AIKEN, S.C. () – The Aiken County Coroner and the Department of Public Safety are investigating the death of a local business owner.

Coroner Darryl Ables has confirmed that 78-year-old Jimmy D. Varos, affectionately known in the community as ‘Jimmy The Greek’, was discovered dead inside the Variety Restaurant located on York Street NE, on Friday afternoon shortly before 4 p.m.

Family members contacted Public Safety Officers to perform a wellness check at the eatery a little after 3:30 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found Varos lifeless in a section of the building that had been converted for residential use. They also detected a strong smell of propane gas in the area.

An autopsy has been scheduled for next week to determine the cause of death. Foul play is not suspected at this time.

The Variety Restaurant, established in 1931, is recognized as one of the original ‘family restaurants’ in the Aiken area. Varos reportedly acquired the establishment during the 1980s.