If you are looking for information on the HobbyTown USA franchise business opportunity, HobbyTown franchises or Hobby Town USA franchising, then you have come to the right place.
The original HobbyTown USA® story began in Lincoln, Nebraska, where the national headquarters remains today. Merlin Hayes, his wife Mary and Thom Walla began HobbyTown USA® with one hobby store in Lincoln. Hayes and Walla wanted to share their dream with other people who wanted to own their own hobby store. A corporation was formed in 1985. The next decade added nearly 100 stores, and the franchise network continues to grow. Today, HobbyTown USA® is a nationally registered franchise, and the company is widely regarded as a leader in the retail hobby industry. HobbyTown USA® is ranked in the top 2% of franchises worldwide. There are currently over 160 HobbyTown USA® stores open or under development across the United States.
"The hobby industry has seen a lot of changes in the past 20 years. More train sets, scale model kits, slot car sets and radio control cars and planes are available now than ever before. Thrilling new hobby lines have emerged, like ready-to-run radio controlled vehicles, inspiring strategy games and backyard electric airplanes," said Thom Walla, President and Senior Partner. "But what hasn't changed is that our stores are all about customers being able to walk in and select a terrific hobby product that will offer hours of family enjoyment for little investment."
"Ranked in the top 2% of all franchises worldwide!"
The HobbyTown USA® franchise success is due to a proven business practice in an exciting and growing industry. Our franchisees enjoy these benefits for their business:
All of these services are offered to our franchise stores from the national headquarters in Lincoln. The HobbyTown USA® story is an exciting one of making people's dreams of owning their own successful business come true.
The information presented may have changed since first published. We recommend that you always verify fees, investment amounts and offers with the business opportunity directly prior to making a decision to invest.
1. What training and ongoing support do you provide?
You want to know what happens after you pay the initial fee. A strong franchisor provides comprehensive pre-opening training, site-selection help, operational playbooks, and continuous assistance with marketing, technology, and supply chains.
2. What is the total initial investment, and did actual startup costs match the estimates in Item 7 of the FDD?
The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) lists estimated startup costs in Item 7, but real-world expenses can run higher. Asking how closely current owners tracked to these estimates reveals if you need extra working capital or if hidden fees exist.
3. How do royalties and local/national marketing fees impact profitability?
You need to understand ongoing financial obligations-such as monthly royalty percentages and ad fund contributions-and evaluate whether the brand value and support justify cutting into your profit margins.
4. What are the common challenges new franchisees face, and how do you help them overcome them?
Transparent franchisors will openly discuss real hurdles like local competition, tight labor markets, or supply chain bottlenecks, and show you the exact playbook or field support they offer to solve them as well as allowing you to speak with other franchisees.
5. How many franchise locations have closed or left the system in the past few years, and why?
High turnover, store closures, or quiet franchise exits are major red flags. This question measures system stability, territory health, and whether the corporate team addresses struggling owners or lets them fail.
