This Iconic, Longtime LBI Diner Is Up For Sale

BARNEGAT LIGHT, NJ — After more than 50 years, it's almost time for the last pancake to be served at one of Long Beach Island's most iconic diners. Mustache Bill's in Barnegat Light is up for sale.

The news was confirmed by NJ Advance Media, who shared that the longtime eatery is listed for $3.65 million.

The diner has been open since 1959. Owner Bill Smith started there as a dishwasher when he was just 14, when it was still called the Barnegat Light Diner, he previously told Patch. He bought it in 1972 and has been in charge ever since with a very hands-on approach.

And since then, Mustache Bill's has garnered state and national attention, having been featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" and winning a James Beard Foundation Award, which called the establishment one of "America's Classics."

"For more than thirty-five years Bill Smith has made everything from scratch, refusing to buy anything pre-made. It's the homemade, straight-from-the-heart cooking that makes Mustache Bill's a must-stop destination on the Jersey Shore for the fishing community, regulars and the summertime beach goers," the award, hanging in the diner, reads.

According to NJ Advance Media, the diner will again reopen on Memorial Day, but after that with the sale things are up in the air.

And while the classic, retro diner could be torn down and replaced with houses, it's clear that many hope that it will stay as it is.