Introduction to Universal CityWalk Hollywood’s Transformation
Universal CityWalk is undergoing a sweeping transformation with a dozen storefronts changing operators as Universal Studios Hollywood creates a wider security bubble that will include the outdoor shopping mall and a new hotel planned near the theme park entrance.
Several shops and attractions have opened in recent months with more set to debut later this year as CityWalk brings in a new slate of retailers and restaurants.
Recent Openings at CityWalk
The latest CityWalk Hollywood transformation began in September with Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe replacing Francesca’s clothing boutique and Chick Chick Chicken fast casual restaurant.
The pace of change has quickened in the last few months with Line Friends Square opening in April and Take 2 and Escapology opening in May.
Line Friends Square sells K-pop clothing, accessories, novelties and collectibles in the former Fossil watch shop location.
Take 2 sells discount Universal Studios Hollywood theme park clothing and merchandise in the former Raider Image shop.
Escapology offers eight escape rooms themed to Scooby-Doo, Batman and other storylines in the former Samba Brazilian steakhouse restaurant location.
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Upcoming Openings at CityWalk
Five more new locations are opening later this year at Universal CityWalk Hollywood:
- NBA Store — Replacing Abercrombie & Fitch
- Insomnia Cookies — Replacing Mini Monster boba tea shop
- Slice House by Tony Gemignani — Replacing Sparky’s Donuts
- Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers — Replacing Dongpo Kitchen
- Halal Guys — Replacing Crepe Cafe
The NBA Store opening this summer will sell jerseys, clothing, hats and souvenirs from the Lakers, Clippers and other NBA teams.
The four eateries will sell cookies (Insomnia), pizza (Slice House), chicken tenders (Raising Cane’s) and gyro sandwiches (Halal Guys).
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Security Enhancements at CityWalk
The CityWalk retail makeover is taking place as Universal widens its security bubble to include the outdoor shopping mall.
The project will create three security entrances dubbed the West, Central and East hubs near the Frankenstein, Jurassic, Curious George and E.T. parking structures.
New security screening checkpoints will be located behind NBC Sports Grill and Buca di Beppo in CityWalk and near the Frankenstein parking structure.
The wider security perimeter will allow Universal to remove the existing screening checkpoint near the iconic globe at the theme park entrance where a new 500-room hotel is planned.
Conclusion
The transformation of Universal CityWalk Hollywood is an exciting development for fans of the theme park and shopping mall. With new stores and restaurants opening, as well as enhanced security measures, CityWalk is poised to become an even more popular destination for visitors.
FAQs
Q: What new stores are opening at Universal CityWalk Hollywood?
A: Eight new stores are opening, including NBA Store, Insomnia Cookies, Slice House by Tony Gemignani, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Halal Guys, Line Friends Square, Take 2, and Escapology.
Q: What is happening to the existing stores at CityWalk?
A: Several existing stores are being replaced by new retailers and restaurants, including Abercrombie & Fitch, Mini Monster, Sparky’s Donuts, Dongpo Kitchen, and Crepe Cafe.
Q: What security enhancements are being made at CityWalk?
A: Universal is widening its security bubble to include the outdoor shopping mall, creating three security entrances and new screening checkpoints.
Q: What is the timeline for the new openings and security enhancements?
A: The new stores and security enhancements are opening throughout the year, with some already open and others set to debut later this year.
