Bricks & Minifigs Opens Its Doors in Bowling Green
Bowling Green, KY – A new store dedicated to LEGO enthusiasts has opened in Bowling Green, offering a unique shopping experience for fans of all ages. Bricks & Minifigs, which launched on September 28, 2024, is a franchise of a nationwide company that specializes in LEGO and LEGO-adjacent products. The store is located on Scottsville Road and has already captured the attention of the local community.
What Makes Bricks & Minifigs Special
Bricks & Minifigs provides a variety of LEGO products that include items sourced directly from LEGO distribution and “retired” LEGO sets purchased from customers or online. According to Tony Lopez, one of the store owners, LEGO products appreciate in value once they are retired from the shelves. “The way that LEGO works is they’ll typically put something out and it’ll have a shelf life for about a year or two and then they’ll retire it,” he shared.
The Story Behind the Owners
Tony and Jenny Lopez, the husband and wife team behind the new franchise, have a deep connection to Bowling Green. Jenny is a lifelong resident who graduated from Greenwood High School, while Tony moved to the area when he attended Western Kentucky University (WKU), where he earned a BFA in graphic design in 2001.
The couple’s story began unexpectedly in a parking lot when Jenny accidentally hit Tony’s car. Despite the rocky start, they quickly became friends and eventually dated. After both of them worked at Best Buy, they transitioned to jobs at Dell Computers in Nashville. They married and continued to build their careers together. However, Jenny’s position at Dell was cut during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which led them to explore new opportunities.
A Passion Project for the Community
Opening this store is described by Tony Lopez as a “passion project.” Most of his time is consumed by his day job at Broadcom, a major tech company, which is why he has hired a manager to operate the store while both he and Jenny manage various aspects of the business. With approximately 200 locations nationwide, the independent franchise functions similarly to a grassroots organization, with other owners supporting one another.
Community Support and Grand Opening Success
The community has shown overwhelming support since the store’s opening, with over 700 customers attending the grand opening on that Saturday morning, allowing them to build a diverse customer base that includes “LEGO adults,” college students, and children. “We couldn’t have asked for any more,” Tony expressed, appreciating the strong turnout.
On the day of opening, customers were waiting in line for hours before the doors opened at 10 a.m. According to Jenny, even before she arrived at the store that morning, some families arrived with folding chairs to secure their spot in line. She noted one family, in particular, was especially excited, bringing their three boys to be among the first customers.
A Home for LEGO Enthusiasts
Bricks & Minifigs is not just about selling official LEGO products; they also collaborate with local small businesses to support the community. These businesses provide LEGO-adjacent and compatible products, enhancing the store’s offerings. The couple expressed gratitude for the relationships they are building within the community as well as their growing customer base, which already includes regular visitors after only two weeks of operation.
Store Hours and Contact Information
Bricks & Minifigs Bowling Green is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The store can be reached at (270) 495-1118 for any inquiries or more information.
“It’s been awesome, and it’s weird to be in a business where people thank you for opening it,” Tony said, highlighting the store’s positive impact on the community.
