WESTPORT — A beloved local institution may be serving its final scoop after over three decades of sweet treats and sunny afternoons. Lickety Splits Ice Cream, the popular seasonal shop located at 719 State Road, wrapped up its 34th season on October 20, leaving its future in question as the property has been listed for sale.
The property, a staple for locals and visitors alike, is currently being marketed by Century 21 Signature Properties with an asking price of $475,000. The listing, which went live 10 days ago, has prompted speculation about whether the shop will return for its 35th season next spring.
However, owner Mark Pietrzyk, who has run the business for over 30 years, says it’s not the end just yet. “I don’t know if it will be sold before next season starts, so I’m prepared to open for season 35,” Pietrzyk, 62, said on Monday.
Lickety Splits has long been a popular destination on the SouthCoast, especially for families coming from nearby Horseneck Beach. Known for its selection of more than 24 soft-serve and hard ice cream flavors, the shop also serves up a menu of hot dogs, burgers, chili, and clam cakes — all available from a convenient walk-up window.
Despite its popularity, Pietrzyk cited a combination of personal reasons and staffing challenges as factors behind his decision to sell. “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 explained.
The property itself has a rich history. According to Pietrzyk, his father, Walter Pietrzyk, originally purchased the land in 1963, using it to sell produce. In the early 1970s, Walter transitioned the business to serve ice cream, renaming it Walt’s Soft Serve. Mark took over the operation in 1991, expanding the offerings and renaming it Lickety Splits. The shop has since become a beloved fixture in the Westport community.
The property is being sold “as-is,” including the restaurant equipment. Though there have been a few inquiries from potential buyers, Pietrzyk noted that not all are interested in continuing the ice cream tradition. He also mentioned the possibility of selling the business while retaining ownership of the property and renting out the building.
For now, the future of Lickety Splits remains uncertain, but Pietrzyk remains hopeful that the shop may return for another season — one last time or perhaps for many more years to come.
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