PARKERSBURG - Hoping to introduce chamber of commerce members to new eateries, officials have launched a Lunch Mob.
Jill Parsons, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley, said the goal is to encourage folks to have lunch at a place that might be new or a spot they haven't been to in a while. "You might get a chance to try a meal at a place you haven't been to before," she said
Parsons said the idea is based on a Cash Mob where local patrons support area businesses. "Our new Lunch Mob will encourage local patrons to grab lunch at one of our Chamber eateries on a specific day and time," she said.
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The Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley’s inaugural Lunch Mob will be held Tuesday at the Hillbilly Sandwich Shack.
Parsons got the idea from a town in Maine. With the substantial number of local restaurants in the area, she wanted to give the idea a try here. Chamber officials reached out to a couple of local restaurants. The Hillbilly Sandwich Shack and the Fraternal Order of Eagles were the first to respond.
Wednesday, July 11, members of the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley will meet at the Hillbilly Sandwich Shop from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for its inaugural Lunch Mob event.
The Hillbilly Sandwich Shack (formerly the Thirsty Turtle) opened about a month ago, according to Parsons.
"I've been in there and had a fried bologna sandwich," she said.
"If it goes over like gangbusters, we may have a long line out the door," she added.
The Chamber has a second Lunch Mob set for Monday, July 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Eagles' Aerie on Avery Street.
"Since the Eagles moved back downtown I'm not sure folks realize they are back serving lunch," Parsons said.
"If this takes off like we hope, it could be a busy lunchtime," Parsons said.
Parsons other eateries that are members of the chamber can contact officials to get on the Lunch Mob schedule. Eateries who are not members of the chamber, but would like to participate in the Lunch Mob and learn more about the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley can contact Jennifer Longwelll at 304-422-3588.
"We would be happy to talk to them," Parsons said.
