Tampa Bay ‘Toys R Us’ Stores Then VS. Now
Nostalgia is one of those phenomena we just can’t explain. It’s hard to really put a finger on why exactly it makes us feel the way we do, but everyone experiences it at one time or another. Toys R Us couldn’t stand the test of time, so today we’re looking at Tampa Bay ‘Toys R Us’ Stores Then VS. Now.
Growing up in the 90s and early 2000s was something else. Every generation has its time, but we officially reached peak technology in those years. Blockbuster Video had everything you needed for an entire weekend. Toys R Us was stacked to the ceiling with toys and gadgets. And, fast food chains were actually affordable and had comfortable seating.
Somewhere along the line, tech started to take over. Don’t get me wrong, tech has its advantages. In the 2010s, we could see it coming, but 2020 really pushed some stores over the edge as in-person experiences came to a halt.
Online everything quickly took over leaving some business to call it quits for good. So, we decided to take a glimpse into the past at one of the hottest stores of the century to give you a look back on how times have changed.
Whether you wanted a new bike, clothes, video games, or toys, Toys R Us had it all. So, let’s take a look back on all of the ‘Toys R Us’ stores then VS. Now across the Tampa Bay area to see what businesses have moved into the spaces.
Photos Of Tampa Bay ‘Toys R Us’ Stores Then VS. Now
While on YouTube the other day, I came across this video showing different ‘Toys R Us’ Stores Then Vs. Now and noticed some of the locations were right here in Tampa Bay. We included all of the locations with Google Maps photos from back when the locations were still open.
330 Brandon Town Center Dr.
Then: This first image was taken in June 2011 in the Brandon Mall area.
Now: Now, the ‘Toys R Us’ has turned into Rasmussen University and this photo was taken in March 2022.
26286 U.S. 19 North
Then: This Toys R Us location photo was taken from Google Maps back in April 2014, just over 10 years ago in Clearwater.
Now: From July 2022, Google Maps shows the North Pinellas VA Clinic has moved in with a redesigned building and parking lot showing how times really have changed in ‘Toys R Us’ stores then vs. now.
1900 Tyrone Blvd.
Then: Pictured in March 2011, this Toys R Us sports a blue front entrance in Tyrone Square.
Now: In May 2024, Google Maps’ most recent photo shows a Burlington Coat Factory has moved in with a completely redesigned front entrance.
6233 Tacoma Drive
Then: The photo below shows what Toys R Us looked like back in May 2011 before closing down. With the classic colored tile stripes across the front and the play set outside and was located in New Port Richey.
Now: Over 13 years later in March 2024, American Freight has moved in with the same front the Toys R Us had, but with a new sign and blue stripes.
512 Cortez Rd. West
Then: This Bradenton spot included in our ‘Toys R Us’ Stores Then VS. Now might have been one of the oldest stores in the Tampa Bay area. Pictured closed down in 2018, the outside was in pretty good shape.
Now: This location was last pictured in 2020 showing a tattered look. It also was a Spirit Halloween for one Halloween season after closing, but I am not sure what has currently moved in if anything. It may just be an abandoned Toys R Us.
3770 U.S. Hwy 98 North
Then: The last one included in Tampa Bay’s ‘Toys R Us’ Stores Then VS. Now might just the the biggest change yet. The outside was a newer, more modern Toys R Us in 2017.
Now: The most recent update on Google was in February 2024 and the change is wild. The building is gone and new shoe box-style restaurants have moved into the parking lot.
The 10 Best Burger King Stores In Tampa Bay: Ranked
1. 611 South Dale Mabry Highway
- 470 Google reviews (3.9 stars)
- What people are saying: Coming in just under 4 stars, this BK truly is one of the best. Customers praise the quality of the food, the manager, and the rest of the team on their attitude and work. Go here if you’re looking for a Burger King in Tampa.
2. 2506 West Martin Luther King Blvd.
- 1,170 Google reviews (3.8 stars)
- What people are saying: Customers are talking about how clean this facility is as well as the customer service. The food comes out hot and the only areas needed for improvements were with app orders, per a few reviews.
4. 4565 W. Kennedy Blvd.
- 768 Google reviews (3.6 stars)
- What people are saying: They say the food is great, but at certain times the employees can be rude. One user noted that they did have pictures of the historical downtown Tampa. That is a nice local touch.
6. 2965 North Dale Mabry Highway
- 1,290 Google reviews (3.5 stars)
- What people are saying: One customer says, “possibly one of the best burger kings that I have been to so far. The food was fresh. They burger was tasty and the fries were crispy and piping hot, yes hot lol.”
7. 4403 West Gandy Blvd
- 601 Google reviews (3.5 stars)
- What people are saying: One customer labeled this the “Best Burger King BY FAR in Tampa!” The overall experience is great with well cooked food, but some complained the drive thru employees were not easy to understand or couldn’t get their order right.
9. 3890 Sun City Center Boulevard
- 1,135 Google reviews (3.4 stars)
- What people are saying: Customers that dine and order inside have great things to say about the service and food, but the drive thru is slow at times.
