Downtown Salamanca has a fresh bit of color and creativity with the arrival of Bricks & Bits, a specialty LEGO-focused store at 8 Main Street.
Owner Jonathan Young officially cut the ribbon on October 3, 2025, ushering Bricks & Bits into the community with support from local chambers of commerce and city officials.
Unlike a typical toy store, Bricks & Bits positions itself as a creative playground for all ages
It is a place to build, collect, trade, or simply explore LEGO at one’s own pace.
What Makes It Stand Out
“Honestly, I would say it’s been unexpectedly lucrative. There’s been an amazing response from the community,” Young told Ellicottville Now. “I haven’t had a single day yet where I haven’t had a full 6-8 hours of something to do.”
He credits that reception in part to the niche nature of the business, saying: “Toy stores in general are difficult enough to come by, but a specifically LEGO-focused store tends to have an attractive look and garner attention.”
A highlight is their Pick-A-Brick station where customers can fill a small container (about seven ounces) for just $5, which Young says is “about one-third of the price that you would find in any other Pick-A-Brick option.”
Young also emphasizes access for all.
“I allow anybody to come into the store, and they can build any minifigure at the minifigure station, and if they don’t want to pay for it they can choose to display it on any of the many display shelves that we have around the store,” he said.
Though Young has been playing with LEGO for 19 years, he didn’t grow up in LEGO retail.
His passion was sparked early.
“My grandparents had gifted me a set … and it just exploded these ideas and this creativity,” he said to Ellicottville Now.
Hours, Location & Community Role
Bricks & Bits is located in the heart of downtown Salamanca, next to the Ray Evans Seneca Theater.
Current hours are weekdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The store’s mission is to provide a safe, attractive environment at an accessible and affordable cost for both kids and adults alike to play, collect, or even pass on their beloved LEGO.
Follow Bricks & Bits on Facebook for updates and more info.
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