Owner Art Imirian prepares meals for customers ahead of the lunch rush. Photo by Edward Smith.

One of Downtown Fresno’s oldest restaurants still in operation is up for sale.

Owner Art Imirian has listed George’s Shish Kebab for sale as he gets ready to retire.

The Mediterranean restaurant Imirian operates dates back to the late 1960s when it was located near where Haron Jaguar is located, Imirian said. It was in 1986 when Imirian’s brother-in-law purchased the restaurant from owner George Darby and moved it to its current home at The Galleria near the Fresno Convention Center.

The restaurant is being listed for $275,000, according to Lindsey Valle, Realtor with Realty Concepts, who is listing it with her partner Pat DiCicco.

The sale comes with everything in the restaurant, including kitchen equipment, tableware and a beer and wine license. The name George’s can also go to the new buyer, and Imirian offered to stay on for a couple months after the sale to help ease owners into the business “due to his love” of his clients, Valle said.

Imirian said he’s ready to retire. “Everything has its time,” he said. He plans on taking a little time because he’s been “working too much.” He’ll see where it goes from there.

Imirian has his regulars as well. One customer told him he’s been going to George’s for 54 years.

Despite only being on the market since April 6, Valle said she’s had a lot of lookers. She expects interest to really build up this weekend, especially considering how well-established the business as well as the area are.

“He’s worked so hard this many years, he’s ready to enjoy life now,” Valle said.