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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Burger King in 2023 just hits different than it did in the 90s and 2000s. Like many fast food chains today, you’re greeted by an automated kiosk and modern seating that's capable of crushing dreams. We still love the food at Burger King, so we decided to rank the best Tampa Bay Burger King stores based on customer reviews. This is what we found.

Anything seemed possible back when the “McDonalds VS. Burger King” showdown was in its peak form. If you grew up in the 90s and 00s, this fast food chain was off the charts. Sure, there was the everlasting scent of stank feet, but between the play places, Surge, and new menu items, you could truly ‘Have It Your Way’.  

Burger King isn't as popular as it once was, but if you’re looking to pick up one of those steamy burgers on sesame buns, thick cut fries, and an ice cold Surge, you’re in luck. There are exactly 20 locations left in the Tampa Bay area. The newly remodeled dining areas don’t bear a resemblance to the nostalgic feeling of the classic BK, but the food remains great.

We headed on over to https://www.bk.com/store-locator and typed in Tampa Bay. We wanted the search to include all of the locations within the Tampa Bay area. Next, we researched the amount of Google reviews each location had, their rating and looked into what people were saying. 

Remember, these are not our reviews, we took into account what real people were saying about these locations to give you an accurate look into your local BKs. Keep in mind that people love to complain so we’re taking the reviews with a grain of salt.

Here is our list of the 10 best Burger King stores in Tampa Bay.