GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Yesterdog, the iconic late-night hot dog spot in Eastown Grand Rapids, has sold after almost five decades.

Owner Bill Lewis, who opened Yesterdog 49 years ago at 1505 Wealthy St. near Lake Drive, told News 8 over the phone Monday that he officially sold it Sunday.

“I didn’t really have it for sale,” Lewis said. “This man just walked in, he said he’d like to buy it.”

After discussing the sale for a few months, he made the decision to sell to the new owner, Pat Connor.

“I started to think seriously about selling it — and I just turned 80 in May,” he said. “I figure it’s time for me to back off and let some young guy take over.”

He hopes it will remain successful under the new ownership. The new owner has agreed to continue offering benefits to his employees, including health care, paid vacations and paid holidays, Lewis said.

He said the decision to sell is bittersweet, adding that he loves the restaurant and his employees. When he started it almost 50 years ago, he said he had no idea it would become the landmark it is today. His customers turned it into an icon by telling their friends about it, he said, adding he never had to advertise.

“I love that place. I loved it forever,” he said. “I think it’s the coolest restaurant in the world.”