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| News from Fat Tony's
Italian Restaurant in Wilmington,
North Carolina
February 16, 2011: Fat Tony's Launches Beer &
Food Pairing Website |
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Fat Tony’s Launches Unique Beer & Food Pairing
Website Wilmington, NC – February 16, 2011 - Fat Tony's Italian Pub today launched a new website that facilitates interactive pairings of food and beer. The site, FindTheFlavor.com, is part of the Company’s 25-point initiative to increase awareness of its restaurants’ craft beer acumen through the teaming of craft beer with a wide variety of menu items. The site guides the visitor through a journey to match a beer with menu items. Choose a category, such as salads, or sandwiches, then choose an item, such as steak sandwich, and follow the descriptive advice of why the flavors of the food pair well with the flavors of different beers. Visitors discover, for example, that hoppy ales such as Lagunitas IPA, from tiny Petaluma, California, pair well with the meaty and tangy steak sandwich. The pairings were completed by Eric Rylander, Fat Tony’s owner, who last year obtained an industry certification of “Certified Cicerone®”, or beer sommelier. Rylander was the first in North Carolina to obtain the certification, which involves rigorous testing in the styles, serving, brewing, storage, and pairing of beer. “Craft beer is rapidly taking market share from the mass-produced American beers that use rice to lower costs of fermenting,” said Rylander. “The public is finding complexity in the flavors of these smaller-batch beers, and is willing to pay a little more to experience it. Our website is designed to help guide you through the wide variety of flavor profiles now available at Fat Tony’s.” Development of the site was an evolving effort with Brett Neville, site developer and President of Cape Fear Design. Mr. Neville’s company developed the complex site with many unique features, including a “Flavor Feed” that is a Twitter-like scrolling message board which displays recent pairing suggestions, selected by website visitors. “I must say, it was my first ‘Flavor Feed,’” remarked Neville. “With the excellent reputation of Fat Tony's providing high quality dishes combined with the area's most unique draft beer selection, FindTheFlavor.com is an additional benefit that will allow customers to have an outstanding dining experience above and beyond your typical restaurant.”
Fat Tony's Makes Sizeable Donation to Cape Fear Literacy Council Fat Tony's Italian Pub recently donated $5,000 to Cape Fear Literacy Council as a result of money raised by hosting the Wilmington Oktoberfest. The money raised will go directly towards programs at the Council which work with adults who need assistance in learning to read. "It's become very apparent that this training and outreach is needed," said Fat Tony's owner Eric Rylander. "Over the years, we've had several applicants for jobs who needed help filling out the application. Sometimes the most capable people have just never acquired good reading and writing skills, but they learn how to get by, so sometimes it's difficult to know which ones need help." "I suspect that some get help filling out their job application offsite, then bring it in on interview day," said Rylander. The Wilmington Oktoberfest is a cultural festival
featuring live In its 9th year, the Wilmington Oktoberfest was hosted by Fat Tony's beginning in 2009, and plans are underway for the 10th Annual festival, to be held at Racine Commons on October 14-16, 2011. Dozens of volunteers from the CFLC contributed their time to make the festival a success. Volunteers took tickets, cooked brats, swept floors and much more. “It was great to partake in such an exciting event that allowed our volunteers to enjoy themselves as well,” said Rachel Forman, Community Outreach Coordinator for the CFLC, and coordinator for all the complexities involved in scheduling such a massive volunteer effort. “Cape Fear Literacy Council is so thankful for the opportunity to participate in Oktoberfest and for the generous donation. The money will help us break the cycle of illiteracy.” Pictured on the attached photograph is Eric Rylander presenting the $5,000 check to Linda Lytvinenko, Executive Director of the Cape Fear Literacy Council.
Fat Tony's
Launches iPhone App Wilmington, NC December 29, 2010 - Fat Tony’s Italian Pub announced today the creation of an iPhone app which will reward loyal customers, provide food and craft beer pairings, and alert users about specials. Fat Tony’s becomes the first restaurant in the area to develop a proprietary mobile app. Fat Tony’s takes advantage of recently patented technology from MacroSolve’s DineInsight software. The release leverages the popularity of smartphones to help directly serve customers with utilities, incentives, and promotional materials. The app delivers alerts about specials, comprehensive menus, and feedback tools. Also provided are food and beer pairings from a Certified Cicerone™, beer sommelier. “We wanted to keep the app simple, but powerful,” says App Administrator and General Manager at Fat Tony’s, Jimmy Hart. Customers are able to pair appetizers, entrees, and desserts with flavors from craft beers in a unique and technologically advanced application. Fat Tony’s customers can now visit the iPhone app store, search “Fat Tony’s” and download for free. Customers will receive special offers, discounts, and promotions in return for the download – and as they use the app. With the mobile app space projected to become a $17.5 billion market by 2012, Fat Tony’s is leading the local market with an important and relevant customer connection. The app has already been featured on Yahoo’s “appolicious” site as one of its “iPhone Apps for Food Lovers.” “We have more features coming after we complete the food and beer pairings,” says Hart. “We hope to provide pizza ordering next.” Link to the app download: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=391425391&mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D6
Front Street Renovations Ahead of Schedule
