ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- It's quite the feat to celebrate turning 90 years old, let alone keeping a business up and running for that long. On Sunday, dozens of people attended Hill Top Inn's 90th-anniversary celebration in Elmira where they enjoyed food, and live music, danced, and listened to speakers talk about the restaurant's history.

"The building itself was built in 1912. It was a summer home owned by the Wyckoff family and then the Rathbone family," said Hill Top Inn President and third-generation owner, Michael Sullivan.

He added, "In 1932, in the heart of the Depression, my grandparents bought this summer home. They needed a way to earn a living, so they invited guests to come in and dine in their home."

Sullivan said despite 'Inn' being in the name, it's not a place for people to stay. He said the term meant a place of hospitality in the 1920s, 30s, and 40s meant a place of hospitality.

Sullivan said his grandparents ran Hill Top Inn from 1933 to 1982 until his parents took over. Just seven years later, Sullivan took over the business from his parents when his father died in 1989.

"I was a graduate of Saint Bonaventure University. I had come back about six months prior and said I’ll work beside you and learn what I can," said Sullivan.

According to information from the Family Business Facts section on Cornell University's website, the average lifespan of a family-owned business is 24 years. It also mentions approximately 13 percent of businesses are passed down successfully to a third generation.

"It’s a true honor and a privilege and a testament that we’ve lasted now for three generations. Thirty-four years into the third generation and we're now celebrating our 90th year," said Sullivan.

So what does it take to keep Hill Top Inn open for 90 years? Sullivan said it's about the people you surround yourself with and respecting them.

"It’s not about any magic secret, it’s about treating people as humans. It's about having that respect for one another and hoping that everybody grows every day," said Sullivan. He added, "There’s no hierarchy here. It's all about how we grow as a team and how we grow individually. If you invest in the people that are going to make that happen, that investment will pay off."

Former second-generation owner and Michael's mother, Marilynn Sullivan said the people who have worked at Hill Top Inn aren't just employees, they're family.

"A day like today proves how successful this has been because there are so many people here who gave up regular family celebrations to bring their families here and celebrate with us," said Marilynn. She added, "They still [feel like] they’re a part of this establishment and this family."

Marilynn said when people come back, no matter how long after they've left their job at Hill Top Inn, they're always welcome to come back.

She also had a message/advice for future generations who might celebrate the 100th, 110th, and possibly the 150th Hill Top Inn.

"Be ready to work hard. It's a commitment that takes a lot out of your life. You don’t have as much time to vacation as you might like to...but it’s well worth it to meet so many wonderful people," said Marilynn.

Michael said the future generations should love what they do and be passionate about it.

"No matter what it is you want to do in life, you have to work at it. There’s nothing given to you," said Michael.