---
title: "Build-A-Bear x Hello Kitty and Friends Workshop Expands with New Locations at American Dream and Mall of America"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/c72071d0-859c-491f-ad37-443c02495a48
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20251205_buildabear_x_hello_kitty_and_friends_workshop_expands_with_new_locations_at.html
category: "Specialty retail"
industry: "Retail"
segment: "Specialty retail"
topics: ["Development & multi-unit"]
published: 2025-12-05T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-10-31T16:51:28.720Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1551836022-deb4988cc6c0?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# Build-A-Bear x Hello Kitty and Friends Workshop Expands with New Locations at American Dream and Mall of America

**TL;DR:** Build-A-Bear Workshop and Sanrio are expanding their Build-A-Bear x Hello Kitty and Friends Workshop with new locations at American Dream in New Jersey and Mall of America in Minnesota. The first location opened in Los Angeles last year and was a success, leading to the national expansion.

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2025-12-05. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20251205_buildabear_x_hello_kitty_and_friends_workshop_expands_with_new_locations_at.html).*

## Story

ST. LOUIS, Dec. 4, 2025 // PRNewswire // -- Build-A-Bear Workshop and Sanrio® today announced the national expansion of the Build-A-Bear x Hello Kitty and Friends Workshop with new locations set to open at American Dream in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, in early 2026.

The first Build-A-Bear & Hello Kitty and Friends Workshop opened in Los Angeles last year and quickly became a go-to destination for collectors, families, and devoted Sanrio fans. Its strong appeal made it clear that the experience deserved a broader presence, especially in places that draw millions of visitors from around the world. Both American Dream, just outside New York City, and Mall of America, one of the most visited retail and entertainment destinations in the United States, offer the kind of scale and visibility that make them ideal homes.

"From the moment we opened in Los Angeles, it was obvious that fans connected with this experience in a meaningful way," said Chris Hurt, Chief Operating Officer Build-A-Bear Workshop. "Bringing the Build-A-Bear & Hello Kitty and Friends Workshop to American Dream and Mall of America gives us the opportunity to welcome guests from around the world who travel to these iconic destinations throughout the year."

"This partnership with Build-A-Bear brings our characters to life in a way only the Workshop experience can," said Jill Koch, SVP of Brand Management and Marketing at Sanrio, Inc. "The success in Los Angeles proved how powerfully fans connect with this hands-on, heart-filled approach, and expanding to American Dream and Mall of America lets us deepen that connection and create unforgettable moments for fans of all ages."

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- unit expansion (topic)
- Retail (sector)
- partnership (topic)
- retail expansion (topic)
- Build-A-Bear Workshop (company)
- brand collaboration (topic)
- Chris Hurt (person)
- Mall of America (location)
- Sanrio Inc. (company)
- American Dream (location)
- Jill Koch (person)

---
Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20251205_buildabear_x_hello_kitty_and_friends_workshop_expands_with_new_locations_at.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/c72071d0-859c-491f-ad37-443c02495a48).