The Times Square Store That Was Dedicated Entirely To Pop-Tarts
Times Square is basically a Monopoly board, and tourists are just the little race cars, dogs, top hats, thimbles, and battleships trying to avoid the "go directly to jail, do not pass go" corner space — or in this case, the street performers who pull you in to participate in their stunt tricks. Similar to a Monopoly board, Times Square offers a number of coveted "properties." Would you like to trade your Abercrombie & Fitch property for Disney? Perhaps you're interested in investing in a restaurant or tourist trap like the Times Square Gift Shop? Oh, and don't forget about luxury tax, income tax, and the coveted blue spaces that cost a hefty chunk of change.
Just like the many editions of the board game in this analogy, Times Square has evolved over the years. The popular five blocks of bright lights and shuffling feet are a revolving door of restaurants, tourist attractions, retail stores, theaters, bars, and more. It's also known to be the home of some of the largest tributes to America's favorite snacks and desserts with attractions like M&M World and Hershey's Chocolate World (via Times Square NYC). Many of these still have their roots embedded in the Times Square community, but some haven't survived, including — *grab the tissues* — Pop-Tarts World.
Visitors could create their own variety packs of the pastry treat
That's right folks, a store dedicated to America's favorite stuffed pastry used to exist. Once upon a time on 42nd Street between Broadway and Sixth Avenue, Kellog's Pop-Tarts World stood in all its '80s music and memorabilia glory (via Glenwood NYC). The nostalgia trap was organized into three sections: The Varietizer, Pop-Tarts World Café, and Pop-Tarts official gift shop. The most popular of these was The Varietizer, a colossal and boisterous vending machine, which allowed visitors to create their very own variety pack of Pop-Tarts. Fans could choose from a range of favorites like Wild Grape, Brown Sugar Cinnamon, S'Mores, Hot Fudge Sundae, and Blueberry.
The trick was coming in with an empty stomach because, in addition to The Varietizer, visitors could dine at Pop-Tarts Café. The eclectic menu featured unique cuisine like Pop-Tarts Sushi. Yeah, you read that right. Before exiting, guests could also visit the gift shop and create their own custom T-shirt with branded graphics. Other merchandise included mugs, keychains, and tote bags. According to RoadsideAmerica.com, the best part was the bathroom lined from ceiling to floor in Pop-Tarts wallpaper. Unfortunately, the attraction closed in January of 2011. Though if it were to come back, it would need a major shake-up to keep up with the latest trends. Maybe Pop-Tarts could take a cue from the Cup of Noodles Museum?