Bob and Tara Raposa have built a successful side business out of all things Lego.
The couple opened The Brick Pitt in November. Business has been brisk at the independent toy store, which buys, sells and trades Lego products.
“This is our fun gig,” Bob Raposa said. “When we started the concept that maybe we could do this, we started to travel and visit similar stores to see the stores and how they were working out.”
The word “Lego” is a mashup of two Danish words, “leg godt,” meaning play well. Founded by Ole Kirk Kristiansen in 1932, Lego remains a family-owned brand.
The first Lego toys were wooden, and plastic figures were introduced in 1949. Lego products are sold and distributed in more than 130 countries.
It’s the Raposas’ first retail business together. They are thrilled to operate a brick-and-mortar store that promotes socializing, creativity and community relations.
“I’m the bigger (Lego) nerd, and I began building when I was 8 and now I’m 55,” Bob Raposa said. “During covid, I rediscovered my love of Lego, and having this store gives me a lot of pride. This is our baby.”
The couple traveled to nearby states to research what other independent Lego stores were doing as they planned for about two years to make their business a reality.
“We saw this concept out in Ohio and thought this was brilliant,” said Bob Raposa of focusing on hyper-local customer service and only having a brick-and-mortar business.
No online sales or shipping is offered and all sales are final.
They both work full-time jobs — Bob as a financial adviser and Tara as a paralegal.
Stepping inside The Brick Pit is a colorful, creative experience.
There are two large Lego tables brimming with individual Lego pieces that are sold in four bag sizes: 3 ounces for $4, 8 unces for $8, 1 pound for $14 and 2 pounds for $25.
Customers of all ages are encouraged to mix, match and let their imagination run wild.
More than 300 sets and 700 minifigures are on display.
The shop also has a huge collection of retired Lego products. Some are new, sealed and in the box; pre-owned; certified pre-owned; new sealed and in an open box; or as-is.
Prices are set for all budgets and range from $5 to the current most expensive item, a $3,000 Lego “Star Wars” Boba Fett Cloud City Minifigure introduced in 2003.
It’s one of the most valuable and sought-after minifigures because it was only produced for a short period of time and is the only version of Fett included in that set.
Lego never discontinues items. Instead, they are “retired” — and there’s plenty of retired merchandise at The Brick Pitt.
During a “Star Wars” May the 4th Be With You shop day, the Raposas showed up to open their store to find a line already had formed outside.
Lose yourself in Lego
Bob Raposa grew up near Boston and has lived in Pittsburgh for 34 years.
He also is a huge “Star Wars” fan and a walking encyclopedia of George Lucas’ “Star Wars” films and Lego knowledge.
While “Star Wars” Lego products make up the bulk of their business, Bob Raposa showed off another goodie — a $1,000 San Diego Comicon exclusive 2016 Captain America Lego Minifigure, new and never opened.
The Raposas chose Indiana Township because the location in Emmerling Plaza on Route 910 is well established.
Business has been phenomenal, our selection is unsurpassed, and we work everything ourselves and they know us. We really care about our customers, and it shows,” Tara Raposa said.
According to the Raposas, Lego earned $12.9 billion in global sales in 2025, and 33% of that was attributed to the adult market.
“We have a lot of adult customers,” Bob Raposa said.
Some customers arrive looking to sell their Lego sets. He pointed out one “Star Wars” Lego collection they bought from a man who was moving to Spain.
The Brick Pitt posts weekly Wednesday night announcements to its social media accounts on Facebook (The Brick Pitt) and Instagram (@thebrickpitt).
Other Lego selections in stock include Pokémon, Marvel, Ninjago and City Sets.
The couple said making a business out of their hobby is a dream come true, and they are grateful for the community support.
“We’ve made tons of friends, aka customers, and I don’t have retail experience so for me it’s been rewarding to get to meet and build these relationships. I didn’t realize we would have regulars that come in every week,” Tara Raposa said.
The Brick Pitt
Location: 928 Route 910, Suite 10, Indiana Township
Hours: 4 to 8 p.m. Thursdays through Fridays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays
Phone: 412-402-9036
Email: TheBrickPitt@outlook.com