A well-known family-owned ice cream shop located in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, has been put on the market. Little’s Dairy Barn, a local favorite for nearly five decades, is listed for sale at $1.2 million. This asking price encompasses the building, all equipment, and the business itself, along with a 1.17-acre property that includes a newly renovated two-bedroom, two-bath residence.
A Community Staple for 50 Years
Little’s Dairy Barn has established a strong reputation since its inception in May 1973, founded by Robert Little. The LaPorte family has owned and operated the business since 1998. Listing agent Chris Losco of Balsley Losco emphasized the shop’s longstanding popularity, stating, “It’s been in business about 50 years and has an incredible following.” The ice cream shop operates seasonally, opening from late March through late September, and has garnered such a loyal customer base that “people line up the first day they open,” Losco added.
The shop has also become a sought-after place of employment, with Losco noting, “It’s one of the few businesses that has a waiting list to work there.” Showings of the property commenced last Tuesday, and since then, Losco has seen an influx of interest, with an average of three appointments daily with pre-qualified buyers. “My phone is ringing off the hook,” he remarked, clarifying that he only shows the property to serious buyers.
Details on the Property and Future Prospects
According to Losco, there have been “a couple” of offers on the property, but he indicated that it is still early in the process. The residential component of the sale is a fully renovated ranch home that has not been occupied since the upgrades. “Everything is brand new — the heating, cooling, electric, plumbing, siding, roofing, and windows,” he explained. The home features an ensuite bathroom in the primary bedroom, as well as a walk-up attic and a half basement.
In October, the median sale price of a single-family home in Egg Harbor Township was reported at $435,000, according to data from New Jersey Realtors. This newly renovated home could potentially be rented for around $2,500 per month or serve as accommodation for the new owner of the business.
Losco expressed hope that the new owner will maintain the shop’s legacy as a beloved community institution. “I think everybody’s hope is that whoever buys it keeps it the same and expands the business, maybe offering other things,” he said. This sentiment reflects the strong emotional ties that residents have with Little’s Dairy Barn, which has become an integral part of the local culture.
As the sale progresses, the community watches closely, eager to see how this iconic establishment will transition into the next chapter of its long history.
