♦HobbyTown USA or HobbyTown is a franchise retail hobby and toy store, most stores offer a full line of radio control hobbies, models, games, toys, educational items, paints, tools and model railroad items. The franchise stores also carry seasonal items such as rockets, pinewood derby, educational toys and kites. HobbyTown USA focuses on creating a family-friendly environment through a wide variety of products and friendly staff. In addition, they have products suitable for both experienced and beginning hobbyists. HobbyTown was founded in 1980 by Merlin Hayes and Thomas Walla with the purchase of a local business in Lincoln, Nebraska and started franchising the concept in 1986.