Name a hobby, sport or a collectible, and there were enthusiasts, fanatics and aficionados lined up with anticipation outside Hobby Box, at 2600 Flatbush Avenue, for its Opening Day celebration on Sunday, July 12th.
There were in-person autograph and photo opportunities with former basketball players like Allan Houston and Shawn Kemp, former baseball player Joba Chamberlain and former football player Dwayne Bowe.
A young sports fanatic, Nathan Auidan, with his Allan Houston basketball jersey held close to his chest, and his older sister, Betty, wearing her jersey, waited patiently with their father and little brother in line to meet the basketball legend himself — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get photographs and to leave Hobby Box with an autographed jersey.
Hip-hop lovers were waiting patiently for a live performance from The Lox, a well-known group consisting of Jadakiss, Styles P and Sheek Louch. Local celebrities like elected officials and civic members also showed up to show their support.
The grand opening, complete with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, included fun for everyone of all ages. Brooklyn Beef N’ Cheese sold hot dogs and hamburgers to curb those pangs of hunger while fans waited for their favorite in-person meet and greet. Kona Ice cooled fans down with shaved ice as they enjoyed the festivities outside. There was a basketball, soccer and coloring section that children of all ages enjoyed. DJ Wallah from Hot 97 brought the energy and had everyone dancing in the streets.
“Hobby Box started out as two brothers and one dream,” Nicole Sarfaty, one of the owner’s wives, said. The Sarfaty brothers, Yoni and Sam, embarked on an idea of live streaming and putting collectibles in the hands of the people that looked all over the world for their “have to have” item.
As their business continued to expand, they acquired a storefront at 2913 Quentin Road and a warehouse located on Avenue Z. Their continual growth allowed them to attain another location that could house a warehouse and a storefront – the old Sam Ash building, located across the street from Kings Plaza Shopping Center, a newly remodeled, state-of-the-art facility.
“There are so many places, hobby places, in Brooklyn, growing up, that don’t exist anymore,” Sam Sarfaty said. “They’re meant to create this landmark here,” Nicole Sarfaty said.
Hobby Box is open 24 hours a day, six days a week, only closing from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday, for buying, selling and trading. Follow Hobby Box @HobbyBoxNY, @HobbyBoxFL or @HobbyBoxBrands.
