Choo Choo Bob’s to reopen after closing in 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic forced its closure in 2020 and it was thought to be gone for good — but not so fast.

Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store is back in a new location.

The toy store has brought smiles to Minnesotans of all ages for years. However, like many businesses, the St. Paul store couldn’t stay open after the pandemic hit.

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“It felt like a really good wholesome brand,” owner Jennifer Southerling told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS back in 2020 after deciding to close. “We were keeping it that way but making it profitable. Unfortunately, it was just not the best timing.”

But a lot has changed since then, and now, the popular toy store is coming back with a location in St. Louis Park.

“Choo Choo Bob’s train store closed due to the pandemic and was said it was among the thousands of businesses that will likely stay closed forever, but we are defying the odds,” Southerling said in a statement announcing the new store. “The concept that worked so well that it was beloved by the community is chugging along!”

The store, located at 1665 West End Blvd, will officially open at 10 a.m. Saturday, which is known as Small Business Saturday. It will then be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and storytime with Engineer Paul will take place at 10:30 a.m. every Monday.

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A decade ago, “The Choo Choo Bob Show” aired Saturday mornings on Channel 45, KSTC-TV. Live segments are still posted to the show’s Facebook page.