CHAMPAIGN — A family-run shop that sells puzzles, brain-teasers and other learning tools is in the market for a new owner.
John Dimit III, owner of Dr. G’s Brainworks, is looking for someone to buy the business, which is located at the Market Place Shopping Center and has been voted the No. 1 educational/game store in The News-Gazette’s People’s Choice Awards three years in a row.
Dr. G’s Brainworks was founded by psychologist and gerontologist Dr. William Gingold.
“We are honored to have carried on what Dr. Gingold began,” Dimit said. “As I focus on my full-time role at Parkland College and our family enters a new chapter, it’s the right time to find someone who will continue this mission of brain health and learning through play.”
His parents, Angie and John Dimit Jr., have also helped with the business, and Angie said the two of them “feel like it’s time to take a step back from the 24/7 reality of retail” — especially since they’ll be grandparents soon. The couple also looks forward to retirement and doing some traveling.
The store is staying open for the time being, Angie said. Its lease renews in early 2026, and the Dimits plan to make a decision about how to proceed around that time.
Dr. G’s Brainworks initially opened at Urbana’s Lincoln Square Mall in late 2013, and the Champaign mall location opened the following year.
John III has been with the business from the start and became its owner in 2019.
Angie described herself and her husband as the “supporting cast,” with John III being the main owner, subject-matter expert, and “heart and soul” of the business. John Jr. handles the financial side of the business, and Angie takes care of marketing.
Interested buyers can email angeladimit891@gmail.com.
“This store has always been about joy, creativity and bringing people together,” John III said. “We’re excited to find the next steward of Dr. G’s.”
