Membership Benefits

Since its inception in 2003, the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association has fostered a network of restauranteurs, 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 actively engaged in giving back to our town through local events, causes, and support of local businesses.

The following are just some of the many benefits available to AIR members, including everything from education, to marketing, to creative healthcare options for your employees, to ways that we can help save you money.

PROMOTIONAL BENEFITS

• AIRmail: Each week, our specialized e-newsletter provides information on upcoming AIR events, educational opportunities, relevant issues and ideas, as well as news about our membership and the organization.
• AIRfare: Our monthly public e-newsletter connects our local food lovers to you! Each month, we include stories featuring owners, chefs, makers and more. We also highlight openings, events, AIR-related products, and other foodie news.
• AIR Website: AIRAsheville.org, includes a directory of AIR restaurant members with logo and images, location and link to restaurant website. The AIR directory is searchable by type of food, neighborhood, and other amenities. We also feature a job board for members to post openings.
• Taste of Asheville: AIR’s signature event and fundraiser, the Taste of Asheville showcases AIR Restaurants and Partners. Approximate attendance 700 people, primarily loyal local food lovers.
• AIR Passport: Restaurants are heavily promoted through the sales of the Passport. Free to participate in, and with over 800 sold, this is a great way to grow business.
• Social Media Cross Promotion: AIR shares our member’s events, news, specials and more to our highly engaged social media following.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

• Food Safety Certifications: AIR offers both in person and online Food Manager Trainings at a discount to our members. 
• Industry Focused Courses and Workshops: We provide classes and workshops focused on various industry topics including management workshops, senior leadership classes, owners-only discussions, best business practices, service standards, legislation, and regulation.

RESOURCES

• Exclusive discounted health, pharmacy, and dental benefit programs for your employees: 
  • Parkview Dental — A membership program for affordable dental care.  For as little as $30/month, many basic services are covered.  Contact Leslie Clark at by email or call 828-252-3591.
  • PCP4Me + Mercy Urgent Care — A healthcare membership service for employers that provides low-cost, direct access to affordable primary and urgent care for employees. Reach out to PCP4Me here.
  • Lantern Health — Longtime AIR partner Lantern Health offers its direct primary care membership starting at $110/month.  Contact Ben Aiken.
  •  Sona Pharmacy — The Sona Prescription Savings Card can provide discounts of up to 75% on medications.  Anyone can enroll — there are  no age or income requirements. To sign up for a card, visit this link.
• Our partnership with Employee Assistance Network (EAN) offers our restaurant members discounted rates on mental and behavioral health resources for their employees. More info here.
• AIR Partners: Our website allows you to easily search through vendors who are AIR Partners. These vendors have joined AIR to work closer with your business. You can easily navigate this list by category.
• Opportunity to serve on AIR committees to further connect on issues including advocacy, workforce, and sustainability.

ADVOCACY

AIR advocates for issues that will positively affect the majority of our members. The organization will continue to monitor issues that impact our industry. AIR maintains relationships with local and state elected officials to stay current on legislative issues that may impact our industry.

Currently, AIR’s advocacy is centered around small business support for recovery from Hurricane Helene. However, we also advocate for policy to support workforce housing, improved transportation and infrastructure, ABC legislation, and other items that support both business and workforce.

MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY AND PRICING

AIR Restaurant Membership ($495): To become an AIR Restaurant Member your business must have seating, food/beverage service, and have originated in and is operationally controlled in Buncombe County. Access the application here.

AIR Sponsorship: Please contact our office at 828.575.9220 or email hello@airasheville.org to discuss sponsorship opportunities.