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Since its inception in 2002, Asheville Independent Restaurants has fostered a network of restaurateurs, chefs, suppliers, partners, farmers, sponsors, culinary teachers and students in our community. The organization strives to connect restaurants with each other in the spirit of collaboration and camaraderie, sharing beneficial industry information and ideas. AIR is also actively engaged in giving back to our town through local events and causes, culinary scholarships, and support of local businesses. AIR works closely with the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, the Asheville Chamber of Commerce and the Asheville Downtown Association.

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.

  • AIR Mail Newsletter - Our quarterly e-newsletter provides information on current AIR events, relevant issues and ideas, news about our membership and the organization, and a forum for AIR members to submit articles and information.
  • AIR Dining Guide - This guide has traditionally been a printed piece distributed to the Convention Visitors’ Bureau, area hotels and bed and breakfasts, and event venues. Each restaurant member receives a free ad in the guide.
  • www.airasheville.org - Members receive a presence on our new website, including contact information and Google map accessibility. Phase Two of website development will include a members only section and may include opportunities for job postings and employment resources.
  • Marketing - AIR works closely with the Chamber of Commerce, Asheville Convention and Visitors’ Bureau and the Downtown Association to capitalize on multiple marketing opportunities throughout the year. Events, hosting food writers, providing groups with dining materials and opportunities, and partnering with other organizations all add muscle to your own individual marketing efforts.
  • AIR Sponsors and Associate Member Benefits - AIR has over $100,000 in in-kind sponsorships from media and a variety of vendors/suppliers. This generous support allows AIR the opportunity to strategically promote our events, our organization and, of course, our membership.
  • Promotional Opportunities - In league with our sponsors and partners, members enjoy discounts and programs developed specifically for AIR members.
  • Taste of Asheville - AIR’s signature event and product offering, the Taste of Asheville Passport represents over $600 in value to AIR members’ customers. Restaurants are heavily promoted through the sales of the Passport as well as the annual Taste of Asheville event.
  • AIR’s Chefs of Tomorrow Scholarship Fund - Established through AB-Tech’s terrific culinary program, AIR works on your behalf to provide future hospitality industry professionals with financial assistance.

To receive an updated list of AIR member 2011 benefits, email the AIR membership coordinator. For a printable pdf file of AIR member benefits please click here.

Membership Requirements and Dues

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 info@airasheville.org.

2012 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

2012 Renewal fees are due December 31, 2011. If not received by 12/31/11, 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 info@airasheville.org to receive a 2012 application or renewal form.

Download the 2012 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.

2012 AIR Associate Membership pro-rated fee: $495. All applications for membership in AIR must be approved by the Board. You may download an application for Associate Membership on the Associate page.