For 25 years, Eagle Inn Family Restaurant has been serving up more than meals in Janesville.

It has been a place for birthdays and anniversaries. First dates and family gatherings. Holiday traditions and everyday breakfasts. And over the course of a quarter-century, the family-owned restaurant has watched some of its youngest customers grow up and return with families of their own.

Forward Janesville recently joined owners Shawnna and Advi, their team and a large gathering of friends, family and customers to celebrate Eagle Inn Family Restaurant's 25th anniversary with a Champions Club Ribbon Cutting.

WATCH THE FULL RIBBON CUTTING VIDEO HERE

"Twenty-five years ago in 2001, we opened the doors of Eagle Inn Family Restaurant with a dream to build a place where people could come together, enjoy great food and feel like family," Shawnna told those gathered for the celebration. "Looking back over these 25 years, we realize Eagle Inn is so much more than a restaurant."

That history was evident in the crowd that came out to mark the milestone.

Over 25 years, Eagle Inn has built relationships with generations of customers while becoming a familiar part of the Janesville community. Shawnna credited those customers, along with the restaurant's employees, friends and family, for making the milestone possible.

"Running a small business for 25 years takes a lot of hard work, dedication and love," she said. "We are incredibly grateful for the community that has stood beside us and allowed us to be part of their lives."

Forward Janesville President & CEO Shar Hermanson echoed that sentiment during the Ribbon Cutting, recognizing the commitment required to operate a family restaurant year after year.

"You all know so well it takes so much hard work and dedication every day to run a family restaurant," Hermanson said. "We're so grateful that you guys show up every single day to make people feel welcome, make people feel part of the community."

Hermanson pointed to the strong turnout for the anniversary celebration as perhaps the best evidence of Eagle Inn's impact.

"This great showout of all the people you have here is a sign of the great work you're doing," she said.

For Shawnna and the Eagle Inn family, that's ultimately what the anniversary was about.

"Today is not just about celebrating 25 years of Eagle Inn," Shawnna said. "It's about celebrating the people who made those 25 years possible."

Forward Janesville congratulates Eagle Inn Family Restaurant on 25 years of serving Janesville and helping create a place where generations of customers have gathered, celebrated and felt at home.

Here's to the next 25 years!