A locally owned business is celebrating a significant milestone this week.

Rice Bowl in the Avalon Mall has been in operation for 45 years.

In a post to Facebook, former owner Shirley Hong says when she started the business with her husband, Wayne, they imagined success but didn’t expect the sense of community that would be formed, and the love from staff and customers alike.

Hong says it’s an emotional time for her.

Now, the business is run by Hong’s daughter, Sandi, who she says was “made to carry on our family’s legacy with this business.”

She thanks Rice Bowl’s supporters, saying words can’t express what they mean to her.