Valley restaurateurs try to revive association

Leaders say tough financial conditions might have been a factor in the low meeting attendance.
YOUNGSTOWN -- Some local restaurateurs are hoping to revive the Mahoning Valley Restaurant Association, which was forced to disband earlier this year because of low member participation.
Bob Abruzzi, owner of Cafe 422 in Warren and a member of the Ohio Restaurant Association board, said he's working with some other independent restaurant owners who hope to revive the local chapter.
"It's a shame. This area was always known for its restaurants," he said. "I'm sure we have what it takes to get it back again."
Mary Ann Logan, owner of Nicolino's Restaurant in Niles and former president of the Valley chapter, said the group had a healthy membership roster but had consistently low attendance at monthly meetings and other events.
With a membership of about 80, she said, only about six or eight members attended the group's networking and business meetings.
No local funds
The state group's decision to disband the Valley chapter in January means local members' dues go to the National Restaurant Association and the Ohio group, with no funds allotted for local activities.
Logan said Valley leaders had to close down their Web site and stop meeting.
Membership dues vary based on size and volume, ranging from $249 a year to $700 and higher.
"I think it's related to economics," Logan said, trying to explain the poor member attendance.
"A lot of our independent restaurants are really struggling, and it's hard for the owners to get away to attend a meeting."
The group's roster also was diminished over the past few years by the closing of large member restaurants such as The Living Room, Moonraker, El Rio and Jimmy Chieffo's, she said.
vinarsky@vindy.com