FOOD edition 2015
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ACE net 1985
Starting off with a goal and a dedication to creating a healthy and just economy in Athens, a group of three began ACEnet, originally known as the Worker Owned Network. Partnering with a few displaced workers, ACEnet helped Casa Nueva come into being, along with ten other worker-owned cooperatives. ACEnet’s mission was to help low-income Athenian individuals start producing and marketing their niche products and local food businesses, and to network and develope a sustainable economy off each other.
1990
Their next endeavor was to create a business incubator, a space that provides services necessary to start a business for below-market rates. Anything from reception, fax machines, computers - which were more difficult to get access to back in the 80s - is provided. ACEnet also started providing workshops and training to teach startups on how to utilize different programs and the internet. ACEnet’s educational programs are critical to those who don’t have access to or the knowledge on how to navigate the internet’s massive span of marketing opportunities, now that social media’s become such a necessary aspect of promoting a product.
A brief history
1996
ACEnet opens a licensed commercial kitchen space called the Food Ventures Center. Many small business fail before they start because of obstacles such as not having access to a commercial kitchen to prepare food or the financial means. These problems are what ACEnet’s Food Ventures provides answers to: a space without the financial responsibility of paying for a license individually, as well as educational workshops and guidance in health and safety regulatory requirements concerning food storage, handling, disposal, so on and so forth.
ACEnet, standing for Appalachian Center for Economic Networks, serves thirty-two county communities, with Athens as its central hub, helping low-income citizens start their own businesses successfully.
2000
Putting the speciality products under the brand FOOD WE LOVE made it easier to open the doors to places like Kroger. They were successful due to pushing in-store demonstrations, screening and inspecting the food for the highest quality possible, instore demos, store signage, branding materials, and emphasizing the “regional flavor” aspect of the products. Producers that have made it into local and regional food markets through ACEnet include: Frog Ranch Salsa, Vino de Milo, Integration Acres, Herbal Sage Tea Company, Crumb’s Bakery, Silver Bridge Coffee, and Snowville Creamery.
2010
The 30 Mile Meal, part of a larger 100 Mile Meal, boosted Athens into a food economy epicenter. ACEnet banded with the Visitor’s Bureau to bring more awareness (and tourism) to the farmers market, local restaurants, and food festivals. Brew Week and 30MM Restaurant Week have only been around for the past 5 years and already today, they have over 140 participants. By creating this umbrella of restaurants and retailers, Athens is able to showcase that they’re committed to buying from local farms and local business owners.
2015
Today, ACEnet continues to delve further into Athens plentiful food resources, sponsoring and organizing activity such as a growing Athen’s Farmers’ Market, farm-to-school programs, and helping feed vulnerable areas of Athens and surrounding counties. Apart from their own individual work, they also have partnered with many local and regional programs developing economic, social, and agricultural sustainability, including Community Food Initiatives, Rural Action, and Upgrade Athens.
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30 Mile Meal has made it easy for those visiting Athens to eat healthy and local- just look for the sticker on the front door! It ’s made even easier with this map, whether you’re just passing through , coming here as a freshman , looking for an espresso, some drinks, or a place to take your date!
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Sponsered by: ACEnet and Google Maps™
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Delis, Diners, and Cafes
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Alexa
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Union Street Diner
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70 W Union St (740) 594-6007 24-hour dining with burgers and breakfast!
Brenen’s Cafe and Deli
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2 3
Campbell St
38 S Court St (740) 594-4475 Soups, sandwiches, coffee, & desserts!
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28 W Stimson St (740) 593-7007 Local sandwiches, soups, coffee, and drinks! Donkey Coffee & Espresso 17 W Washington St (740) 594-7353 All fari-trade from Dean’s Beans, along with local treats!
Fluff Bakery and Catering 8 N Court St (740) 249-4286 Sandwiches & all sorts of cake and coffee!
Food Carts
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Village Bakery and Cafe 268 E State St (740) 594-7311 Local sandwiches, soups, desserts, & Sunday brunch!
27 Court St. (740) 593-3838 Make your own bagel creation!
The Farmacy Deli
Watt St
24
Hudson Ave
E State St.
Bagel Street Deli
Not Guilty Food Cart
Corner of Court & Union (740) 590-3051 Seasonal sandwiches, soups, and smoothies!
Burrito Buggy
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Corner of Court & Union (740) 590-3814 Tacos and burritos, with blackbeans sourced from local Shagbark Mill!
Dinner, Drinks, and Others!
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Casa Nueva
4 W State St (740) 592-2016 Bodega & Cantina, with seasonal menus!
Salaam
21 W Washington (740) 594-3800 Locally-sourced, Eastern-inspired dining!
17 18 19 20
Della Zona
270 E State St (740) 594-2855 Pizza & gelato from 5pm-9pm Friday!
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Zoe
24 1/2 E State St (740) 592-4443 Fine dining with seasonal menu!
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Jackie O’s Pub
24 W Union St (740) 592-9686 Artisan ales & local burgers!
Lui Lui
8 Station St (740) 594-8905 Sushi on Tuesdays and seasonal pizza!
22 & 24 W Union St (740) 592-9686 Local brews and burgers!
West End Ciderhouse
234 W Washington St House-made cider, wine, mead, & spirits!
Kiser’s Barbeque
Sol Restaurant
33 N Court St (740) 592-1740 Cuban fare with rum bar!
Jackie O’s Taproom
23 24
42 N Court St (740) 249-4575 Award-winning BBQ and seasonal salad bar!
Fusion Noodle Company
30 W Union St. (740) 589-5511 Locally-sourced ethnic cusine!
O’Betty’s Red Hot!
15 W State St (740) 589-6111 All local casings and toppings!
West Side Wingery
9 Shafer St (740) 541-5544 Local wings and tacos!
Miller’s Chicken 235 W State St (740) 593-6544 All local chicken!
Avalanche Pizza
329 E State St (740) 594-4664 Award-winning pizzas and breads! At the Farmer’s Market!
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" Krogers
919 E State St (740) 592-1598 " Athens Farmers Market 1000 E State St. (740) 593-6763 " The Farmacy 28 E Stimson St. (740) 593-7007
Seaman's 305 W Union St. (740) 594-2238 " Gourmet Your Way 94c Columbus Rd (740589-6456 " Village Bakery 268 E State St (740) 594-7311
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" Busy Day Market "
30 W Stimson St (740) 592-9700 Bulk Food Depot 5457 Radford Rd (740)594-5053
Sources https://www.google.com/maps/ https://30milemeal.wordpress.com “The 30 Mile Meal.” The 30 Mile Meal. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Dec. 2015. athensohio.com/category/dining/30-mile-meal-dining/ “30 Mile Meal Dining - Athens County Visitor’s Bureau.” Athens County Visitors Bureau. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Dec. 2015. acenetworks.org “Welcome to the Appalachian Center for Economic Networks.” ACEnet. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Dec. 2015. http://www.cannetwork.org/documents/CANMITBrandingStudyExecutiveSummaryFinal.pdf “Branding Study for Appalachian Local Food Economoes” Central Appalachian Network. January 2013. Web. 23 Dec. 2015