AIKEN, S.C. — The Aiken community is mourning the loss of a beloved local restaurateur after the Aiken County Coroner’s Office confirmed the death of Jimmy D. Varos, 78, longtime owner of the Variety Restaurant on York Street NE. Varos was found dead inside the restaurant on Friday afternoon, leaving behind a legacy of decades-long service to his customers and a void in the hearts of family, friends, and patrons alike.
Authorities reported that at 3:57 p.m., the Coroner’s Office was called to the Variety Restaurant at 927 York Street NE after Varos was discovered unresponsive. Officers with the Aiken Department of Public Safety had first been dispatched to the location earlier in the day for a well-being check requested by a concerned family member. Upon entering the building, they located Varos in a section of the restaurant that had been converted into private living quarters.
Officials noted that there was a strong odor of propane gas inside the establishment at the time of the discovery. Investigators are now working to determine whether gas exposure played a role in Varos’ death. An autopsy has been scheduled for next week in Newberry, which will provide further clarity on the official cause and manner of death.
The Aiken County Coroner’s Office and the Aiken Department of Public Safety have launched a joint investigation. While no foul play is suspected at this time, authorities are being thorough in their examination of the scene and circumstances surrounding Varos’ passing.
For the Aiken community, Jimmy Varos was far more than just a restaurant owner. Known for his warm hospitality and dedication, he made the Variety Restaurant a cornerstone of local dining and community life. Generations of families dined at his establishment, and many came to know Varos personally through his kind demeanor and steady presence. His passing marks the end of an era for many who saw the restaurant as not just a place to eat, but a gathering space filled with memories.
Customers and community members have already begun sharing tributes, recalling his hard work, generosity, and commitment to both his business and the people it served. Many noted how the restaurant embodied his spirit — welcoming, familiar, and deeply rooted in Aiken tradition.
As investigators continue their work, the focus for family and friends remains on honoring Varos’ life. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced, but those who knew him are already preparing to celebrate a life defined by service, community, and love for others.
In the meantime, the Aiken community grieves the sudden loss of a man who gave so much of himself to others. Whether through a warm meal, a kind word, or his enduring presence at the Variety Restaurant, Jimmy D. Varos will be remembered as a pillar of his community whose impact will be felt for years to come.
