Stone Valley Farm

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PC: Shawn McMillen Photography | Corrigan | Jump Media

The fourth installment of the Stone Valley Farm customer spotlight on The French Laundry shines on its 20 year history.

1994 - Thomas Keller raises money from more than 60 investors and purchases The French Laundry on May 1. He hires Laura Cunningham to oversee the dining room and opens the doors to his restaurant July 6, serving American food with French influences and technique. On September 11, The French Laundry receives a four-star rating from Michael Bauer of the San Francisco Chronicle.

1995-2005
1998 - Bouchon opens in Yountville offering the restaurant's employees a place to grab a late night drink and snack after service.

1999 - The French Laundry cookbook is published by Artisan. It receives its first 5-star rating from Forbes Travel Guide (formerly Mobil Travel Guide).

2001 - The restaurant receives the "Outstanding Wine Service" award from the James Beard Foundation.

2002 - The restaurant is ranked #3 globally in "The World's 50 Best Restaurants" by Restaurant Magazine.

2003 - The French Laundry receives the "Outstanding Service" award from the James beard Foundation. Bouchon Bakery opens in Yountville and provides bread to both The French Laundry and Bouchon.

2004 - The restaurant is ranked #1 globally in "The World's 50 Best Restaurants" by Restaurant Magazine for the second consecutive year.

2005 - The French Laundry receives the "Outstanding Restaurant" award from the James Beard Foundation. It also received the 5-Diamond Award from the American Automobile Association

2006-2014
2006 - The French Laundry Chef de Cuisine Corey Lee is recognized by the James Beard Foundation as "Rising Star Chef." Ad Hoc opens in Yountville as a temporary restaurant.

2007 - The Michelin Guide comes to San Francisco and The French Laundry receives its first 3-star rating, which it has maintained every year since 2007. Chef Keller receives the "Outstanding Restaurateur" award from the James Beard Foundation.

2008 - The French Laundry remains "The World's 50 Best Restaurants" "Best in the Americas" since 2003.

2010 - The restaurant's Chef de Cuisine Timothy Hollingsworth is recognized by the James Beard Foundation as "Rising Star Chef."

2011 - Harrods in London hosts The French Laundry pop-up restaurant.

2013 - The French Laundry receives Wine Spectator's Grand Award for the seventh consecutive year.

2014 - The French Laundry celebrates 20 years of service. The restaurant remains one of the San Francisco Chronicle's "Top 100 Bay Area Restaurants"