Century Old Pasadena Book Store Gets New Owner

PASADENA, CA — Vroman's Bookstore announced Thursday that the longtime Pasadena independent bookstore and Book Soup in West Hollywood will be under new ownership, ending more than a century of Sheldon family ownership of Vroman's.

Vroman's announced in early 2024 that it was searching for a new owner after more than 50 years under the leadership of Joel Sheldon and more than 100 years of ownership by the Sheldon family.

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"Our goal was to find someone with deep roots in the community and the desire to sustain Vroman's legacy as an independent business in Pasadena and Book Soup's 50-year legacy in West Hollywood," the bookstore said in Thursday's announcement.

The bookstore identified the new owners as Robert Hoffman and his family.

According to the bookstore, Hoffman grew up in the San Gabriel Valley and began visiting Vroman's with his mother as a child. He is the fourth of five generations of his family to have ties to the community.

Hoffman spent the past 38 years working in Washington, D.C., but remained a Vroman's customer while visiting family and friends in Southern California.

"He understands our community, is passionate about independent bookstores, and has a background that can support and advance Vroman's evolution and growth," according to the announcement.

The bookstore said Hoffman intends to preserve its ties to the community, employees and business partners.

"Robert is committed to sustaining the things that make Vroman's special: our community, the people who work here, our partnerships and the relationships with all of you," the bookstore said.

Vroman's said operations will continue as usual while Hoffman settles in and that opportunities for customers and community members to meet him will be announced in the coming months.

"We are excited to begin our next chapter with Robert's leadership," according to the announcement. "For now, it will be business as usual as he settles in."

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