Tampa’s Goody Goody Burgers to Close Hyde Park Village Location After Eight Years

After nearly a decade of serving Tampa’s Hyde Park Village, the iconic Goody Goody Burgers is closing its doors for the final time on Sunday, September 29, 2024. Known for its nostalgic charm and classic diner menu, Goody Goody is a staple in Tampa’s history, originally opening in 1925. The closure of its Hyde Park Village location marks the end of an era for the neighborhood, but fortunately, the beloved brand will continue to operate in other parts of Tampa.

Goody Goody’s journey began almost 100 years ago when it first opened as a small burger joint on what is now Kennedy Boulevard. The restaurant quickly gained a loyal following with its famous burgers, particularly the “P.O.X.” burger, which features pickles, onions, and a secret sauce. For decades, Goody Goody remained a fixture in Tampa’s culinary landscape, becoming a part of the city’s cultural fabric.

However, in 2005, the last remaining Goody Goody location closed, much to the dismay of locals. Enter Richard Gonzmart, a Tampa restaurateur and president of the 1905 Family of Restaurants, who had fond memories of the diner from his childhood. In 2016, Gonzmart brought Goody Goody back to life, opening a new location in Hyde Park Village and restoring many of the restaurant’s original menu items. Gonzmart’s revival of Goody Goody was met with widespread acclaim, and the restaurant quickly regained its status as a favorite dining spot.

The closure of the Hyde Park Village location is not due to a lack of popularity, but rather a business decision made by Gonzmart and his team. Despite efforts to renegotiate the lease, the restaurant and its landlord, WS Development, were unable to reach an agreement. Gonzmart explained that the decision to close the location was made with both the heart and the head, acknowledging the realities of changing business conditions.

Though the Hyde Park location will close, Goody Goody is not disappearing entirely. Fans can still enjoy its famous P.O.X. burgers, Hyde Park Burgers, and butterscotch pie at two other locations: Tampa International Airport and the Columbia Café at the Tampa Bay History Center. These locations will continue to serve Goody Goody’s signature dishes, ensuring that the brand’s legacy lives on.

The 60 employees who work at the Hyde Park Village location will be offered positions at other restaurants within the 1905 Family of Restaurants, which includes local favorites like Columbia Restaurant, Ulele, and Casa Santo Stefano. Gonzmart expressed gratitude to both his employees and the restaurant’s loyal customers, calling the eight years of running Goody Goody a “labor of love.”

While the closing of Goody Goody in Hyde Park marks the end of a chapter, its story is far from over. As Gonzmart’s team shifts focus to other projects, the spirit of Goody Goody will continue to serve Tampa’s community, keeping a piece of the city’s history alive for future generations to enjoy.

This closure serves as a reminder that even beloved institutions must adapt to changing economic realities. Yet, for Tampa natives and visitors alike, Goody Goody will always be more than just a place to grab a burger—it’s a symbol of the city’s rich culinary history and the power of nostalgia to bring people together over a shared love for great food.