---
title: "Build-A-Bear Unveils New ICON Park Experiences Ahead of Grand Opening"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/1ea238f1-70ce-47a3-bad6-1ff54a7891b9
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20261005_buildabear_unveils_new_icon_park_experiences_ahead_of_grand_opening.html
category: "Specialty retail"
industry: "Retail"
segment: "Specialty retail"
topics: ["Development & multi-unit"]
published: 2026-10-05T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-10-31T14:57:31.397Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1507679799987-c73779587ccf?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# Build-A-Bear Unveils New ICON Park Experiences Ahead of Grand Opening

**TL;DR:** Build-A-Bear Workshop is unveiling new experiences at its ICON Park location, including the Build-A-Bear Design Studio and Build-A-Bear Bakeshop. The three-story Workshop is set to open in November and offers immersive and personalized experiences for guests.

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2026-10-05. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20261005_buildabear_unveils_new_icon_park_experiences_ahead_of_grand_opening.html).*

## Story

The three-story Workshop will introduce new ways for guests to personalize, celebrate, and create memories together through exclusive concepts including the Build-A-Bear Design Studio, Build-A-Bear Bakeshop, and 'Personalize Me' station where custom embroidery and screen printing bring a special final touch to guests' furry friends.

Located in the heart of one of the country's premier entertainment and tourism destinations, the new location builds on the iconic Build-A-Bear Workshop experience while offering families and visitors even more reasons to spend time together. Today's announcement is just a preview, with additional features and grand opening details to be revealed in the weeks ahead.

Among the first experiences to be revealed are:

"For nearly 30 years, Build-A-Bear has created memorable make-your-own experiences centered on connection, imagination and heart," said Chris Hurt, CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop. "Our ICON Park Workshop represents our most ambitious experience yet, a place where families can step into the world of Build-A-Bear, share meaningful moments together and create memories that last well beyond their visit. We can't wait to welcome guests from all over the world inside this truly one-of-a-kind tourist destination this November and continue our mission of adding a little more heart to life."

To bring the vision to life, Build-A-Bear collaborated with design firm Chute Gerdeman, known for immersive retail spaces, including the FAO Schwarz New York flagship, where Build-A-Bear operates a shop-in-shop. The Build-A-Bear Design Studio, Build-A-Bear Bakeshop, and 'Personalize Me' station are the first of several experiences to be revealed.

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- Retail (sector)
- grand opening (topic)
- new location (topic)
- Build-A-Bear Workshop (company)
- personalization (topic)
- Chris Hurt (person)
- Chute Gerdeman (company)
- ICON Park (location)
- immersive retail (topic)

---
Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20261005_buildabear_unveils_new_icon_park_experiences_ahead_of_grand_opening.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/1ea238f1-70ce-47a3-bad6-1ff54a7891b9).