This beloved Sea Isle City pizzeria is connected to surprising new sale

One of the traditions of the summer season at the Jersey Shore is grabbing a pizza pie from your favorite pizzeria on the islands.

Everyone has their favorite pizza shops in every New Jersey Shore Town, which has led to some passionate debates over the years. From Wildwood to Lavallette, its not just town-to-town pizza comparisons, but coastal communities have in-town pizza rivalries.

For 50 years, one of the most popular pizzerias in South Jersey has also been a landmark in Sea Isle City, but the future ownership of the property is now up for sale.

Since 1977, Phil's Pizza has been a staple of Sea Isle City at the corner of 38th Street and Landis Avenue

Famous for their "upside-down" pies, and signature sauce swirl, Phil's Pizza has not just been well-known for their pizza but also being open late at night when people empty out of the bars in Downtown Sea Isle City.

Even the notorious pizza reviewer Dave Portnoy gave Phil's Pizza at 7.6 rating during his One Bite Review. Its hard to find anyone who doesn't like get a slice or two from Phil's Pizza in Sea Isle City.

The property was listed for sale starting Memorial Day Weekend, not just Phil's Pizza but the neighboring nail salon, four apartments, and 13 parking spots on the 100x110-foot parcel of land.

I spoke to Jamie Sofroney, the Managing Broker from Keller Williams Jersey Shore in Sea Isle City, and he explained the timing of the sale of the property:

"The property was brought to market (over Memorial Day Weekend); The timing of the listing is strategically aligned with the onset of the peak summer season to maximize buyer engagement. Comprehensive marketing campaigns will be deployed across all premier channels to ensure optimal exposure..."

He confirmed that the "proposed transaction would change the business ownership structure" for Phil's Pizza in the future. Here is an excerpt from the sales listing:

"This landmark mixed-use property commands a premier presence in the heart of a bustling downtown district, directly adjacent to a high-traffic Wawa....A true staple of the local community, adjoining the restaurant is a versatile commercial unit, currently operating as a nail salon, which offers incredible flexibility for a secondary dining concept, a boutique retail boutique, or a professional service business.

"Beyond its prime commercial appeal, the true financial engine of this property lies in its four on-site residential rental units, which provide a powerful, diversified revenue stream to offset expenses and maximize yield....This multi-faceted asset is perfectly tailored for an ambitious restaurant group looking to expand into a premier coastal market, or for a savvy investor seeking immediate, consistent cash flow with substantial long-term appreciation. Adding to its immense value, the property possesses extraordinary future development upside."

Located off Garden State Parkway Exit 17, Sea Isle City has seen plenty of change and evolution over the last 30 years: