After running Sebastian’s Greek Restaurant in Cincinnati for 46 years, selling more gyros than he can count, Alex Vassilou has sold it to a friend, restaurateur Adel Samaan, with a promise.

‘The gyros are staying. But Alex is ready to move on,” a press release said about it, reported WCPO about the popular eatery that will keep its main food attraction on the menu.

“I am finally ready to retire and spend more time with my family, especially my grandchildren,” Vassilou said. “I’m very happy to send off Sebastian’s with a good man and my good friend … I hope the community will still continue to support and enjoy Sebastian’s for a long time to come,” he added.

Vassilou and Samaan are immigrants to the United States and long-time restaurant operators and while Vassilou is Greek, Samaan is called Greek at heart.

“Sebastian’s is like my neighbor, and I’ve always been a fan. As a longtime west side business owner, I know how cherished Sebastian’s is to Cincinnati,” Samaan said. “I’m looking forward to honoring its legacy while also helping oversee its next phase,” he said.