Ybor City Arcade, Restaurant Closing After More Than 16 Years

TAMPA, FL — GameTime Tampa in Ybor City will close Aug. 9 after more than 16 years in business at 1600 E. 8th Ave., Michael Abecassis, CEO of General Vending & GameTime, said in a letter to customers.

The company took over the site from Gameworks on April 16, 2010, after that venue closed.

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“This was an incredibly difficult decision. Our lease at this location is no longer in effect, and given the current economic climate and how Ybor City has evolved, we don’t see a path forward for us to stay here,” Abecassis said. “After 16 remarkable years, we have to say goodbye to this building — though never to this community.”

He also addressed customer balances tied to game cards and gift cards.

“Here's what matters most: your game card, e-ticket and gift card balances will never expire. Nothing is wiped clean,” the said.

Customers can use those balances at the Tampa location before it closes or later at other Florida GameTime locations.

The remaining Florida sites are in Ocoee, Daytona, Miami, Fort Myers and Kissimmee.

“If you want one more visit to this Tampa location specifically, we'd love to see you before August 9th,” Abecassis said. “We've got some special things planned between now and then to celebrate this community with you.”

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