The Garibyan family and Cafe Langley were recognized with three Mayor’s Excellence Award pins at Tuesday night’s Langley City Council meeting, an honor which was received with a standing ovation by the 20 or so people in attendance.

The award is presented to an individual or group of individuals whose “contribution to the vision, mission and goals of the city of Langley are characterized by the highest standards of quality and excellence,” Mayor Tim Callison said.

Katya Garibyan, who worked at the cafe for many years and was an “integral part of the business” in the past few years, accepted the pins from Callison on behalf of her family.

In a written letter read by Callison, City Councilwoman Rene Neff said “having middle eastern cuisine in town was a draw to both tourists and local (people).”

“This special restaurant and the family who ran it will be missed greatly,” Neff wrote. “Langley is proud of you. You found us and chose to have your business here. We wish your family the very best in the future.”

Cafe Langley closed its doors on Dec. 23 after 27 years of serving residents and tourists in the Village by the Sea.