If Longport could be said to have a landmark, that would be Ozzie’s. Ozzie’s opened in 1948 at the corner of 24th and Atlantic Avenue as a food market and a liquor store. Ozzie Lenzsch acquired the lots directly next door and opened the luncheonette in 1952. For decades Ozzie’s has been a gathering place and has remained a “Longport Tradition”.
Ozzie sold the property in 1969. The property went through quite a few owners before being restored in 1999 as a homage to 1950s Longport. Likie Nika purchased it in 2001. With the support of her husband George, she (a food service novice) took on this Longport tradition with a spin of her own. Ozzie’s, with its soda fountain, red vinyl and chrome seating, and checkered tile floor is filled with memorabilia of Longport history and cultural throwbacks. But, more than that, Likie cultivates a family atmosphere. She feels that every community needs a place that they can call their own.
From the time Likie purchased the property she always had limited outdoor dining. COVID was a challenge and almost put Ozzie’s out of business, but expanded outdoor seating saved them. Since then Ozzie’s has continued with outdoor dining year round. Even in the dead of winter, if it is a sunny day people have enjoyed their breakfast or lunch outside. Additionally, Likie said that without the guidance and support that she received from the staff, especially Lois Fried, at Capaldi, Reynolds and Pelosi she would not have been able to successfully complete all of the applications for the all of the federal government programs designed to assist small business during COVID.
During the summer months customers entering Ozzie’s are surprised to see two to three tables of women playing canasta. The ladies play cards, enjoy lunch, without any stress of having to cook or clean up, and then they return to playing until Ozzie’s closes at 3:00 pm.
Ozzie’s is open for breakfast and lunch from 7-3 all year except from January 2 until Valentine’s Day. The menu is ever-changing, mostly American but with some inventive Spanish dishes. The Greek Yogurt Bowl is made with authentic Greek yogurt from a Greek dairy farm in Canada that you cannot get in any of the local grocery stores. According to Likie, many of her patrons claim that Ozzie’s cream chipped beef is the best on the Island.
When you visit, be sure to introduce yourself to Likie. Ask her to show the picture of the first baby born in Longport.
