The Famous Robertson Pie Shop is for sale for the first time since 1979

What started as a roadside stall selling fruit and vegetables in 1961 has grown into a highly recognisable business; a landmark with an impressive reputation.

"It's definitely a source of pride for us," co-owner Will Bleeker said of the business' profile.

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"We're known worldwide. We've met people on the other side of the world that know our shop."

A new owner will soon be able to take over that legacy, with the business and property it sits on now for sale.

Selling agent, Steve Myers from Myers Realty said it all has a price guide of $4.875 million.

"It's for sale, walk-in, walk out," he said.

"All the fixtures and fittings, the recipes go with the sale of the property. It's the freehold, the land which is just under two acres."

There's also a residence on-site that has been utilised an office, but can still be used as home. The original cottage has two bedrooms, a kitchen, shower, living room and bathroom.

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The original roadside fruit and vegetable shop was run by the Laird family. They later began making pies following demand from customers.

Mr Bleeker's parents parents Cora and John bought the business and property in 1979, and began running it the following year. John died in 1996, and Will and wife Jenny purchased it in 1999.

Will has worked there almost the whole time the family has owned the business, which is located at 4400 Illawarra Highway.

Will and Jenny's children Katie and Chloe have worked there, too, and son Peter still does as one of the bakers.

"It's been our life for many years, but all good things must come to an end, so we've decided that we need to retire," Will said. "And this is the way we do it.

"It's been a common sense decision. We're at the age now where we need to retire. We love having the business, but we realise that at our age, it's time."

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When the Bleeker family took over the pie shop, they had no previous experience in running any business, let alone a bakery.

"(So) if we're needed, we'll happily help the new owners with the transition," Will said.

"We've always insisted on using the very best available local ingredients. No compromise. The next owners will be taking over with a well-established, quality product and a list of local suppliers who have their back."

The pie shop is reportedly one of the longest established businesses in the Southern Highlands, and is visited by up to 3000 people a week.

"Some of the recipes are original, and we've modified a few of them to make them better," Will said.

"And we've created a few ourselves - like the chicken, camembert and leek pie that we sell a lot of.

"It was born out of a trip to Tasmania. We were there, bought a pie that was chicken and camembert, and it was horrible. We thought we could do better, so we've been making this one for about ten years now."

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As mentioned earlier, the sale price includes a lot more than the lip-smacking recipes.

The shop, the land, the brand equity, plus all the equipment - pie warmers, refrigeration and the latest computerised pie baking equipment that's capable of producing 3000 pies an hour - is included in the sale.

"This is already a strong, cash-flow positive business," Will said. "Now it's an opportunity for someone with fresh ideas to take it to the next level.

"The Famous Robertson Pie Shop is so familiar to so many people.

"It is a famous, popular brand which people travel literally hundreds of kilometres to get to."

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Mr Myers said there had been early interest from prospective buyers in the Southern Highlands and South Coast.

"We're looking forward to finding the right investor for the property," he said.

"Someone who understands the reputation of the Famous Robertson Pie Shop and how important the business is as an absolute icon of the district."

Will said they would like to see someone take over, "who's going to keep the place going as a pie shop".

"We'd like to see it carried on in the future," he said. "We're passionate about it, and we'd like to see someone who's passionate buy it, and maybe take it to the next level."

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