This year marks the 100th anniversary of Mother's Day, but it's not just a big day for moms. It's also a big day for restaurants.

In fact, it's supposed to be the biggest day for the restaurant industry.

"It's really a huge day for us," says Mike Jeffris, general manager of Harrisonburg's Wood Grill Buffet. "Families definitely want to take their mothers out to a great family restaurant."

Mother's Day is a key indicator of what Jeffris, and other restaurant managers, can expect to see for the next several months.

"If you have a strong Mother's Day, it generally tells you you're going to have a strong spring and summer," says Jeffris.

According to the National Restaurant Association, financial growth at restaurants is slowing. This year, restaurant sales are expected to grow 4.4 percent. Last year, they grew 4.6 percent.

Still, restaurant sales are expected to hit $558 billion this year.

"Generally when gas prices go up, especially over $3 a gallon, families start cutting their meal budget, their entertainment budget first," says Jeffris. "Now that usually will impact the restaurant industry."

However, a shaky economy isn't stopping Carolyn Smith from celebrating with her mom and dad, who are both in their early nineties. Smith and her sister, Marilyn Porter, helped move their parents to the Valley from New Mexico.

"So, this is our first Mother's Day that we've had for probably ten years," says Smith.

While the rest of the month can be reserved for careful spending, these families recognize the need to let go for just a day.

"Food is the heart of the family," says Harrisonburg's Ina Kea. "We can really all get together and enjoy one another. And it's so good to be able to come out at a time like this to just have fun together and celebrate the wonderful day."