From Los Angeles Business Journal · Zhiyu Luo · · 50s
New Chapter for Vroman's Bookstores
Pasadena native Robert Hoffman takes over Vroman's and Book Soup after two-year search.
In brief
Pasadena native Robert Hoffman takes over Vroman's and Book Soup after two-year search. Robert Hoffman, a Pasadena native with family ties to Vroman's, becomes new owner of the landmark bookstores after former owner Joel Sheldon's retirement. Originally reported by Los Angeles Business Journal.
New Owner for Vroman's
Robert Hoffman, a Pasadena native, ends two-year search to own Vroman's and Book Soup after former owner Joel Sheldon's retirement.
Family Legacy
Hoffman comes from a long line of Vroman's regulars, starting with his great-grandmother Georgia Bullock, the first woman Superior Court judge in California from 1931 to 1956.
Community Focus
Hoffman says Vroman's and Book Soup are community landmarks that cannot be replaced by modern technology like Kindles or iPads.
Financial Health
Vroman's and Book Soup had a strong fiscal year 2025 with solid financials and strong customer turnout over the summer.
The big picture
Robert Hoffman, a Pasadena native with family ties to Vroman's, becomes new owner of the landmark bookstores after former owner Joel Sheldon's retirement.
