Cheesetique, a mainstay specialty gourmet cheese and wine shop in Del Ray, kicked off a celebration of 20 years on Mount Vernon Avenue during the Sept. 5 First Thursday Night that announced upcoming events to commemorate the milestone.

“It’s 20 years today,” said an exuberant Jill Erber, owner of the beloved shop that now includes a dine-in restaurant. “Originally when we first opened we were just a cheese and wine shop. We did that for a few years but customers were always asking for a place to sit down so we relocated a couple of doors down and that is when the restaurant was born.”

Erber, a leader in the Del Ray business community, has faced her share of challenges over the years.

“Some of the challenges have been finding ways to stay exciting to people after 20 years,” Erber said. “There are always so many new things, new technologies and new experiences to be part of so to stay top of mind for people has always been a challenge for us. But it’s a fun one.”

Erber used the occasion to announce more upcoming 20th anniversary events.

“We are featuring a throwback menu with some of our older and classic recipes,” Erber said. “We have our original lobster mac, and a wine flight that features three wines that were on our very first wine list. We also have a special pairing of a 20-year cheddar and 20-year port to enjoy.”

Ongoing is a contest to enter for a full year of free cheese. Erber also announced upcoming online classes and a contest to formally name the Cheesetique cow.

“The Cheesetique cow is our full-size cow mascot,” Erber said. “She does not have a name so starting in October we will do a big contest for naming our cow.”

Erber and Cheesetique were sponsors of the monthly Del Ray First Thursdays evening in Pat Miller neighborhood Square, which included festivities for attendees and games for children. First responders from the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office and Alexandria Police Department were also on hand.

Special Cheesetique 20th anniversary events will continue through the fall.

Cheesetique is located at 2411 Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray. 703-706-5300.