Nickelby's Bakery, Cafe Up For Sale in Sea Isle

By DONALD WITTKOWSKI The landmark Nickelby’s bakery and deli in Sea Isle City is on the market for just under $3 million. The two-story building that houses Nickelby’s at 83rd Street and Landis Avenue, in the heart of the Townsends Inlet section, combines commercial and residential space. According to the real estate listing, the property has “tremendous possibilities” to enhance the existing business or to redevelop the site. It characterizes the sale as a rare opportunity to buy an iconic property. Nickelby’s has been a favorite summer stop of locals and vacationers for decades for crumb cake, key lime pie, muffins, breakfast sandwiches and coffee. The list price is $2,999,000. Janet DeLorenzo, the agent with Coldwell Banker James C. Otton Real Estate who is handling the sale, could not be reached for comment Wednesday. Nickelby’s has been in business since 1983, but the distinctive grayish-brown, cedar-shake-style building dates to 1960, the listing says. A sign invites Nickelby's customers to the deli, bakery, cafe and grill. The first floor includes commercial space that Nickelby’s has used as a bakery, deli, cafe, grill, kitchen and retail space. “This popular high visibility location has a great deal of foot traffic during the season,” the listing says of the busy summers in Sea Isle. There is room for parking, a covered porch for additional outside seating and a large outbuilding that can be used as a farm stand. On the second floor is approximately 1,000 square feet of living space that includes a private entrance. The location is just two blocks from the beach and has a water view from down the street, the listing says. Nickelby’s website and Facebook page make no mention of the sale. On the website, Nickelby’s owner, Mark DeLorenzo, has a greeting that notes the business has been a 40-year tradition in Townsends Inlet and is proud of providing the community with “friendly, personal and efficient service and offering the freshest and highest quality products available.”