The HobbyTown story begins in Lincoln, NE (where our national headquarters remains today). Thom Walla, Merlin Hayes and Mary Hayes founded HobbyTown Unlimited, Inc. in 1985 and opened the first franchise store in 1986. Today, HobbyTown franchise stores span the U.S. from coast to coast, making us the leader in the retail hobby and specialty toy industry.

With more than 100 HobbyTown franchise stores in over 35 states in the continental U.S., we're the largest brick and mortar hobby retailer in the world and we are always looking for more opportunities to share the love of hobbies. If you think you (or someone you know) would be a good candidate to own and run a HobbyTown, you can find out information about franchising by clicking the button below.