According to Cherie Fanning, regular customers play a key role in their success, many of which return for their servers and food. Servers Richard Kitchen (left) and Madison Lieber (right) are two of these servers. Photo by Nicolas Brown

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Bud’s Pub & Grill, a longtime downtown Dixon fixture located at 100 S. First St., marked its 30th anniversary Jan. 17, reflecting three decades of operation rooted in local history, community ties and consistent patronage.

The restaurant and bar, designated as Historical Site 12, opened in 1996 and is owned by Cherie and Bud Fanning. The interior features an old-world, mostly wood finish, with mounted animals lining the walls, including deer, boars and fish.

Bud’s Pub & Grill, a longtime downtown Dixon fixture located at 100 S. First St., marked its 30th anniversary Jan. 17. Owned by Bud and Cherie Fanning, the restaurant opened in 1996 on Bud Fanning’s birthday. Photo by Nicolas Brown

“This weekend will be 30 years since we’ve opened Bud’s,” said Cherie Fanning. “Never thought we’d be here at 30 years, but here we are.”

Cherie Fanning said her family’s connection to Dixon spans generations.

“Eight generations,” she said. “My great-great-grandfather rolled in with the buildings when it was Silveyville.”

According to Bud Fanning, Bud’s Pub & Grill opened on his birthday in 1996. Initially, the business was not intended to operate as a full restaurant.

“I was more interested in a bar,” said Bud Fanning. “But we served two dishes at certain times, and when it became too difficult to do both, we stayed a restaurant.”

Cherie Fanning said the layout of the building has evolved over time.

“The corner cafe, which I grew up eating at, is now where the bar is,” she said. “Originally, Bud’s was just a dining room.”

Bud’s Pub & Grill offers breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, opening at 7 a.m. The restaurant holds both food and liquor licenses, which Bud Fanning said was a deliberate choice.

“I knew what I liked and wanted, so that’s what I chose,” said Bud Fanning.

Menu offerings include a wide range of items, with the French dip sandwich among the most popular selections, according to Cherie Fanning. Bud Fanning said customers often ask for recommendations.

“People ask me all the time, ‘what’s good?’,” said Bud Fanning. “I tell them everything or it wouldn’t be on the menu”

Cherie Fanning said regular customers play a significant role in shaping the atmosphere.

“We have a regular group that loves the bartenders and servers; it’s kind of like Cheers,” said Cherie Fanning.

She said several groups meet at Bud’s on a regular basis.

“We have a group of middle-aged ladies that come in every single week and play cards,” said Cherie Fanning. “The Lions Club meets here twice a month for dinner. A lot of groups meet here to eat.”

The Fannings said community involvement has long been central to their business philosophy.

“My family has been a huge part of the community,” said Cherie Fanning.

According to her, two of her grandfathers served as mayors of Dixon and as president of the May Fair board. Bud Fanning’s family previously owned a local cleaners, she added.

Designated as Historical Site 12, Bud’s Pub & Grill offers breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, opening at 7 a.m. Photo by Nicolas Brown

Bud’s Pub & Grill hosts events including birthday parties, baby showers, retirement parties and fundraisers, and offers daily happy hour specials such as Taco Tuesday, Wings Wednesday and Thursday hot dogs. A weekend brunch menu is available Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The 30th anniversary celebration was held Jan. 17 and included dinner specials, seasonal cocktails, raffles, prizes and custom Bud’s glassware.

Cherie and Bud Fanning also own the Olde Vet’s Hall at 231 N. First St., which is available for event reservations.

For more information, visit budsdixon.com or call 707-678-4745.