Rochester's Bricks & Minifigs: A Nostalgic Haven for LEGO Lovers

Rochester just got a whole lot brickier! I had the pleasure of visiting the grand opening of Bricks & Minifigs, and let me tell you, it's a nostalgic wonderland for LEGO enthusiasts of all ages.

I sat down with Rob, co-owner alongside his wife Mindy, to get the inside scoop on this unique franchise. "Our model is buy, sell, and trade LEGO," Rob explained. "The differentiator for us is that we will buy LEGO. Whether it's a pre-built set, loose LEGO, or minifigures."

Walking through the store, it's clear this isn't your average toy shop. Tables overflow with loose LEGO bricks, cases showcase thousands of minifigures, and shelves are stocked with pre-built sets, both vintage and new. It's a treasure trove for collectors and casual fans alike.

"Our whole point of being here is to be a place that sparks joy and creativity," Rob shared, and it's evident in the atmosphere. Even as a local journalist, I couldn't help but feel a surge of childhood nostalgia as I spotted familiar LEGO pieces.

The story behind Bricks & Minifigs is as heartwarming as the LEGO creations themselves. Rob and Mindy, parents of three, discovered the franchise during a family vacation. "Our 14-year-old has been a LEGO maniac since he was two," Rob said. "And so about a year and a half ago, we were on vacation in Arizona, and of course, we got to go find LEGO."

The idea of a family business that didn't involve a "deep fryer" resonated with them. With Rob's background in LEGO education and their son's passion, it seemed like a perfect fit. They opened their first store in Roseville in 2020, and now, they're bringing the LEGO love to Rochester.

Bricks & Minifigs is more than just a place to buy and sell LEGO. It's a community hub. "On the weekends, we have a party room for birthday parties, and there's no age limit to that," Rob told me. They also host after-hours events like "Bricks and Kids," where children learn building techniques and create their own LEGO masterpieces.

"I used to work at a LEGO camp actually when I was younger, and it was a ton of fun," I admitted to Rob, and he agreed that LEGO is a powerful tool for education and creativity.

Located on the southeast side of Rochester, off Broadway and 28th Street Southeast, Bricks & Minifigs is nestled between Menards and Walmart, near GameStop and Goodwill. You can find them on Facebook and Instagram for updates on new arrivals, giveaways, and events, or visit their website for more information on birthday parties and store details.

And, of course, no visit would be complete without a friendly build-off. While Rob, a self-proclaimed LEGO enthusiast, had the upper hand, I gave it my best shot, building an airplane while he crafted a Death Star. It was a fun reminder of the joy and creativity that LEGO brings to people of all ages.

So, if you're looking for a dose of nostalgia, a unique gift, or simply a place to unleash your inner builder, head down to Bricks & Minifigs. You won't be disappointed!