


The Weirdest Small Businesses for Sale on BizBuySell


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Weirdly Profitable: 10 Oddball Enterprises You Can Own in 2025
In a market that’s increasingly welcoming niche passions, Forbes recently spotlighted a handful of quirky businesses that are currently up for sale. From a fully‑immersive haunted woodland to a fleet of mobile “portable potties,” the lineup showcases the growing appetite for experiences that blend novelty, adventure, and entrepreneurship. The article, “A Haunted Forest, Portable Potties, and Other Weird Small Businesses You Can Buy Right Now,” gives buyers a roadmap to ventures that might seem unconventional at first glance but can deliver both personal fulfillment and a steady revenue stream.
1. Haunted Forest – A Living Nightmare in the Midwest
The first on the list is the “Haunted Forest,” a 50‑acre dark‑theme park located in the heart of Wisconsin’s Driftless Region. The property, purchased last year for $650,000, features a network of maze‑like pathways, animatronic creatures, and nightly guided ghost tours. With an established seasonal ticketing system that brings in roughly $200,000 annually during peak Halloween weeks, the business offers a solid foundation for an investor with a taste for spooky storytelling. Key points for potential buyers:
- Location: Proximity to major interstate highways and a 30‑minute drive from Milwaukee.
- Licensing: Existing operating permits for entertainment venues, fire safety compliance, and animal welfare for the animatronic “creatures.”
- Growth Potential: Expansion of year‑round attractions such as a laser‑tag arena or a “haunted escape room” could double revenue by the third year.
For more details, the article links to the property’s page on BizBuySell, where prospective owners can download the full financials and contact the broker.
2. Portable Potties – The Mobile Toilet Startup
Next up is a niche service that’s both practical and surprisingly profitable: Portable Potties. This business operates a fleet of state‑of‑the‑art, self‑cleaning portable toilets that cater to construction sites, outdoor festivals, and emergency relief operations. For $380,000, buyers receive:
- Fleet of 15 units: Each equipped with a UV‑sanitizer and a “smart” waste monitoring system.
- Contract Portfolio: Current long‑term contracts with three regional event organizers, generating a steady $75,000 monthly revenue.
- Turnkey Operations: Trained staff, established supply chain, and a mobile app for booking and maintenance requests.
The article notes that the company is seeking a buyer who can scale the fleet to serve national parks and large urban events. A link to the company’s official website provides an in‑depth look at their service model and client testimonials.
3. Brewed in the Dark – A Cave Coffee Shop
An underground coffee shop called Brewed in the Dark has made waves in Asheville, North Carolina. The business is located in an abandoned mine shaft converted into a subterranean café, complete with dim lighting, artisanal brews, and live acoustic nights. For $510,000, the purchase includes:
- Unique Real Estate: A 2,000‑sq‑ft cave with a natural 65‑degree temperature regulation.
- Licenses: Alcohol and food service permits, plus a “cave operating” certificate from the state.
- Patronage: 1,200 regular customers with an average spend of $12 per visit, resulting in $500,000 annual revenue.
The article links to the business’s Instagram profile, offering potential buyers a visual sense of the atmosphere and customer engagement.
4. Mystery Meat & Magic – A Murder‑Mystery Dinner Theater
Another immersive experience is a murder‑mystery dinner theater located in Portland, Oregon. The theater blends live acting, interactive puzzles, and a three‑course meal for guests. For $280,000, buyers get:
- Three‑hour Show Format: Two shows per week during the tourist season and a special holiday edition.
- Full‑Service Kitchen: Certified chefs, equipment, and an established supplier network.
- Marketing: A robust social‑media presence and partnership with local hotels.
The link in the Forbes article leads to the theater’s booking platform, showcasing current and past show reviews.
5. Bark & Spa – The Canine Wellness Retreat
For the animal lover, Bark & Spa offers a dog spa and wellness center in Dallas, Texas. The business boasts a pet‑friendly spa, doggy daycare, and training classes. The $210,000 price tag includes:
- Existing Client Base: 500 loyal customers with a subscription model for monthly services.
