A popular river recreational business is on the market in Gilpin.
The River’s Edge Canoe & Kayak at 3158 River Road is listed for sale by Coldwell Banker Realty for $2 million.
Co-owners Neill and Evelyn Andritz have been a fixture at the family-run business for more than 16 years and plan to remain open for business throughout the sale process.
“Entrepreneurs never really retire. Let’s just say we’re moving on to smaller endeavors and plan to enjoy the fruits of our labor,” Neill Andritz said. “It’s time to pass it on to someone with a sense of community, a river-for-life mindset, and a thirst for the entrepreneurial lifestyle.”
Evelyn Andritz said interacting with customers has been one of the most satisfying aspects of running the business.
“I’ll miss the joy that I see on customers’ faces after they’ve spent a day on the river making great memories with their friends and families,” she said.
The turnkey business sits on nearly 8 acres, includes more than 450 yards of riverfront land. It’s being advertised in the listing as one of the largest kayak shops in Pennsylvania.
The married couple opened River’s Edge in 2006, offering canoe and kayak sales and a variety of rental water pursuits for all ages.
The property is zoned commercial with annual taxes listed at $1,016.
Listing agent Brandy L. Fabry of Coldwell Banker Realty is an Allegheny Township resident and frequent Kiski kayaker.
She described the property as turnkey ready and said the business is a huge deal in terms of tourism for Gilpin.
“People travel from all over to come to the Kiski River to kayak,” Fabry said. ”It’s only been on the market for a couple weeks. A potential buyer may be smeone who is local and wants to be on the river. They’re (the Andritzes) running it as a weekend business, part time, but there’s plenty of room for expansion, and there’s a lot of additional potential for that. The best buyer would be someone who is hands on and has a passion for the river.”
The sale includes a retail store, primitive camping areas, vans, trailers, security system, parking lot with overflow, storage buildings, two boat ramps, bait and tackle shop, and all inventory and rental equipment.
The business attracts several thousand customers each season, which runs from April through Labor Day.
In 2016, it won third place for “Best Kayak Shop Nationwide” in the Paddler’s Choice Awards by Kayak Angler magazine.
Included in the sale are three Ford passenger vans with seating for 15.
Joyce Hanz | Tribune-Review
A group enjoys a tubing trip on the Kiski River in Gilpin.
Gilpin Supervisor Charles Stull, who learned of the sale Wednesday, described the Andritzes as a staple of the community.
“I’m sad to see them go,” Stull said. “However, I’m excited for the prospect of a new business owner in our township and the possibility for River’s Edge to continue to grow and offer endless recreational activity in Gilpin and the entire Leechburg area.”
The couple has not had contact with any potential buyers as of Friday, Neill Andritz said.
Joyce Hanz is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Joyce by email at [email protected] or via Twitter .
