• Membership in AIR

  • Since its inception in 2002, Asheville Independent Restaurant Association, referred to as AIR, has grown to 60+ members with additional growth anticipated annually. Our members, independent restaurants, are among the most popular in the area and many of their owners sit on community boards for organizations such as the Asheville Downtown Association, the Tourism Development Association and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.

  • Benefits of Membership

  • Below is a list of possible benefits afforded all AIR members. This list changes annually. The Asheville Independent Restaurant Association is continually creating new benefits and value for its membership. The following are just some of the benefits available to AIR members, including ways we can help you save money.

  • More exposure online through AIR’s Web site (www.AIRasheville.org). The site serves as a source for news, information and opportunities concerning the local restaurant community. Members of AIR are given space on this site to promote their establishments. This includes a 100-word description, your logo, one photograph and a link to your Web site.

    AIRasheville.org is an extremely active website with many services for the public such as restaurant search by location, type of food, amenities, etc, ongoing and upcoming events, a future job board for restaurants to post openings… home page lists restaurant events with links… and more.

    *AIR’s quarterly eNewsletter" announcing upcoming events at restaurants, and anything new with your restaurant.

    AIRegram, a weekly newsletter to AIR members,affiliates, associates and sponsors.

    AIR members receive discount advertising rates as announced the AIRegram.

    Networking available in the AIRegram’s Member to Member section and Classified section to post jobs, buy or sell equipment, find catering opportunities.

    Impact the local political scene by collectively raising awareness of issues directly affecting local independent restaurants.

    Positive publicity for AIR’s proactive response to recycling initiative as we work toward going “green”.

    More advertising muscle by pooling resources to purchase ads in national and regional media outlets that can normally only be afforded by large chains.

    Dining Out Guide – Every AIR member restaurant is featured in this rack-card sized 60 page dining guide with logo, description and photo. This Guide is available at area hotels, B&Bs, resorts, visitor centers, and AIR restaurants throughout the greater Asheville area. Over 30,000 circulation. Ad sales are now available!

    Asheville Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center – AIR restaurants who are also members of the Chamber have the opportunity to be involved in a number of events throughout the year at the chamber’s new Visitor Center. Visitor’s seeking dining information will be directed to AIR’s Dining Out Guide.

    To receive an updated list of AIR member 2009 benefits, email the AIR membership coordinator. For a printable pdf.file of AIR member benefits please click here .

  • Membership Requirements

  • To join AIR, you restaurant must be locally owned and operated, have seating, be freely open to the public. It goes without say, that your restaurant cannot belong to a chain or franchise. It is our aim to keep dining out dollars in our local economy. Join AIR, unchaining Asheville, one restaurant at a time. Questions? email airmembership@gmail.com

  • Membership Dues

  • 2009 AIR Membership dues schedule
    $ 50.00 New Member Application Fee
    $400.00 Member Dues (Pro-rating unavailable)
    $200.00 Affiliate Dues-Same concept
    $100.00 Affiliate Dues-Different concept

    2009 Renewal fees are due December 31, 2008. If not received by 12/31/08, member must re-apply and pay the $50.00 new member application fee.

    Affiliate members are for restaurants with more than one location in Buncombe County. Same Concept Affiliates (SCA) share the same name as the parent restaurant. Different Concept Affiliates (DCA) have a different name and different concept from the parent restaurant. Affiliates are owned by a single parent restaurant, with a single federal employer identification number.

    Email airmembership@gmail.com to receive a 2009 application or renewal form.

    CLICK to download 2008 application.

  • Associate Members

  • An Associate Member is any individual or business which wishes to support the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association. This membership entitles the Associate member to attend General Member Member Meetings, distribute literature at said meetings, (but without voting privilege), advertise in our two newsletters and be listed on our website’s associate page.

    2009 AIR Associate Membership pro-rated fee: $300.
    All applications for membership in AIR must be approved by the Board. You may download an application for Associate Membership on the Associate page.