A longtime Valley business has been sold to new owners.

Charlie Staples Bar-B-Que has been sold to new owners, Casey Pitts and his wife, Dr. Tonia Farmer-Pitts as of Tuesday.

The restaurant first opened as barbecue stand in 1939 by Bill Robinson, who purchased the Bar-B-Que sauce recipe from a woman who moved to Youngstown from down south at the time

Staples bought the restaurant in 1974 and has operated and grown the business to its current location at 372 W. Rayen Avenue in the city.

Farmer-Pitts told 21 News, "We are excited to continue the legacy of Mr. Staples and to have the opportunity to continue our vision for Charlie Staples Bar-B-Que and Pitt Boss E-Sports Lounge.

Pitts said he plans to merge the success of his Pitt Boss BBQ and Game Lounge in Warren and will expand the menu with some of his signature items from his Warren location. The Warren location suffered a fire nearly a year ago.

Pitts said that the famous sauces that are available in many local stores will continue.

An open house is planned for the community in August after some renovations to the location are finished, but added that they are open and working through the transition.

Charles Staples, the former owner, will continue to work with the Pitts' during the transition phase.