Local restaurants establish a DORA: designated outdoor refreshment area

AUSTINTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – A DORA, a first of its kind in Mahoning County, has been established in Austintown with the goal of having fun while boosting business.

The three main restaurants on Patriot Boulevard, Quaker Steak & Lube, Biker Brewhouse and Cracker Barrel joined the DORA — or Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area.

Now people can bounce from establishment to establishment with a drink in hand as long as each location is participating in said event, such as Bike Night every Thursday, Rally at Route 46 and Sunday car shows.

“People enjoy going to those places where they can walk from establishment to establishment,” said Biker Brewhouse owner Larry Wilson.

The DORA’s actually been active since late last year but the first big event didn’t happen until last week. Now, when the businesses have an outdoor event, they don’t need to apply for an outdoor liquor license creating a summer of opportunity for them.

“This actually was brought to us by Quaker Steak and Biker Brewhouse. We did our research and we want to see where it goes,” said Austintown Trustee Robert Santos.

“They always put summer events continuously throughout the summer and they honestly donate a majority of that funding back to the community,” said Santos.

“It’s been a great start to it. I’m hoping it continues and it just allows us to have more opportunity for more events and more people,” said Bill DeForest general manager of Quaker Steak.

“You can walk outside on a nice, bright summer day and go check out the Sunday car shows, that’s a big event for us as well,” said DeForest.

So far, there hasn’t been any issue with the DORA but the township has the power to adjust restrictions as time goes on.

“Definitely drink responsibly. Don’t abuse this privilege that we’re able to do. These businesses definitely want to do what they can to make sure they grow and they stay here in this area. So, let’s respect everyone else’s space as well,” said Santos.

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