Wall's Circus Drive-In Up For Sale; See Videos, Old Photos

WALL, NJ — Normally when you drive past The Circus Drive-In on Route 35 in the winter months, the letterboard beneath the waving clown bears a message in capital letters: "SEE YOU NEXT SUMMER."

This week, that message has been wiped away, and replaced with a different sign: "Available 1.44 acres," with contact information for Wien Real Estate of Wall.

The iconic 1950s style drive-in restaurant is for sale, and may be closed for good.

A woman named Samantha posted about the for sale sign at the restaurant on Facebook Tuesday evening, prompting an outpouring of comments about the restaurant, which has been a landmark on Route 35 for 62 years.

"'Heartbroken' doesn't even begin to describe what I feel," Samantha, who identified herself as an employee, said. "This place is my home. The circus crew is my family. If you know someone willing to buy the business please direct them to a circus member (or me) who can get them in contact with the appropriate people."

On its website, the restaurant said it "provides classic car-hop service, prompt curb side pick-up and a casual dining experience under our big top. Our made-to-order meals are budget and family friendly, so relax and enjoy."

The post has been shared more than 3,200 times.

The restaurant, whose big top and clown sign have been in place since the restaurant was established in 1954, also has been known for hosting classic car cruise nights throughout the summer. A YouTube video shows one of the cruise nights.

Hundreds of people commented on Samantha's post, sharing their shock over the for sale sign, sharing their memories of the place, which was known for its lobster rolls, soft-shell crabs and cheesesteaks. It even was featured on the Food Network in its "The Secret Life of" series in 2007.

Here's an old commercial from the restaurant:

Here's how the restaurant looked in 1960, according to the Circle Drive-In Facebook page:

Not everyone will apparently miss the restaurant; a number of negative reviews had appeared on Yelp during the 2016 season, with commenters saying the quality of the food was not what they had remembered or heard.

There was no answer nor answering machine to leave a message at the number posted on the restaurant's website.

Image via Google Maps