OUR SPONSOR
Greater Babylon coverage is funded in part by The Argyle Theatre, where Broadway comes to Babylon. Click here for tickets to Annie, Nov. 13 – Jan. 4.
Bricks & Minifigs West Babylon has officially reopened — this time in a brand-new, 4,200-square-foot space that’s triple the size of the original store.
The LEGO resale and community shop celebrated its grand reopening on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 1021 W. Montauk Highway, just a few doors down from Alitalia Pizzeria and Bath & Body Works.
The first time Bricks & Minifigs opened in West Babylon, a spring rainstorm soaked the sidewalk — but that didn’t stop LEGO fans from lining up around the Great South Bay Shopping Center. The store’s late founder, Larry Joffe, passed away suddenly just days before that opening, leaving his wife, Rachel, to carry on his dream of creating a community space for LEGO lovers.
The clouds threatened rain again this weekend — but held off — as LEGO enthusiasts of all ages filled the shop throughout the day for giveaways, raffles, and free builds.
94.3 The Shark’s Brian Orlando hosted the event, while LEGO Master Builders led workshops. There was face painting, trading tables, and contests for MOCs (“my own creations”) — custom LEGO builds made by fans.
The North & West Babylon Chamber of Commerce joined the ribbon-cutting ceremony, along with Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer, State Senator Monica R. Martinez, and Suffolk County Legislator Jason A. Richberg. Chamber President Garrett Simulcik, along with directors Diane De Luca and Kami Waszkiewicz, represented the business community.
Rachel, who worked as a social worker for 30 years before taking over the business, said her mission is to continue making BAM more than a store.
“I’m all about community,” she said. “The store has become a safe haven for people — a place where they can come and be themselves.”
The new space features cozy building nooks, dedicated party rooms, sorting stations, and rows of rare minifigs for collectors. A large “community wall” inside pays tribute to Larry and his dream — including a portrait of him made entirely from LEGO bricks hanging above a couch.
Rachel said the expansion came out of necessity — and faith.
“We just kept growing and growing,” she said. “It was a big jump early on in our business, but it was necessary. I’m a big believer in ‘build it and they will come.’ Now we’re all in one space, and we’re a true community LEGO store.”
In the front window, a LEGO Ferris wheel spins nonstop — a quiet symbol of how far the shop, and its community, have come.
Top: Photos by Dawn Allcot
