August 25, 2009
HERSHEY INDEPENDENT RESTAURANT ASSN. FORMED TO OFFER HERSHEY VISITORS & RESIDENTS MORE DINING CHOICES
Over a dozen independent restaurants and other dining establishments in the Hershey-Hummelstown-Palmyra area have joined together to create the new Hershey Independent Restaurant Association (HIRA), today announced Association President Phil Guarno, owner and operator of Fenicci’s of Hershey. The group seeks to better promote Hershey’s independent restaurants and eateries to visitors and residents.
Guarno said the new organization was formed to provide greater cost efficiencies for all of the independent restaurateurs in the Hershey-Hummelstown-Palmyra area. “By sharing the costs of advertising, web and other promotional tactics, we can significantly expand our presence and reach far beyond what any of us could do individually,” said Guarno. “There are some great dining alternatives in our area that are frequently overlooked by visitors and residents alike simply because the public is unaware of them. So our priority goal is to better inform potential diners of their many options.”
Guarno said the founding members of HIRA include Al Mediterrano, Breads and Cheese, Boro Bar and Grill, Chocolate Avenue Grill, Cocoa Diner, Cocoa Perk Cafe, Dukes Bar and Grille, Fenicci’s of Hershey, Fire Alley, Funck’s Restaurant, Hershey Pantry, Palermo’s Pizza II, Pavone’s Restaurant, Piazza Sorrento, Union Canal House, and the What If of Hershey. Membership in the new organization is open to any independently-owned and operated restaurant, café, diner, ice cream stand, coffeeshop or other retail food service outlets. Annual membership dues are $100, and members split the costs of all Association marketing activities.
HIRA’s initial promotional strategies are focused on developing a strong Internet presence, with the new www.HersheyAreaRestaurants.com website now live. Social media, outdoor signage and other marketing campaigns are also being considered. |
