Sisters put Lucille's 'Piney' Luncheonette up for sale

Lucille's Luncheonette, a favorite South Jersey breakfast and lunch spot for nearly 50 years is up for sale, but only to the right person, say the sisters who run the restaurant.

What the women are looking for is someone who will continue the "PINEY" traditions of the roadside eatery.

Lucille's Luncheonette is For Sale

Lucille's Luncheonette, on Rt 539 in the Warren Grove section of Barnegat, has been whipping up home-style breakfast and lunch favorites like their "Piney Chowder" since 1975.

Lucille's was opened by Lucille and Jim Bates and carried on by their daughters Karen Bates-Flynn and Diane Brown.

But now the women admit that "no one gets younger" and they are looking for someone with shared values to continue Lucille's tradition.

A few days ago, the ladies posted on Facebook that they had listed the restaurant for sale.

As many of you have seen, we have listed Lucilles for sale. Spending most of our lives in this restaurant as our family has had it for the last 50 years, has been a true Joy....

We have listed the restaurant in hopes of finding the next generation of caretakers for Lucille's legacy. We want to find a buyer that is interested in continuing to serve our clientele in the best way possible, who is open to continuing our "PINEY" traditions and still bringing some fresh ideas to "the counter".

Anthony Bourdain Was a Fan of Lucille's Luncheonette

In 2015, on his TV show Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown Food Trail, Bourdain paid tribute to 10 New Jersey restaurants from his childhood growing up in New Jersey, and summers spent at the Jersey Shore, and Lucille's was one of them.

On his travels through South Jersey, Bourdain discovered this throwback lunch counter serving homestyle food in the Pine Barrens. Check out the Jersey Devil memorabilia, bountiful breakfasts and homemade pies.

Lucille's Is Staying Open

Owners Karen and Diane made it clear in their Facebook post that they plan to take their time looking for the right buyer for Lucille's and that they will continue to run the restaurant in the meantime.

Restaurants can take time to sell, we did list once before and had a few offers but the right fit just didn't come along at that time and we don't know if it will now..... so please don't think this is "the end" or that we are closed/closing (except for Mondays cause everyone needs a break).

We are continuing to operate Lucille's as we always have and will serve fresh fare with a smile and a side of laughter...until we find a comfortable fit for both ourselves and for you.