Canton, Ga. — A favorite eatery in downtown Canton is up for sale after nearly 50 years of making everybody’s favorite sandwich.

Mike DeLuca and his sister Donna operate R & M Hoagie Shop which their parents opened on the square in 1972.

DeLuca says it’s time for a change and for somebody new to run it.

“We just work all the time, and that’s just part of owning your own business. What we do is part of a young man’s sport. I want to travel for a while and see the world and not worry about having to be at work every day,” he tells WSB’s Sandra Parrish.

DeLuca has seen generations of families patronize the shop over the years, many he grew up with including Michael Holland.

“A lot of people come into town just for this,” says Holland.

But for many its more than just an eatery. Bill Proud says it’s about small-town life.

“It’s an institution. It makes the downtown area and I think it just helps to promote the small-time atmosphere that this town has. It will be a big plus if the new owners keep the character of this restaurant,” he says.

DeLuca says nothing is final yet and the shop will continue to run the way it has the last 47 years for now.

“We want to continue it on. I’ve talked to some good people and that’s the whole game plan—just keep everything going the way it’s always been,” he says.