A Traverse City institution is officially for sale.

Bardon’s Wonder Freeze, the popular ice cream stand at the corner of Front Street and Garfield Avenue, is currently listed for $1.1 million. The business, which specializes mostly in soft-serve ice cream, has been a Traverse City fixture and summertime staple since the 1950s. The sale includes both the business and the real estate, including the 0.19-acre lot, the 448-square-foot building, and all equipment.

This news marks the second time in five years that Bardon’s has been for sale. Back in 2020, the business hit the market for a list price of $795,000. Before that, Bardon’s had been owned by the same family since the late 1960s.

Last time, at least, Bardon’s sold quickly: The Ticker reported in March of 2020 that David and Dawnette Wessell of Wessell Investments had closed on the property for a purchase price of $775,000. The Wessells, who described themselves at the time as life-long Bardon’s customers and fans, shared plans to “carry on with the core ice cream business, freshen up the building, and continue operations in the tradition that has made Bardon's an integral part of the community for so many years.”

The new listing for Bardon’s hints that the Wessells aren’t letting go of Bardon’s lightly: “Now, as the current owners reluctantly part ways with this thriving landmark due to unforeseen circumstances, this opportunity to step into a turnkey operation with modern equipment and numerous updates is being offered.” The listing also touts the property’s “one-of-a-kind location” at a “prime intersection,” as well as the business's “remarkable track record of revenue generation and community engagement.”

The full listing can be viewed here.