Universal Orlando has confirmed that the Monsters Cafe, located within Universal Studios Florida, has permanently closed today.

We theorized earlier this year that with the closure of Shrek 4-D to make room for a possible new Minions attraction, we could see this quick service restaurant rethemed to match the nearby area. Now, many believe that will in fact be the case.

Universal Orlando Resort has made following statement:

After more than 20 years of serving dreadfully-delicious quick-service menu offerings, Monster’s Café in Universal Studios Florida permanently closed in the spring of 2022 to make way for a new dining experience.

Fans of the spooky dining establishment first took notice this morning when the Monsters Cafe was listed as permanently closed on Google, and removed from the official Universal Orlando website.

In recent weeks rumors that the Monsters Cafe would be closing have swirled around social media and on YouTube. Screamscape reported on the rumor earlier this month.

Shrek 4-D closed early this year, and while Universal Orlando has not yet announced its replacement, we believe it will be a new attraction based on the Minions spin-off films.

Minions imagery can be seen along the work walls around the former Shrek building, helping to bolster the rumor.

The new attraction replacing Shrek 4-D is rumored to place riders on a moving walkway where they can shoot at targets in a story based on the Villain-Con location from the Minions films.

We have uncovered permits that show a moving walkway company, as well as company that specializes in projected media are involved in the installation.

With a ride based on the Despicable Me films located across from another attraction based on the Minions spin off films, we theorized back in January that this could mean we could see the nearby Monsters Cafe rethemed to a Minions Cafe.

A new Minions-based eatery could feature similar theming as the Minion Cafe that opened just last year in Universal Studios Hollywood.

The ParkStop Podcast strikes again. I am deeply sorry.

(Ep 39, posted Jan 18, 2022) pic.twitter.com/Sgu2r33A7c

— Alicia Stella (@AliciaStella) May 13, 2022

This quick service restaurant was originally home to “Studio Stars,” a full service location that opened with the park in 1990. The photos of celebrities on the walls were swapped out for behind-the-scenes props and artwork celebrating the rich history of Universal’s Classic Monsters.

The Universal Studios’ Classic Monsters Cafe’s dining rooms were split into separate areas, each themed to a different star of the scary screen. There was an area devoted to Dr. Frankenstein’s laboratory, for example, which also included the main serving area.

Barbecue offerings at Monsters Cafe

While this location originally serviced quick service pizza, burgers, and chicken, a few years back the entire menu was revamped. The Monsters Cafe served up frighteningly good barbecue and smoked meats, along with some decidedly good sides to accompany them. Despite these efforts, the location was often not as frequented by guests as others around the park.

Universal has not yet confirmed or announced what exactly will be replacing the Monsters Cafe, but our money has been on, and will remain on, something tied to the Minions… Unless we hear otherwise!

As for the Monsters? There is a strong rumor that one of the main lands in Epic Universe, Universal Orlando’s next theme park, will be completely devoted to these important characters. After all, these are the guys that saved the movie studio’s butt back in the 1920s and 1930s!

That’s all for now, but if you’d like to bring a piece of the parks home, Souvenir Scents has candles and wax melts that smell like the the ET ride, HHN houses, and even a Minions-inspired Banana scent! Save 15% off every order with my promo code PARKSTOP at SouvenirScents.com.

Subscribe to the news feed or enter your email address below to never miss an update. Photos: Alicia Stella

Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month. All patrons receive behind the scenes posts and exclusive podcasts. Learn More