Athens Independent Restaurant Association Mission

The Athens Independent Restaurant Association is an organization of locally and independently-owned member restaurants operating in the Athens, Ohio area.

The Athens Independent Restaurant Association's mission is to raise the awareness of the Athens and southeastern Ohio dining public of the unique benefits of patronizing independently-operated restaurant businesses.

As members, we are committed to a vision of collaboration and participation that supports and promotes the economic interests of our businesses and the community in which we operate.

Local and independently-owned businesses promote the unique character and charm of the Athens community and uptown dining district.
Economic partnerships and collaborative marketing efforts enhance the financial interests of all members of the association by promoting consumer education on the benefits of purchasing from local and independently-owned businesses.
Local and independently-owned businesses share a responsibility to promote and utilize the services and products of other small business operations.
Community participation and leadership is demonstrated through food donations, financial contributions and staff volunteerism to charitable causes and organizations and can be achieved more cost effectively through public relations and marketing collaborations.
Group networking and advocacy efforts to inform and influence governmental officers and economic development organizations will vitalize the dining industry in Athens.