One of the latest Port Charlotte businesses to reopen after Hurricane Ian is Bricks & Minifigs, a unique Lego store. 

Owner Veronica Kosnac Raffone said her franchise, now in Promenades Mall next to Bealls Outlet, had to relocate after its original site at Murdock Plaza was damaged by Hurricane Ian. 

Bricks & Minifigs first opened in June 2022 after permitting delays and was only open for three months before the business was destroyed, she said. 

The store sells new and certified pre-loved Lego sets, separate bricks and figures and completed sets for enthusiasts of all ages. On its reopening day July 22, there were about 300 people waiting outside for her store to open, she said. 

Kosnac Raffone said Lego has become a hobby for many people of all ages, and there are many adults who have taken up the hobby of building with tiny bricks and figures. 

Lego Masters Jen Smart and Mel Brown were on hand for the grand opening in Port Charlotte. They have appeared on the reality TV show “Lego Masters,” which has been renewed for its fourth season scheduled to premiere in late September. 

The show is a competition pitting enthusiasts against each other to create elaborate Lego designs. 

In addition to selling and buying bricks and mini figures, Kosnac Raffone’s business also offers classes in animation for Lego figures and sets. 

Teens 13 to 17 who are fans of Lego meet every other Monday night at Bricks & Minifigs, and there is a sponsored Lego club which meets at the library on Aaron Street. 

Bricks & Minifigs, 3280 Tamiami Trail, Unit 54, is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.