A real estate agent says "the numbers just don't work" to keep the iconic drive-in.
The Circus Drive-In's days appear to be numbered.
A redevelopment deal is in progress for the 1.64-acre Wall Township site that includes the Shore landmark, real estate agent Gerald Norkus told New Jersey 101.5. The deal apparently would not include the iconic restaurant staying open.
"Economically it's not feasible,'' Norkus told the radio station. "Factor in the value of the property and then you look at running a seasonal restaurant, the numbers just don't work.''
The property was put on the market late last year, with a purchase price of $2 million, much consternation for longtime fans of the restaurant. (The lease was set at $200,000 a year.)
An online petition urging the township to turn the property into a historic site has so far gained 1,145 supporters. A Wall official told New Jersey 101.5 the town was "watching the situation and we certainly aren't happy to see a long standing business in Wall Township close down ... we're just not the entity that names things historic.''
Nominations for state or national historic status are made through the state Historical Preservation Office.
The Circus, the state's most iconic drive-in restaurant and marked by its magnificent smiling-clown neon sign, opened in 1954. Richard Friedel owned it until seven years ago.
The Circus was especially known for its soft-shell crabs; the restaurant went through about 800 a day in season. The drive-in was open from April to generally the end of September.
Calls to Norkus seeking additional comment about who will be redeveloping the property, and if and when the Circus Drive-in will be torn down, have not been returned.
Peter Genovese may be reached at pgenovese@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @PeteGenovese or via The Munchmobile @NJ_Munchmobile. Find the Munchmobile on Facebook and Instagram.