Evansville Dining Life (Local Independent Food Establishments) was formed in April of 2006 as a organization that is dedicated to fostering a stronger business environment for Evansville's locally owned and operated restaurants.

Evansville Dining Life Objectives:
To create greater public awareness of local independent restaurants.
To allow networking with other independent owners.
To maintain a business climate beneficial to the restaurant industry in general and independent restaurants specifically.
To promote programs and activities which enhance the restaurant industry in Evansville.

Frequently Asked Questions

#1 What is the groups purpose?
Our mission is to create an organization of local independent restaurants whose initial goal is to use a collective effort through advertising and special events to bring a top of mind awareness to the public about the presence, diversity, and reasons to dine with the local independent restaurants.

#2 What will this cost me?
Cost for members (local independent restaurant owners) will be $200 per month in the form of monthly dues, payable by the first of each month. Cost for associate members (i.e. Sysco, US Foodservice, National Wine and Spirits) will be $40 per month payable in advance in 6-month increments for a total $240 every 6 months. Associates who join in the middle of a 6-month period will pay for the remaining months prior to the next date which dues are payable.

#3 What do I get for my money?
Monthly dues of two hundred dollars ($200) will go directly to advertising and promoting your restaurant. You will have direct mention with other members included in all information and print media. You will also share equally in all other advertising Radio, TV, Cable TV, Newspaper and Billboards. Dues will also fund the creation and maintenance of the association’s website. Advertising costs and copies of billings for advertising will always be available for any member’s review.

#4 Do I have to sign a contract?
No, as of now, there will not be a contract. Please keep in mind that the success of this organization will depend on the commitment of the independent restaurants to be a paid member for a long enough period to allow our initial advertising campaign to have a positive effect. Our advertising agency’s recommendation is that we should make no less than a 6-month commitment; however, a 12-month commitment would be more efficient and cost effective. thus allowing the advertising agency to negotiate lower media rates, prime newspaper and billboard placement, giving the agency and our members in an overall better position with all of the advertising medias involved.

#5 Will my dues go up?
During the first year dues will remain the same. After that, we will evaluate whether or not we need to restructure our dues, but only if a majority vote of all members whose dues are paid in full at the time of the vote. All members will be notified and given a reasonable time to respond.

#6 What if I miss a month paying?
Should a member’s dues become delinquent, the arrears will be required to be paid and member dues current in order to be continue to be included in any promotions, advertising, and/or other benefits of association membership. If membership dues become two months in arrears, member will be removed from any form of media currently being used, and any benefits received as a member will cease. Member can be
reinstated as a member in good standing once all dues are current.

#7 Won’t Independents who do not join benefit?
Perhaps some independents that do not join will benefit, and, if so, we hope this will encourage them to join. However, our association member names will be the ones the public will see on a full-time basis, those who do not join will continue having to compete with chain advertising and now Evansville Dining Life advertising.

#8 Who’s in charge?
The initial meeting was held at the Acropolis as a precursor to see how much interest there was in forming a local independently owned restaurant association. Since that meeting, many potential members have been at the various meetings and have had a great deal of valuable input. It was the consensus of the majority of participants to move forward with the appointments of the offices of President, Vice President, Secretary/ Treasurer, and 4 board members. Associate members cannot be officers or board members, however, all positions are open for restaurant owners who become members and desire to be involved. We will hold elections yearly for these offices. At this time, contact persons include Chad Butler (Acropolis) 589-0100 or Terry Wolf (Wolf's Bar-B-Q) 424-8891.

#9 Who’s in charge of the money?
The elected Secretary/Treasurer will be responsible for all dues paid to the association. A checking account in the name of the association will be opened at Bank Of Evansville and all checks will require two signatures, the treasurer and one other member of the board of directors. Accurate records will be kept and all records will always be available for members to view. Receipts will be issued for all money received. All members will be required to retain receipts for their records, be sure a receipt if always given at the time of payment.

#10 Do I have to change advertising agencies?
No, the firm handling advertising for Evansville Dining Life is the agency for the association only. If you are currently with another advertising agency, that agency remains responsible for a member's individual restaurant advertising.

#11 What are the current benefits?

Unified advertising
Greater Public Awareness of local independent restaurants
Networking with other independent owners
More affect on local political scene
Help customers think before they choose a place to dine

#12 What are some future benefits?

Print material for hotels and kiosks
Association website advertising with links to your website if you have one
Customer discount promotions
Registration giveaways
Dining out guide
Donation request system to funnel all donation requests to one place