brand logo image
Franchise Sidekick face logo
Verified

HobbyTown

HobbyTown is the foremost and largest franchiser of hobby and specialty toy retail stores. We specialize in all things radio control, games, scale models, STEM and toys for all ages. Founded in 1980, HobbyTown has been in business providing local communities with activities and toys for over 40 years. HobbyTown stores feature activity space for community building events and workshops. We are an asset to local communities by providing products that lead to a rewarding hobby. Our products are a healthy alternative to “screen time” and the activity space in the store creates an opportunity for learning, building community, and having fun for all ages and genders. As a well-established, nationwide franchise opportunity, HobbyTown franchisees are provided with a turnkey store opening process, vast supply chain relationships, and national marketing assistance, allowing them to focus on connecting with the community and leading their team. Our ownership model is flexible, allowing franchisees the ability to be on the sales floor connecting with customers or primarily work on the backend with product orders and general business matters. If you are looking for a proven and established franchise with extensive industry experience that will support you in multiple facets of your business ownership, let’s talk about HobbyTown!

HobbyTown background image

Entertainment

Brand highlights

  • CEOKendall Bennett
  • Headquarters2930 Ridge Line Road, Lincoln, NE, 68516
  • Year founded1980
  • Year started franchising1985
  • IndustryEntertainment
  • Locations open94 (-16 last three years)

Statistics & metrics

  • Investment range$350,000 - $620,000
  • Franchise fee$49,500
  • Royalty4.75%
  • Brand fund2%
  • Required Liquid Capital$150,000
  • Required Net Worth$500,000
  • Average Gross Revenue$1,459,460
  • Average Adjusted Operating Income$84,160

Brand superpowers

  • Only combined hobby & toy retailing franchise in the country
  • Parent AMain - providing website/software/technology dev.
  • Exclusive product distribution
  • Extensive corporate support system
  • Established and proven brand
HobbyTown additional background
energyArrows none decorative element

Check territory availability

Complete this form to check territory availability and see if there are open markets near you. Because territories can change quickly, this helps confirm opportunities before moving forward in the discovery process.

Check Territory Availability

Where would you like to open your HobbyTown?

State

The minimum financial requirements for HobbyTown is $500,000 Net Worth and $150,000 Liquid Capital. Do you meet these requirements?

Why are you considering a franchise?

Ideal candidate profile

  • Owner Operator Preferred
  • Relationship Builder
  • Values Outstanding Customer Service
  • Community Centric
  • Leadership Skills
  • Business Acumen
Service image large
Service image medium
Service image small
Service image small 2
Service image large 2
Service image medium 2

FDD insights

The information shown below is derived from publicly available franchise disclosure documents (FDDs), including the version issued as of the issuance date listed below, and other third-party sources. This information may not reflect the most current FDD. It is provided for general informational purposes only and is not part of any franchise offering or sales process. Franchise Sidekick is not providing or furnishing an FDD in accordance with FTC requirements. You should obtain and review the most current official FDD directly from the franchisor before making any investment decision.

FDD Version Referenced - Issuance Date: 2025-04-02

The Franchisor & Executives
Learn about HobbyTown, its parent company, and the executive leadership team responsible for operating and supporting the franchise system.
Initial Franchise Fee
Learn about the initial franchise fee required to join the HobbyTown franchise system and what that fee covers.
Other Fees
Understand the ongoing and additional fees associated with owning a HobbyTown franchise, including royalties, marketing contributions, and other required payments.
Estimated Initial Investment
Review the estimated total initial investment required to open a HobbyTown franchise, including startup costs and working capital estimates.
Territory
Understand how franchise territories are defined, whether they are exclusive, and under what circumstances they may be modified by HobbyTown.
Financial Performance Representations
Review any financial performance information HobbyTown provides, including revenue or earnings data, if disclosed.

Location data

Total locations94
Franchise locations94
Corporate locations0
System growth over time

FAQs

Find answers to your questions about HobbyTown.

Franchisee reviews

See feedback from owners about their experience with HobbyTown.

3.5

Based on 2 reviews

5 stars
0%
4 stars
50%
3 stars
50%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%

CURRENT FRANCHISEE

Number of Locations: 1

Feb 18, 2026

The franchisee reported a generally positive experience with the brand, though they are hesitant about expanding. They highlighted excellent ongoing support and noted that financial results are meeting the expectations set during the sales process with strong ROI. However, they indicated little interest in purchasing additional units.

PERFORMANCE SCORECARD
Onboarding/Training
Customer Acquisition
Ongoing Support
Tech
ROI
Hiring Employees

CURRENT FRANCHISEE

Number of Locations: 1

Nov 18, 2025

The franchisee expressed a positive experience with the brand, indicating strong overall satisfaction and a high likelihood to repurchase and recommend. They highlighted solid ongoing support, financial results and ROI that meet expectations, and effective technology and customer acquisition strategies. However, they reported difficulty hiring qualified employees and felt initial onboarding/training was only adequate, with only moderate interest in expanding.

PERFORMANCE SCORECARD
Onboarding/Training
Customer Acquisition
Ongoing Support
Tech
ROI
Hiring Employees
energyArrows none decorative element

Not sure where to start?

Schedule a free, 10-minute call with a Franchise Sidekick advisor.
Not ready to speak to us? Create an account and complete the franchise fit survey to explore your matches.