A long-standing family-owned ice cream shop at the Jersey Shore is now on the market for $1.2 million. Located in Egg Harbor Township, Little’s Dairy Barn has been a local favorite for nearly 50 years and is hoping to find a buyer who will continue its legacy.
The listing, managed by Chris Losco of Balsley Losco, includes not only the business and all necessary equipment but also a 1.17-acre property that features a newly renovated two-bedroom, two-bathroom home. This property is seen as a significant asset, particularly as the shop operates seasonally, from late March through late September. “People line up the first day they open,” Losco remarked, emphasizing the strong community support for the business.
The shop was initially founded by Robert Little in May 1973 and has been operated by the LaPorte family since 1998. After nearly three decades of ownership, they are looking to retire. According to Losco, “After 27 years, they just want to kind of retire.”
Showings for the property commenced last Tuesday and have attracted considerable interest. Losco noted he has been conducting three appointments daily with pre-qualified buyers. “My phone is ringing off the hook,” he said, indicating that the interest is genuine, as he only shows the property to pre-qualified individuals. There have already been “a couple” of offers, but Losco cautioned that it is still early in the selling process.
The ranch-style home on the property has undergone extensive renovations and has not been occupied since. “Everything is brand new — the heating, cooling, electric, plumbing, siding, roofing, and windows,” Losco explained. The primary bedroom includes an ensuite bathroom, and the home also features a walk-up attic and a half basement.
Current market trends indicate a healthy real estate landscape in Egg Harbor Township, where the median sale price of a single-family home was $435,000 as of October, according to data from New Jersey Realtors, the trade association for real estate professionals in the state. This renovated home could potentially be rented out for approximately $2,500 per month or serve as accommodation for the new owner of the business.
Losco expressed hopes that the new proprietor will retain the essence of Little’s Dairy Barn, stating, “I think everybody’s hope… is whoever buys it keeps it the same and expands the business and maybe offers other things.” The successful transition of this iconic establishment would ensure that it remains a cherished destination for both locals and visitors.
