Alison and Mervyn Jones, pictured outside Peggydale, celebrated 40 years of the Balclutha store and cafe, with their Peggydale ''family'' last night.
About 65 people were expected at the function at Peggydale just south of Balclutha.
Mr Jones said many of them were present and former staff, and people from companies that have been involved with Peggydale over the years, from builders to suppliers and staff.
Peggydale was built in 1975 by Mr Jones' late parents Bill and Peggy Jones.
Last night's celebration was ''just a low-key thing'', Mr Jones said.
''I thought we'd better do something. A lot of locals have been involved in this somehow over the years.''