Bricks & Minifigs closes Salem store after gross negligence findings in franchise review

Bricks & Minifigs has confirmed the permanent closure of its Salem, Oregon store following the termination of franchise owners Brandon Best and Joshua Johnson, alongside findings the company described as “gross negligence” during a review of operations.

The authorised LEGO reseller outlined the decision in a June 4 blog post, stating that the move followed what it called a “devastating social media campaign” connected to viral coverage of the location by YouTuber Reckless Ben.

According to the company, internal investigations identified “significant evidence of gross negligence” by the former owners, including “operational gaps during the transition and the subsequent management of document recovery.”

The statement also confirmed that Bricks & Minifigs had contacted Bryan Mansell, the original owner of a disputed LEGO Star Wars collection, and reached what it described as a “mutual and positive resolution.”

The collection at the centre of the dispute has now been valued by the company at between $95,000 and $100,000, a significant reduction from earlier online claims of $200,000.

Bricks & Minifigs stated that an “unauthorized and private consignment side-deal” was entered into by the previous Salem franchise operators before the current ownership structure was in place.

The company said those owners “never introduced” Mansell to Bricks & Minifigs corporate or to the current franchise team.

In a further statement, CEO Ammon McNeff said the company now had sufficient documentation to proceed and expressed willingness to resolve outstanding disputes.

He said the company remains open to discussions with Mansell and is prepared to review point-of-sale data to ensure financial reconciliation, adding that any unaccounted items would be addressed.

The update also noted that Bricks & Minifigs is considering adjustments to its ongoing legal position in related disputes, depending on further resolution with involved parties.

The case follows continued public attention surrounding the Salem store and leaked bodycam footage connected to the wider controversy.