A Vandergrift eatery in a historic building is on the market.

AJ’s Restaurant and Lounge at 123 Washington Ave. is listed for $495,900 with Berkshire Hathaway. The asking price includes a Pennsylvania state liquor license.

Proprietors Andrew and JoAnn Batiz, both 66, made the decision to buy a restaurant on a whim in 1985 after a night of socializing.

Joanne Batiz said owning AJ’s has been a “good run.”

“We would like to say what wonderful years we’ve had here at AJ’s. The amount of friends we have met and families we’ve seen grow up has been overwhelming. We have the best customers. It’s been a good run, but we want to retire,” she said.

The couple’s daughter, Andrea McIntosh, a former manager at the restaurant, is the listing agent.

She said her parents have worked tirelessly running AJ’s for the past 36 years.

“They put in hard work there and deserve to enjoy a little bit of life,” she said.

McIntosh said the property is turn-key ready and zoned for commercial use.

“I would hope someone would keep it a restaurant. Anybody could just walk in and start a restaurant,” McIntosh said.

“There’s been a lot of verbal interest and I think people do see the potential, but with everything going on with covid it hasn’t sold,” McIntosh said.

AJ’s remains open with reduced hours and days of operation, welcoming patrons from 4 to 9 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays.

The restaurant’s signature sandwich, the Super Drew Hoagie, has been on the menu for more than 30 years and was created by co-owner Andrew Batiz.

The brick building, constructed in 1919, previously housed a furniture store and two restaurants, Dogs and Suds and Bonello’s.

A dining room and separate bar area offers seating for about 70 customers.

The upstairs floor is unfinished.

“It could be a cool banquet hall or space for a private party,” McIntosh said.

Original oak woodwork and a solid copper bar top remain after a remodel several years ago.

The building is zoned commercial and previously sold for $72,500 in 2017. Property taxes are listed at $2,791.

McIntosh said she’ll miss everything about AJ’s when it eventually sells.

“I’ll miss the customers and the atmosphere. It’s like a modern-day Cheers,” McIntosh said.