant Group is bringing a new concept to The Villages. Later this fall, the company will open Tap House Social, a casual sports and craft beer themed restaurant, at Buffalo Ridge.

FMK will begin construction soon to renovate the former Red Lobster building, at 3830 Wedgewood Lane.

"We think there's a good opportunity for it," said Philip Benjamin, vice president of market strategy and concept development for FMK. "We wanted to bring in another sports bar into that area for people to get together, be social and watch sports."

The company currently operates Bella Vita Italian Steakhouse, Bluefin Grill & Bar, Bonifay Country Club, Belle Glade Country Club, Chop House at Lake Sumter, Evans Prairie Country Club, Coastal del Mar Seafood Grill, Harvest Restaurant & Bar, Orange Blossom Hills Country Club, and Scooples Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant in The Villages.

FMK also is planning to open Victory Sports Grill later this year in Middleton.

[Lottoguy]

Wow, this is great news! TV needs a good sports bar with a good craft beer menu.

[LeRoySmith]

Originally Posted by champion6

Daily Sun , 8/19/24, pg C3

FMK RESTAURANT GROUP OPENING ANOTHER RESTAURANT

FMK Restaurant Group is bringing a new concept to The Villages. Later this fall, the company will open Tap House Social, a casual sports and craft beer themed restaurant, at Buffalo Ridge.

FMK will begin construction soon to renovate the former Red Lobster building, at 3830 Wedgewood Lane.

"We think there's a good opportunity for it," said Philip Benjamin, vice president of market strategy and concept development for FMK. "We wanted to bring in another sports bar into that area for people to get together, be social and watch sports."

The company currently operates Bella Vita Italian Steakhouse, Bluefin Grill & Bar, Bonifay Country Club, Belle Glade Country Club, Chop House at Lake Sumter, Evans Prairie Country Club, Coastal del Mar Seafood Grill, Harvest Restaurant & Bar, Orange Blossom Hills Country Club, and Scooples Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant in The Villages.

FMK also is planning to open Victory Sports Grill later this year in Middleton.

That is pretty close to a Hooters, my guess wasn't all that far off. David?

[ThirdOfFive]

Good news.

FMK seems to know what they're doing.

[ROCKETMAN]

FMK will have a sports bar and craft brewery in the building. In the daily sun today.

[asianthree]

Wonder if during playoffs and certain games if FMK will have the $20 for your spot to watch games, like Millers.

We are big craft beer fans, and will have zero problems paying higher price. Would be a bonus like most breweries, have flights to choose what beers you want to try.

[justjim]

I wish them luck with their new venture. It’s obvious they have good insight to have purchased the Red Lobster property with Costco moving basically next door. All the traffic should be good for business in that location.

[Stu from NYC]

Will the servers be under 40 and all female?

[justjim]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

Will the servers be under 40 and all female?

Not unless they “import”
them from outside TV.

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by LeRoySmith

That is pretty close to a Hooters, my guess wasn't all that far off. David?

Other than sports on TV, what makes it pretty close to a Hooters?

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by Bill14564

Other than sports on TV, what makes it pretty close to a Hooters?

For sure not the mileage.

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

Will the servers be under 40 and all female?

Why? Is your grandson coming to visit?

[coconutmama]

Not a fan of monopolies which FMK is pretty close to having. They are better than average but too much of their fare is repetitive, with a tweak here & there. Totally understand why. Less expensive for them to buy in bulk. However not really helpful or interesting for the consumer.

We are looking forward to other owned restaurants opening up, such as Harry & The Natives.

[LeRoySmith]

Originally Posted by Bill14564

Other than sports on TV, what makes it pretty close to a Hooters?

Other than not advertising boobs (yet) what makes it any different?

Casual - check, sports on tv - check, 25 kinds of beer - check, average at best food (guessing here but I'm willing to take that gamble) - check

and most of all because I was fooling around when I said it several days ago and this news is close enough to meet my confirmation bias needs

[maistocars]

Originally Posted by justjim

I wish them luck with their new venture. It’s obvious they have good insight to have purchased the Red Lobster property with Costco moving basically next door. All the traffic should be good for business in that location.

Still waiting for Costco to touch a blade of grass on their presumed site......