Middle Village has bid farewell to several beloved businesses within the Metro Mall at 66-26 Metropolitan Ave. in recent years. Last month, Funtopia USA became the latest to close its doors.
In a message shared on Facebook to valued customers, Funtopia expressed its heartfelt thanks to those who visited the business over the last 24 years and announced its last day on Monday, Aug. 26.
“We are sad to say we will be permanently closed starting Monday, August 26th, 2024. We thank you for your business over the last 24 years. It has been a pleasure bringing smiles, joy, and core memories to many families,” Funtopia USA shared online.
The message offered visitors a chance to reminisce about the shared experiences they enjoyed in the fun space over the years—moments that can now only be remembered, not relived.
“Wow, this was my first job as a teen. Sad that this will be closing. Will be missed for sure,” wrote Facebook user Jay Garcia in the comments section on the company’s closing message.
“I am so sad to hear this. This place was a huge part of my childhood. My mom used to take me when it was called OoBaDooba,” another Facebook user, Briana Paige, wrote in the comments section, adding that she was able to take her son to Funtopia, making their visit a full circle moment.
“Worked there in 2009. Was a DJ and hosted the parties. Fun times and different back then. A lot has changed,” another commenter, Stegano John Beatriz, shared.
Funtopia USA joins a series of other businesses that left the Metro Mall, including Kmart and Toys R Us, when they were still in business. One of the more recent closures includes a Burger King that existed at the mall for decades.
Currently, a BJ’s Wholesale Club remains at the Metro Mall, along with a Fitnation Health Club, 99 Cents store, and Raymor and Flanigan, to name a few.
The departure of Funtopia raises concerns over the metro mall’s future, especially as some commenters believe it will be taken over by Amazon, which currently leases a space there for a fulfillment center.
QNS has contacted Funtopia and Pergament Properties, the real estate company tied to Metro Mall, for comment but has yet to receive a response.
