Marv's Classic Soda Shop up for sale, but only for the right retro buyer

The 1950-esqueretro soda shop in Black Diamond may be frozen in time, but its owner Marvin Garriott isn't, and he's on the hunt for the perfect buyer.

The No. 1qualification?

"YOU MUST LOVE THE 50'S and want to preserve that lifestyle and history," reads the posting on his website.

Garriott, who turns 70 this year,has poured his heart and soul into recreating an authentic diner over the last 15 years, and he's not just going to give it to anyone.

"It'll have to go to somebody that'll help babysit it and keep it traditional. It could use somebody with a little more get up and go, 'cause mine got up and left now," said Garriott.

Besides traditional sodas served in frozen glasses, carbonatedice cream, old-fashioned sweets andhomemade burgers andfries, the diner offers a trip down memory lane, reminiscent of asimpler time gone by.

The decor is authentic, right down to the soda fountain, 1957 SeeburgJukebox and Nickelodeon player piano nestled in the corner.

An international attraction

For locals, Albertans, and international tourists alike, the spot has become something of a novelty, nestled away in thesmall rural community.

"I like all this junk," said Betty Hamilton, gesturing to the posters lining the walls, the old-fashioned Coke bottles and the wallboxes. "I have a lot too in my house."

The diner is also a hit with kids, many of whom are drawn in by the wide variety of old-fashioned candy.

"All the kids, whenever they come, even our city kids, they all wanna come here to eat too," said Barb Sissons.

"Marv has always been a friendly fellow. The best part when you come is to see him sing and play his guitar," she said.

But Garriottis hoping to do fewer of his impromptu Elvis impersonations in the future.

"I've just been informed that I'm gonna be a grandfather for the third time. I've missed my first two that are half grown up now because I can't get out to Victoria to see them," he said.

"I need some time to go and spend with family, and golfing has sorta gotten to be fun now."

Still, he's in no rush to sell, he said.Business is good, and he's more than willing to wait for the right buyer to come along.

With files from The Homestretch and Stephanie Wiebe