George's Shish Kebab moved to The Galleria at Civic Center Square in 1986. Photo by Ben Hensley

Despite finding itself under new ownership, a popular Downtown Fresno Mediterranean restaurant will not see many changes to the menu or restaurant, according to the new owner.

George’s Shish Kebab, located inside the Galleria at Civic Center Square, was sold to Fred Ghiassi. The restaurant’s previous owner, Art Imirian, plans to retire after his family operated the restaurant since 1986.

George’s moved to its current location in 1986 after being purchased by Imirian’s brother in law.

“It was an opportunity that I had to take, and I did,” Ghiassi said.

He said that everything offered at George’s prior to the transaction will remain the same, but that the menu may see additions in the future.

Ghiassi, who also owns Tah Deeg Persian Cuisine in Clovis, said he hopes George’s will remain a Downtown Fresno mainstay while presenting him with a new opportunity to serve a different type of customer.

After relocating from the San Jose area about five years ago, Ghiassi opened Tah Deeg, and said that each restaurant sees around the same number of customers throughout the day, but that George’s focuses more on “on-the-go” diners, catering to downtown employees while his Clovis restaurant focuses more on a family sit-down atmosphere.

Despite that, however, Ghiassi hopes to see George’s retain its current menu and atmosphere, while still leaving room for minor changes down the line.

The menu, however, Ghiassi said will retain all of its current items.

“Down the road I’m going to add some more items,” he said. “These [current] items will stay forever.”

George’s has been a mainstay in Downtown Fresno since the 1970s when its original owner, George Koroyan opened its doors near the former Haron Jaguar dealership at the corner of Ventura Ave. and L Street.

George’s is located at 2405 Capitol St. #101 in Fresno, inside the Galleria at Civic Center Square. The restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and is closed on weekends.