Aiken, September 21, 2025

News Summary

Authorities have confirmed the death of 78-year-old restaurant owner Jimmy D. Varos, who was found deceased in his establishment, the Variety Restaurant, in Aiken, SC. Family members had requested a well-being check leading to the discovery, prompting an investigation that revealed a strong odor of propane gas. Officials do not currently suspect foul play. The Variety Restaurant will remain closed until further notice, reflecting the significant impact Varos had on the local community over his 40-year tenure providing food and companionship.

Aiken, SC – Authorities confirmed the death of 78-year-old restaurant owner Jimmy D. Varos following an incident that transpired on Friday evening. Varos was the well-known proprietor of the Variety Restaurant, located on York Street in Aiken.

The Aiken County Coroner’s Office was summoned to the restaurant just before 4 p.m. after family members requested a well-being check. This prompted the involvement of the Aiken Department of Public Safety around 3:33 p.m. Upon arrival, investigators discovered Varos deceased in a section of the restaurant that had been converted into living quarters.

During their investigation, authorities detected a strong odor of propane gas inside the restaurant. An autopsy is scheduled to take place next week in Newberry to determine the cause and manner of Varos’s death. Currently, investigators do not suspect foul play, and the inquiry continues under the jurisdiction of the Aiken Department of Public Safety and the Aiken County Coroner’s Office.

Following the announcement of Varos’s passing on the Variety Restaurant’s Facebook page, the establishment has closed its doors until further notice. Known for his dedication to providing food and companionship for over 40 years, Varos had earned a reputation as a respected figure within the community.

Details of the Incident

The tragic incident began when family members grew concerned about Varos’s well-being, leading them to contact authorities for a check. Upon arrival, officials made the grim discovery at approximately 3:33 p.m., after which the Coroner’s Office was called into action.

Investigative Findings

The mention of a significant odor of propane gas inside the restaurant has raised questions, and while an autopsy will provide more information, authorities have stated they do not currently suspect any foul play. The investigation continues, focusing on uncovering any additional relevant details regarding the circumstances surrounding Varos’s death.

Community Impact

Varos was not only an economic contributor to the community through his restaurant but also a beloved companion to many. The Variety Restaurant has been a fixture in Aiken for decades, providing nourishment and camaraderie. The outpouring of grief from local residents reflects Varos’s substantial impact on the lives of those around him.

Conclusion

The passing of Jimmy D. Varos has left a void in the Aiken community, where he was known not just as a business owner, but as a friend to many. As the investigation continues, residents await further details from the autopsy and announcements from local authorities.

FAQ

{
“@context”: “https://schema.org”,
“@type”: “FAQPage”,
“mainEntity”: [
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Who was Jimmy D. Varos?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Jimmy D. Varos was a 78-year-old restaurant owner known for providing food and friendship at the Variety Restaurant for over 40 years.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “When was Jimmy D. Varos found dead?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Varos was discovered dead on Friday evening, with the Aiken County Coroner’s Office called to the scene just before 4 p.m.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Why did authorities arrive at the Variety Restaurant?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Authorities arrived at the Variety Restaurant after family members requested a well-being check around 3:33 p.m.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What was found during the investigation?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Investigators detected a strong odor of propane gas inside the restaurant, prompting further investigation.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Is foul play suspected in Varos’s death?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “No, authorities do not currently suspect foul play.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What will happen next regarding Varos’s death?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “An autopsy is scheduled next week in Newberry to establish the cause and manner of death.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What is the current status of the Variety Restaurant?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “The Variety Restaurant has closed until further notice following the announcement of Varos’s passing.”
}
}
]
}

Key Features of the Post

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Investigation Launched Following Death of Aiken Restaurant Owner

Additional Resources

• WRDW: Aiken Business Owner Found Dead Inside His Restaurant
• WLTX: Jimmy Varos’ Death at Aiken Restaurant
• ABC News 4: Aiken Authorities Investigating Death at Restaurant
• WJBF: Aiken’s Variety Restaurant Owner Found Dead
• Augusta Press: Longtime Variety Restaurant Owner Found Dead
• Wikipedia: Aiken, South Carolina
• Google Search: Aiken South Carolina
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Aiken
• Google News: Aiken Restaurant News
• Google Scholar: Restaurant Management

Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN

The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.