2 iconic northern Ont. chip stands put up for sale for over $1M each

They're located across the street from each other on Sturgeon Falls's main drag — and the debate over who sells the best food has been raging for decades. 

But now both the Riv and Larry's chip stands have been put up for sale by their respective owners. The asking price for the Riv is $1,295,000 and Larry's is $1.1 million. 

Larry's chip stand was damaged in May 2022 by a fire that started in the warehouse. It reopened after renovations. 

Bruno and Kate Lepage have owned the Riv for eight years and are looking to start a new chapter in their lives. 

"We always had a 10-year plan," says Bruno Lepage. "A business can take more time to sell. We just want to give ourselves the time to find the right buyers, someone who wants to continue the tradition." 

Born and raised in Sturgeon Falls, Lepage said it was an honour to be the stewards of a space that has long been used for community and family gatherings.

"We want to see it continue in its form. We want the old school way of wholesome food, quality ingredients and friendly staff." 

Also part of the tradition is the friendly rivalry between Riv and Larry's, said local customer Julianne Scalabrini. 

"I cannot make a clear decision in this debate between the two chip stands. For me it's like a tie," she said.

Lepage said the two businesses are like frenemies. 

"It's a wholesome rivalry. We know each other well, we get along, but we have our own unique touches on how we do things, maybe certain ingredients," he said. 

"I know people are passionate about choosing their sides, I tell people why not try both?" he added. "It's nice to have options in the community." 

Lepage said the price of the Riv is based on the profitability of the business and the upgrades to the building. 

"People see the two windows upfront, but the building is quite long and it's essentially a massive kitchen to support operations," he said.