WESTPORT — What has been a summer staple of the Westport community for decades could be going lickety-split as its name implies.
It is unclear whether Lickety Splits Ice Cream, which wrapped up its 34th season Oct. 20, will return this spring.
The 719 State Road shop was listed for sale just over a week ago by Century 21 Signature Properties at an asking price of $475,000.
However, longtime owner Mark Pietrzyk indicated that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve seen the last of Lickety Splits.
“I don’t know if it will be sold before next season starts, so I’m prepared to open for season 35,” Pietrzyk, a Westport resident, said Monday.
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What do they sell at Lickety Splits?
Lickety Splits has long been a go-to warm weather destination in the SouthCoast — perfect for folks looking to cool down and enjoy a scoop seated under the trees at their outdoor picnic tables, and a must-stop for families coming home from Horseneck Beach.
It’s known for its array of over 24 unique and tasty flavors of soft serve, hard ice cream, and their second-best seller — Coney Island hot dogs. Burgers, chili and clam cakes are also on the menu, all ordered to go at a walk-up window.
Why is the owner selling?
Pietrzyk, 62, cited a desire to retire and staffing struggles as reasons that prompted the sale. The State Road property was also put on the market two years ago.
“I’ve been doing it for 35 years, and I’m getting old and I don’t have any family members to help me anymore, so it’s getting tough to rely strictly on outside help,” he said.
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The history of Westport's Lickety Splits
The real estate listing describes the property as a commercial gem in “a high traffic location with endless money-making possibilities” that’s been “family-owned for over 60 years.”
According to Pietrzyk, his father, Walter Pietrzyk, was a farmer who originally purchased the property in 1963 and built a produce stand selling fruits and vegetables on the lot.
In the early 1970s, he began serving up soft serve ice cream at the shop then called Walt’s Soft Serve, and that tradition has continued through today. In 1991, Mark took over and expanded the business, which became known as Lickety Splits.
According to the listing, the State Road property and restaurant equipment is being sold in "as-in" condition.
Pietrzyk said there have been a few inquiries into the property, but not all want to keep it as an ice cream business.