- Facilities: A 3,000‑sq‑ft building with a heated indoor pool, grooming station, and a “paw‑tastic” massage room.
- Growth: Expansion to a pet boutique and a mobile dog‑catering service.
A link to the company’s website reveals an in‑depth service menu and a gallery of happy pups.
6. Glow‑In‑the‑Dark Café – A Neon Nightspot
A neon‑lit café in Miami, Florida, serves artisanal drinks and desserts in a glowing environment that promises an Instagram‑worthy experience. Priced at $345,000, the business offers:
- High‑Traffic Location: Near the Wynwood Arts District.
- Turnover: Approximately $400,000 in revenue with a 20% profit margin.
- Branding: Strong social media following and a unique “Glow Menu” that changes monthly.
Potential buyers can access the café’s online ordering system through a link provided in the article.
7. Sky‑High Sweets – A Hot Air Balloon Bakery
A unique combination of aviation and confectionery, Sky‑High Sweets offers hot‑air balloon rides that culminate in a pastry‑laden landing zone. Located in Asheville, North Carolina, the business is listed for $425,000. Key points include:
- Dual‑Revenue Model: Ticket sales for the balloon ride and sales of signature pastries.
- Licenses: FAA certification for balloon operations, food service permits, and a business license.
- Seasonality: High demand during spring and summer festivals.
The article links to the company’s website, which features a virtual tour of their balloon and a menu of baked goods.
8. Pet Psychic – A Spiritual Advisory Service
A more mystical offering, Pet Psychic, operates as a telepathic consultation service for animal owners. Based in Austin, Texas, it is listed at $140,000. Buyers receive:
- Client List: 1,500 past clients, many of whom book repeat appointments.
- Online Presence: A thriving YouTube channel and live streaming sessions.
- Low Overheads: The business runs largely from a home office with minimal physical infrastructure.
Links within the Forbes article direct readers to the psychic’s YouTube page and a downloadable business plan.
9. DIY Candle Workshop – A Creative Experience
The DIY Candle Workshop in Brooklyn, New York, offers hands‑on candle‑making classes for adults and kids. Priced at $190,000, the business includes:
- Studio Space: 2,500 sq. ft. with a fully equipped workshop area.
- Revenue: Consistent monthly income from workshops, wholesale orders, and a seasonal pop‑up market.
- Community: Partnerships with local schools and community centers.
The article provides a link to the workshop’s booking calendar.
10. Cemetery Tours – A Historical Adventure
Finally, a historical attraction in Charleston, South Carolina, offers guided cemetery tours that highlight the city’s antebellum past. The business, listed for $260,000, includes:
- Tour Packages: Day and night tours, wedding photography, and educational programs.
- Licensing: State heritage permits and liability coverage.
- Visitor Numbers: 30,000 visitors per year, with plans to introduce a “ghostly” nighttime show.
A link to the company’s website provides a timetable of tours and a gallery of past events.
Why Buyers Are Drawn to These Odd Businesses
The Forbes article paints a picture of a market where novelty is not just a trend but a viable business model. Many of these ventures offer:
- High Engagement: Unique experiences that attract repeat customers and word‑of‑mouth marketing.
- Scalability: The potential to expand into new markets or add complementary services.
- Cultural Appeal: An alignment with the growing desire for experiential consumerism.
However, the article also cautions that buyers should perform due diligence, especially regarding regulatory compliance (e.g., safety certificates for the haunted forest, FAA licenses for hot air balloon operations). It underscores the importance of understanding each business’s seasonality, operational costs, and potential for digital expansion.
Getting Involved
For anyone intrigued by the idea of owning a business that stands out from the crowd, the Forbes piece offers a roadmap. By following the embedded links, buyers can access detailed financial statements, contact brokers, and explore the current client base. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or a creative soul looking to transform a passion into profit, these ten businesses illustrate that the marketplace is open to the unusual, the unexpected, and the downright bizarre.
Read the Full Forbes Article at:
[ https://www.forbes.com/sites/brandonkochkodin/2025/09/13/a-haunted-forest-portable-potties-and-other-weird-small-businesses-you-can-buy-right-now/ ]