Sun Dog on the Beach in Wildwood Crest Put Up for Sale
Some changes are on the horizon for Wildwood Crest, as a well-known beachfront eatery, Sun Dog on the Beach, has been put up for sale.
The news was quietly announced by owner Sharon Sherry Hippenstiel on the Cape May Live Facebook page. In her post, she wrote, “Please get the word out… We are selling Sun Dog on the Beach in Wildwood Crest. It was voted best tacos in South Jersey! We are retiring, and it’s an opportunity for someone to run an amazing restaurant. John, the former owner, will teach you the ropes too.”
Sun Dog on the Beach in Wildwood Crest Put Up for Sale
Located inside the Madrid Condominiums, Sun Dog on the Beach has built a loyal following over the years, becoming a favorite among both locals and vacationers.
Known for its casual beach fare, the restaurant serves everything from specialty hot dogs and burgers to sandwiches and salads, with its scratch-made specialty tacos earning recognition on Yelp’s 2023 list of the top 100 taco spots in America.
For anyone considering stepping into the restaurant business, this could be an opportunity to take over a well-established spot that already has a strong reputation.
The listing emphasizes that this is a turnkey operation, which means all the equipment and infrastructure needed to keep things running smoothly is included in the sale.
The restaurant was fully renovated back in 2016 when the current owners took over. Updates included new flooring, electrical work, plumbing, and kitchen upgrades to create a fully functional “scratch kitchen.”
With 875 square feet of working space, Sun Dog on the Beach is the largest unit within the Madrid Condominiums complex.
It features a take-out window and a large covered outdoor patio with ocean views—something that has kept customers coming back year after year.
Also see: Court House Bagel Board Is Opening This Week
One unique aspect of this sale is that the current owners are willing to help a new buyer get settled in.
Sharon is offering up to 30 days of training, while John, the previous owner, has also offered to guide the new operators to ensure they can maintain the business’s success.
However, it’s clear from the tone of Sharon’s announcement that this isn’t just about business. There’s a bittersweet feeling attached to letting go of something that’s been a significant part of their lives.
For Wildwood Crest, it’s yet another change as longtime establishments continue to shift ownership or close entirely.
Details for Potential Buyers
- Location: Madrid Condominiums, Wildwood Crest, NJ
- Size: 875 sq ft (largest unit in the association)
- Condo Dues: $1,725 per quarter
- Seasonal Operation: Primarily open during the summer months, with room for expansion
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a restaurant on the beach or simply want to keep this local gem alive, now may be your chance.
But like so many things at the shore, it’s a reminder that change is constant—even for the places that feel like they’ve always been there.