SHELBY — Bernie Fernandez was sure many friend and family groups around Richland County have had the same experience when debating what restaurant to visit.
“When my wife and I go out to eat, if neither of us have an idea of where we want to go, it can almost start an argument,” he said. “I came up with Eat419 to have different local restaurants all in the same place, so hopefully, you can make a quicker decision.”
Fernandez started Eat419, a network of more than 30 local restaurants, in November last year. Any business in the “419” area code is able to join, provided Fernandez likes their food.
“I don’t put any business on there that I haven’t tried myself,” he said. “You know I’m recommending a good meal.”
The Shelby High School alumnus shares Facebook posts from the member restaurants on the Eat419 page, as well as his other pages Mansfield OH Networking and Ohio Paparazzi.
Fernandez, a self-described “serial entrepreneur” has worked in social media for more than 15 years.
“Everyone’s busy running their own businesses that they might not always remember to post what the daily special is,” he said. “Our Facebook page provides a centralized location for consumers to discover daily specials and events at participating restaurants in the 419 network.
“It allows restaurants to effectively engage with their audience and drive traffic to establishments within our network.”
Eat419 shares Facebook posts from their member restaurants and posts a welcome message for new restaurants.
It costs $50 a month for restaurants to join. Fernandez also started weekly $25 gift card drawings for local residents to win at member restaurants and bars.
‘Awareness is what it’s all about’
Jaclyn Hittesdorf, owner of Jackie’s Cheesecakes, said she joined the Eat419 network about a month ago.
She opened her bakery in Lexington in May last year and has been making cheesecakes since culinary school.
“I don’t know quite yet how much business I have gotten, but (Fernandez) sharing on social media is going to a whole other groups of people, hopefully, that have not heard of me yet,” Hittesdorf said.
“He’s also been telling other restaurants about me if they are looking for a good dessert.”
Jessica Backensto, owner of Pump & Grind in Madison Township, said the coffee shop received lots of order for their “Rock n’ Rolling taters” the week Eat419’s pages shared the dish.
“I do think it’s helped bring traffic in,” she said.
Fernandez said newer businesses and experienced restaurateurs alike have found benefits from Eat419.
“I heard from a customer just last week that he hadn’t been to Porky’s in forever, but he went because he saw our photo of their burgers and thought they looked delicious,” Fernandez said.
“Awareness is what it’s all about. You’re usually out of sight, out of mind with customers, but we try to keep your logo and your food in front of their eyes.”
Fernandez said he is also trying to start separate websites for Eat614 and Eat216 in the Columbus and Cleveland areas.
The Eat419 website advertises restaurants, bars, bed & breakfasts and wedding venues. Current sponsors of the site include RE/Max Realtor DeLena Ciamacco, Pivot Creative, Hitman Entertainment, Sokol & Associates, Roof King & Associates, Hitchman Insurance, Ambrose Dental, Haring Realtor Cassie Swisher, Meg Spayde Photography and Local Handyman For Hire LLC.
“I want to be a little exclusive with my sponsors because I don’t want the whole page taken up with sponsors or any specific type of business,” Fernandez said.
All the participating restaurants are online at Eat419.net with links that lead to their Facebook pages. Call 614-824-7530 if you’re interested in joining the Eat419 network.
