HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE >> At a regular board meeting two weeks ago, homeowners of the Hidden Valley Lake Association (HVLA) were given troubling news: The food and beverage amenities budget, which includes the Greenview Restaurant, has recently been reporting large deficits.
So far, this year’s operating expenses have outpaced revenues by more than $80,000, a combined report for June showed. In fact, an approximately $19,000 deficit was reported in that month alone.
The board has yet to pinpoint why the restaurant is showing such large losses. HVLA President Sky Pile believes the restaurant’s inconsistencies in its service, quality control and inventory management may be the reason why revenues are trailing.
“If I knew for sure, I would’ve done something about it,” he said. “We’re offering something they don’t want to come and use.”
Pile noted that less than 10 percent of Greenview’s customers are homeowners.
“The primary complaint is that the food is either really good or bad,” he added.
Pile’s observation seems to match with what people have posted on sites like Yelp, Google, and Facebook.
Those who gave it high marks note the great food and service, while those that handed out three stars or less felt the exact opposite.
“First time here and my last time…” a Yelp use, who posted one star, said noting subpar service and cold food.
“I have enjoyed many meals here and they have never disappointed my taste buds,” another one wrote, giving the restaurant a five-star post. “Bottom line: good food, fair prices and friendly service.”
To understand the problem and find a solution, the board will suggest hiring a consultant at its next meeting this week. While that person’s name wasn’t released, Pile said the person is a HVLA resident and an instructor at the Culinary Institute of America.
“We’re hoping that’s going to bring some positive improvement,” he added.
Another alternative is to shut down the restaurant, but since the association is legally obligated to keep it going, such action would require a majority approval from the residents.
According to Pile, achieving that outcome would be unlikely since it would require a 50 percent voting turnout which he claimed has never happened in the neighborhood’s history.
“The threshold is so high,” he said.
The board’s next meeting is planned for 6:30 p.m. this evening at the HVLA Activity Center.
The manager of Greenview did not return calls for comment.
