Universal Studios' Classic Monsters Cafe as seen in 2018. (Kathleen Christiansen / Orlando Sentinel)

Monsters Cafe, the horror-themed quick-service eatery at the front of Universal Studios Florida has officially closed for good. Though rumors of its demise have been circulating for some time, nothing concrete about the future of the establishment had been announced prior to Friday’s surprise shuttering.

Universal Orlando Resort confirmed the permanent closure in a statement saying, ”After more than 20 years of serving dreadfully-delicious quick-service menu offerings, Monsters Cafe in Universal Studios Florida permanently closed in the spring of 2022 to make way for a new dining experience.”

Universal Orlando Resort offered a Scareactor Dining Experience select nights during the 2018 Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios' Classic Monsters Cafe. Guests helped themselves to a buffet and got to interact with scareactors from that year's houses and scare zones. (Kathleen Christiansen/Orlando Sentinel)

Given the eatery’s location between Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem and the former Shrek 4-D theater (which Universal has teased will eventually be another “Minions” attraction), this restaurant seems to be ripe for a re-theme to better blend with its neighbors.

Monsters Cafe first opened in 1998 and featured highly themed dining rooms that included classic Universal Monsters characters like the Creature from the Black Lagoon, The Wolf-Man and Dracula.

No time frame for a replacement restaurant has been announced.

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