And Food & Dining joins M&M owner Tony Palombino in inviting you to celebrate with them. The VIP party begins at 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 23 at Manny & Merle, 122 W. Main St. There will be a complimentary menu, samplings of bourbon, tequila and craft beers, and live music, of course.

Entertainment will be provided by Honky Tonk Hacienda. A portion of the proceeds from the cash bar will be donated to local charities.

Be there or be square (bet you haven’t heard that for a while.)

The anniversary celebrations will continue for a while after the party. Though plans for a new project, the Barrel House, have been cancelled, a significant portion of the menu planned for that suburban effort will be rolled out at Manny & Merle beginning Tuesday, March 24.

New items will include Mighty Fine Hot Chicken, a Nashville-style fried chicken (4 heat levels available), a Dixie Chicken Sandwich, homemade mac ‘n’ cheese crocks, skillet cornbread and Bacon Picks (hand-cut bacon on a stick). The bar menu will also be updated and expanded to feature more local craft beer.

Manny & Merle will also expand into the barber shop space next door later in the year, adding 80 more seats, a larger live music stage and a private party room. Live music will continue on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and Wednesday’s popular singer and songwriter open mic will also stay.