Sales Buzz: Busy Bee Restaurant Set to Look for New Owner

Busy Bee owner Larry Sloter, left, and the restaurant’s founders’ son, John Williamson, swap stories of flooding, dancing and breakfast at the Busy Bee’s 75th anniversary party in 2019. (File photo)

MARIETTA — The 80-year-old Busy Bee restaurant is up for sale.

“The family and I have decided to take our business activities in a different direction,” said owner Larry Sloter. “My sons said that catering was not part of our long-term plans.”

The restaurant at 226 Gilman Ave. will be on the market starting next week.

Sloter began purchasing the Busy Bee in late 2015, finalizing the sale in January 2016. He said he’s proud of how the restaurant has been run over the past eight years.

“We have managed to preserve the history and the heritage, but also to enrich them. Now it is time for another family to come and continue this legacy,” he said.

Changes include remodeling some of the interior space and adding patio seating.

“It was the best decision we ever made, adding this patio. It’s versatile and has room to grow,” Sloter said:

Sloter said he wants to find a buyer who is committed to maintaining the restaurant’s traditions while leaving room to expand, such as possibly adding evening hours. However, he doesn’t want to see major changes.

“It would be foolish to buy a company and change it. It’s a profitable, award-winning company. We’ve won the Marietta Times’ Readers’ Choice Award for Best Breakfast eight years in a row now,” he said.

Sloter said the restaurant has exceeded his expectations since he took ownership.

“We’ve been featured on various travel shows, from Cleveland to Columbus to Pittsburgh. We’ve been on blogs and TikToks,” he said.

“We have no plans to close at this time. We will remain open for the duration of the transaction. This will be a process that will last months while we look for a buyer,” he said.

Sloter is also selling the future home of Derailed Distillery at 109 Maple St.

“The initial project was to open a bar and restaurant offering craft spirits,” he said. “But now we want to open a full-service distillery with a tasting room. We have decided to sell this property, as well as 114, 116 and 118 Maple Street.” he said.

You can contact Kristen Hainkel at [email protected]

Today’s latest news and more delivered to your inbox