Tuesday, March 8 is a very big day for the firefly!  Not only is it Fat Tuesday, a good reason to celebrate, but it's our 5th birthday, which gives us a great reason to celebrate!   

On March 8, 2006, with big dreams and great aspirations, we opened for our first day of business.  We believed that Effingham could support a restaurant that abided by things we believed in - eating healthy and fresh, organic foods, sustainability, and buying local when possible. We were sure that a restaurant could minimize it's carbon footprint and make efforts to recycle and conserve.  Many, many, friends supported our vision, and many more have joined them, allowing us to flourish and grow.

Along our journey we've had many turns that we never even envisioned: being named the #2 eco-friendlly restaurant in the U.S. by Bon Appetit magazine and as one of the Top 10 restaurants of 2009 and #2 restaurant in St. Louis by St. Louis' Riverfront Times.  Press appearances in the Chicago Tribune, Midwest Traveler and AAA Magazine, among others.  Having an international magazine like Gourmetreise magazine and celebrity chef Mirko Reeh come spend time with us and bring the firefly into European homes.  Hosting a Titanic re-creation dinner for a group of close friends, the multitude and variety of birthday, weddings, anniversaries and other special events that all of you chose to celebrate at the firefly.  We never knew that you would choose us to celebrate the end of life as well as the beginning.  

We didn't know how special our community involvement would be to us.  That we would watch young entrepreneurs bloom and grow and assist them with events such as their Titanic fundraiser and Wellness Day.  That Effingham Animal Rescue Society (EARS) and Trail Recreation Effingham County (TREC) would become two organizations close to our hearts.

We never foresaw the 2009 Governor's Council on Tourism recognizing us as a destination or awarding the firefly the Quantum Leap Award. We never envisioned being asked to participate in Chicago Gourmet or the Grand Chef's Gala, or the support at these events that we'd receive from other area companies like Boos Butcher Block. Who would have ever thought we'd have a commercial running on television with the legendary Bill and Susan Hayes?  

Five years ago, we were hoping that many people would not only understand, but share our vision.  Your support has carried us through from day one, encouraging us, challenging us and inspiring us.  Your loyalty, compliments, and feedback have helped us evolve and grow.  We can't thank each and everyone of you enough - our awesome staff and our wonderful guests - for joining us on this incredible journey.   

So mark Tuesday, March 8 on your calendar and plan on coming by to celebrate our birthday.  It's as much a party for you as it is for us.  Please check out the very special birthday menu on our website, www.ffgrill.com.