A Long Beach Island restauranteur who grew up in Abington will be hanging up his spatula, as his iconic retro diner shuts its doors later this year. Mustache Bill’s has been operating for 52 years, serving up popular eats for residents and tourists of the Jersey Shore.

The property is now listed for $3.65 million, but its future is uncertain, since there are no requirements for the buyer to take over the business, writes Maria Scandale for The Sandpaper. 

Bill Smith started out washing dishes at the diner when he was 14 years old. He later purchased the diner, which has transformed into an establishment that boasts of a James Beard Award and a cameo on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. 

Bill Smith says the former owner Joe Sprague was his “childhood hero.” The role-model baton has since been passed down.  

“All the kids that worked there were like his own kids,” Bill’s sister Dottie said. “He was the greatest boss and a great person. Everyone loves my brother.” 

Read more about Mustache Bill’s Diner in The Sandpaper.

Mustache Bill’s Diner won a 2009 James Beard Award.