After more than two decades of building a beloved community hub for fun, Steven and Jean Elliott, owners of Fundemonium, have announced their retirement. The popular toy, hobby, and game store, known for its unique “Stay and Play” philosophy, is seeking new ownership to continue its legacy.
The Elliotts, both in their 60s, are transitioning from “entrepreneur mode to full grandparent mode” to spend more time with their two young grandchildren and move closer to family.
“Jean felt it first, but I agree it’s time for us to slow down and embrace this new chapter,” said Steven Elliott. “We’re looking forward to an uninterrupted holiday season with our family for the first time in over 20 years.”
A Community Legacy Built on Play
Founded in Petaluma in 2004, Fundemonium has always been more than just a store. With a motto of “Don’t just Shop and Go, We invite you to Stay and Play,” the Elliotts grew the business from a 6,000-square-foot space to a bustling 14,000-square-foot destination in Rohnert Park.
The store is a vibrant community center, hosting a wide range of activities and events for all ages, including:
- Creative Play: Free access to sample toys, LEGO building stations, and an indoor playground for young children called Funbot’s Neighborhood.
- Hobbyist Heaven: Events like model car races, rock-crawling truck competitions, and robot fighting tournaments.
- Celebrations: A top nominee for “Best Kids Party” in local polls, Fundemonium offers unique party themes like Bot Bash robot fighting and teddy bear creation. Fundemonium is literally the only place where a child can have a party in a toy store.
Beyond the store’s walls, the Elliotts have made giving back a core part of their mission. Fundemonium has generated thousands of dollars annually for local schools and youth groups through fundraising programs. One of their most rewarding initiatives is the Rotary Holiday Toy Drive, where customers can purchase toys to donate to local children, and the store gives a percentage of the donation back as a gift certificate.
Seeking a New Owner to Continue the Fun
The search for a new owner began in January, and while there has been significant interest, a final agreement has yet to be reached. The Elliotts remain hopeful that the right person will emerge to carry on the Fundemonium name and community tradition.
“It has been a privilege to serve the families of Sonoma County for all these years,” Steven Elliott said. “We’re still hopeful that a new owner will be found to continue the legacy of fun and community that we’ve built. With a little luck, Fundemonium will continue to serve the community for years to come.”