Universal Studios Hollywood’s CityWalk has seen significant changes in recent months, and another closure is on the horizon.
When you look at Universal Studios Hollywood today, it’s hard to conceive just how different it once was in decades past. The Southern California theme park has undergone a remarkable transformation since its beginnings as a simple backstage tour in 1964.
Initially offering guests a glimpse behind the scenes of movie-making magic, the park has expanded into a world-renowned entertainment destination (and found creative ways to utilize its minimal expansion space along the way).
In the past decade alone, the park has added new features such as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (complete with Hogwarts Castle), Jurassic World—The Ride, and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. It’s currently in the process of also adding its first high-speed outdoor roller coaster (because, no, Flight of the Hippogriff does not count) in the form of Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, debuting in 2026.
Changes to Universal CityWalk
One of the park’s biggest expansions in the 1990s was an accompanying shopping and dining district. Universal CityWalk—which, unlike the park, doesn’t require a ticket—opened in 1993 and has undergone its own share of changes in the years since.
Today, CityWalk spans three vibrant blocks and serves as the gateway to the park, featuring a mix of restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Highlights include Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, and The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium (although the latter has also faced its own share of challenges recently).
However, this district has recently experienced a wave of closures.
Sparky’s, a donut shop located in the entertainment district, will reportedly close its doors for good on January 19. As per @highuniversal, an employee at the shop allegedly confirmed the closure, marking yet another shift in the landscape of CityWalk.
Spoke with an employee at Sparky’s on CityWalk today. The location will be closing permanently on January 19th. The CityWalk purge in Hollywood continues.
Spoke with an employee at Sparky’s on CityWalk today. The location will be closing permanently on January 19th. The CityWalk purge in Hollywood continues 👀 @UniStudios pic.twitter.com/gDSGHgLjCi
— Universal HIGH 🌎 (@HighUniversal) January 1, 2025
Sparky’s closure in just 18 days’ time follows the exit of several other establishments in 2024. In September, Dongpo Kitchen, known for its Chinese cuisine, shut its doors after eight years. The closure was unannounced, and the restaurant quietly disappeared from Universal Studios Hollywood’s official listings.
In October, Mini Monster, a coffee and boba shop with locations in Long Beach, Anaheim, Honolulu, and Saigon, also closed. The shop revealed on Instagram that Universal opted not to renew its lease. “Universal has decided to take back the space,” Mini Monster said on Instagram, adding, “You’re often at the mercy of the landlord. Even when you do well, rising rents can make it impossible to afford, and sometimes a landlord may simply choose not to renew a lease.”
Earlier in the year, the clothing retailer Francesca’s moved to Westfield Sherman Oaks, and its neighboring eatery, Chick Chick Chicken, ceased operations. Their former spaces now house the Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe, a whimsical addition offering sweet treats and Sanrio merchandise.
These changes have left many regular visitors dissatisfied. On platforms like Reddit, users have expressed concerns about CityWalk’s declining appeal. One user noted, “Ever since CityWalk fully reopened from COVID, the shopping mall has become more and more lackluster.”
Others criticized the increasing dominance of Universal-owned ventures and the perceived lack of unique offerings. The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium, in particular, drew mixed reviews, with one user describing it as “terrifyingly sad” and lamenting its menu.
What’s your favorite spot at Universal CityWalk?
