This Sunday, August 27th, Valentino Market at 2000 Filbert St. (and Buchanan) in Cow Hollow will celebrate a milestone birthday: 100 years in business. 

Neighbors refer to the shop as the "Cheers" of the neighborhood, “where everyone knows your name," atrributing much of this to owner Elie Chahwan. 

To kick off the celebrations, Valentino Market will host a community-run, family-friendly picnic where guests can enjoy food and non-alcoholic beverages, games, and live music from the band In Phase.

District 2 Supervisor Mark Farrell, who represents the area, is scheduled to speak.

And while Chahwan would prefer not to be in the spotlight, he will also speak as well.

The building where the market stands started as a home, but by 1899, a produce store had replaced the residential unit. (Here's what it looked like in 1906.) Since then, the building has remained a market under different names and ownership.

Today, many neighbors say that it is Chahwan's ownership that made the store a community hub. A San Francisco resident for more than 25 years, Chahwan took over Valentino 15 years ago after working at another store at Union St. and Fillmore St. for many years.

"Nobody really spoke to each other at this store before I took over," he said. "But I saw beautiful people around, and I just introduced people to each other, and people naturally started creating community."

Terry Watt—who will co-host the event on Sunday—often goes to Valentino Market just to socialize.

"Before [Chahwan took over], it was just where you go to get that thing you forgot at the grocery store," she said. "Now I go even when I don't need to buy anything."

"Word got out when he took over, because it was a noticeable difference," Watt added. "That is when it became our community gathering place. It functions as our community center, and he is there for us when we need something."

With benches for children and adults, Valentino Market has a hospitable environment. Fresh coffee is always available—as are treats for neighborhood pets and children.

The store is also laden with cards, photos, and artwork from local families.

"It's a refuge here for so many people—especially retired people— to come here, sit down, laugh, and have some coffee," Chahwan said. "[But] the loyalty of the neighborhood and the beauty in everyone being different" sets Valentino Market apart from other corner stores. 

While the party is to honor the market's century of operation, several customers said Chahwan is the one who deserves a celebration.

"He is always doing favors for the neighbors, like receiving packages, moving cars for street cleaning and delivering groceries for the elderly," said Devon Johnson, another co-host of Sunday's event. "I am proud to have him as my friend and neighbor." 

Chahwan said a team effort between him and the community has made Valentino Market what it is and plans to use Sunday as an opportunity to honor those who owned the market over the years—as well as its customer base, which feels like an extended family.