Daddy Kool Records to close on 600 block, reopen in Warehouse Arts District

Well, we had a feeling this was coming. Today, at Localtopia, Daddy Kool Records announced the closing of their 600 block record store. Their last day will be on Sunday March 24th. Fortunately, they’ll be reopening in a larger location off of the Pinellas Trail on Saturday April 13th at 2430 Terminal Drive in the Warehouse Arts District.

Not only will the new location be twice the size of their Central Avenue shop, but it’ll also have space for concerts.

The original Daddy Kool opened in in Bradenton in 1985 by Gaeano “Tony” Rifugiato, a concert promoter with No Clubs Presents. After instant success, the shop relocated to Sarasota, where it stayed for 15 years before moving to Downtown St. Petersburg’s 600 block.

Since opening in 1999, Daddy Kool has become a staple of not just the 600 block, but all of Downtown St Pete. It was originally located just down the street from the city’s historic State Theatre, which is currently undergoing a million dollar renovation, and also host to many of Rifugiato’s No Clubs concerts.

Daddy Kool to close their 600 block Location and reopen in the Warehouse Arts District

After moving to the 600 block, Daddy Kool Records immediately became a preferred destination for fans, musicians, and artists alike under the management of Emanuel “Manny Kool” Matalon.

For years, it has remained one of Florida’s most popular independent music shops. And although Daddy Kool will live on in the Warehouse Arts District, it’s the end of an era on the 600 block.

Daddy Kool will reopen at 2430 Terminal Drive in the Warehouse Arts District