A new company brings back the former Johnny’s Toys Birthday Castle

Tech Castle, which is opening at the site of the former Kentucky Johnny’s Toys, is bringing back the famous Birthday Castle. CONTRIBUTED

Tech Castle, which is opening at the site of the former Kentucky Johnny’s Toys, is bringing back the famous Birthday Castle. CONTRIBUTED

For many kids growing up in the Tri-State area, one of the highlights of your birthday month was receiving that shiny gold key from Johnny’s Toys in the mail.

It’s because that special key was what opened the door to the Birthday Castle located inside the long-closed Cincinnati store or Latonia, Ky., location that closed in 2009.

But now, a new business, Tech Castle, is looking to open up in the old Johnny's Toys Kentucky location and capitalize on the nostalgic tradition.

To follow in the Johnny’s Toys tradition, you guessed it, keys will start to fill mailboxes of those whose birthday is near and have signed up for the program.

Located at 4314 Boron Drive, the now vacant building will soon be transformed into a store that not only has the castle, which will be restored to its original glory, but also will be a place that provides computer repair services. The store also plans to carry electronics and electronic accessories.

Unlike the Johnny’s Toys Birthday Club that only allowed kids up to age 10 participate, Tech Castle is allowing everyone to sign up for the new and revamped club.

Andy Blair, who founded Tech Castle, said he’s really trying to imitate those nostalgic feelings that came with the fun of visiting Johnny’s Toys store as a child.

“The castle is what really sealed the deal for us because I was remembering how much I loved that castle and getting a key in the mail during my birthday month,” Blair told the Journal-News.

For more information or to sign up for Tech Castle’s Birthday Club, you can head to their website and fill out the form.

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