Click here for the StarNews Article Wilmington Great American Smokeout to Include Fat Tony's Italian Pub WILMINGTON, North Carolina, Nov. 12 -Fat Tony's Italian Pub announced today that the popular local restaurant will mark the Great American Smoke Out, to occur on Thursday, November 20, by making both locations smoke-free for the day, and continue to ban smoking indoors at lunchtime going forward. The smoking ban will enable customers to experience the old world atmosphere in the bar area free of second-hand smoke. Fat Tony's will continue a strict enforcement of no smoking in designated sections. Ducts, filters, and carpets will be cleaned or replaced to mark the event. Fat Tony's is partnering in the event with Wilmington's CoastalHorizonsCenter, a nonprofit which promotes healthy lifestyle through prevention. Their services make a significant impact on the physical, emotional, and social development of children, adults, and families in the Wilmington area. Their website, http://www.coastalhorizons.org, provides contacts and outreach opportunities. By banning smoking during the Great American Smoke-out, and during lunch thereafter, Fat Tony's is showing its concern for nonsmokers while striking a balance with an important customer group. "We remain loyal to our customers who smoke," said owner Eric Rylander. "But we wanted to provide an opportunity for nonsmokers to check out our beautiful bar areas. Our bar at the Racine Drive location bar is patterned after a pub in London, and is a great example of American craftsmanship, but we find that many customers have stuck to the non-smoking sections - and didn't even realize the beauty and intricacy of this woodwork." A 2006 U.S. Surgeon General review suggests that restaurant business may actually improve after smoking bans are enacted. In a 2004 Zagat Survey, which polled nearly 30,000 New York City restaurant patrons, respondents said by a margin of almost 6 to 1 that they eat out more often now because of the city's smoke-free policy. As an incentive for smokers to experience the clean air, the Italian pub-themed restaurants will offer a free slice of its famous homemade cheesecake for smokers on November 20. "Put down the cigarettes for a day and receive a free dessert with your meal," said Rylander. About Fat Tony's Italian Pub Fat Tony's Italian Pub, a unit of Marzini Restaurants, LLC, has two Wilmington locations and specializes in homemade Italian food and a diverse selection of 24 draft beers in a fun pub environment. With furnishings from English pubs, and an Italian racing sports theme, Fat Tony's Italian Pub is part of new wave of U.S. gastro pubs made famous in Europe. Those hungry for more information may visit the company's website at http://www.fatpub.com . Wilmington Man Wins Free Pizza for a Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEWILMINGTON, NC - November 5, 2008 – Jeff Miles, a Wilmington resident and student at UNCW, today claimed his prize of Free Pizza for a Year from Fat Tony’s Italian Pub. Estimated value of the grand prize is well in excess of $1,000. Voting in the “Beer for President” contest conducted in the restaurants and on a website, www.VoteBeer08.com, paid off for Miles. He picked the winner, Fat Tony’s Haunted Pub Brew, which made him eligible for the grand prize. The contest culminated with the national presidential election on Tuesday night. The Beer for President campaign introduced Wilmingtonians to “candidates” which were easier than most to rely on. “We can always rely on great food, service, and especially beer at any Fat Tony's location. This is why Fat Tony's is THE pub in Wilmington!” said a jubilant Miles, who cast his vote along with an overwhelmingly large group of local followers. Other finalists for the office of Beer for President included Yuengling, Sam Adams, and Guinness. The original field of 24, which corresponded to the diverse collection of 24 draft beers offered in the pubs, was narrowed over the course of the 8-week contest. Not once did one of the candidates lose its head. Fat Tony’s Haunted Pub Brew is an American Pale Ale honoring the haunted history of the local restaurant chain’s downtown location. Its tap handle of pirate-turned-skeleton stands out among the lineup, and the citrusy pine flavor and aroma of its hops goes particularly well with the menu at Fat Tony’s. The Haunted Pub Brew running mate in the contest was the “Special”, a crowd pleaser pizza available at Fat Tony’s. About Fat Tony’s Italian Pub Fat Tony’s Italian Pub, a unit of Marzini Restaurants, LLC, has two Wilmington locations and specializes in homemade Italian food and a diverse selection of 24 draft beers in a fun pub environment. With furnishings from English pubs, a bar patterned after a pub in London, and an Italian racing sports theme, Fat Tony’s Italian Pub is part of new wave of U.S. gastro pubs made famous in Europe. The location in historic downtown Wilmington celebrated its 5th anniversary this year, and is home of historic downtown Wilmington’s annual ChowdaFest which takes place the second Saturday in November. Those hungry for more information may visit the company’s websites of http://www.fatpub.com or http://www.chowdafest.com . Contact:
Five-Year Anniversary Party Date SetFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEWILMINGTON, NC - January 14, 2008 –
Fat Tony’s Italian Pub announced today plans for a party on July 19, 2008,
to celebrate its Fifth Year Anniversary in Historic Downtown Wilmington.
The details of the celebration will be posted to its website by the end of
January. A 'Chili' DayBy Andy Scherr WWAYTV3 on 27 October 2007 - 7:45pm. It may have been rainy and muggy out today, but it was chili all afternoon in Hugh McRae Park. Saturday afternoon marked the area’s 21st annual chili cook-off. Nine of the area’s top chili chefs cooked-off to benefit the area’s Domestic Violence Shelter. Attendees sampled chili from all nine contenders and voted on the recipe they liked best. “I ate a sample cup from every station and I drank about a beer per cup,” said Chad Dillard, a self-proclaimed chili lover who attended the event. “That's usually how it works--one cup of chili, one cup of beer. It equals out pretty good.” Attendees voted the Chili from Fat Tony’s in downtown Wilmington to be this year’s best.
Boddington’s Draft Available Exclusively at Fat Tony’s WILMINGTON, NC - October 15, 2007 – Fat Tony’s Italian Pub announced today that Boddington’s Pub Ale is available at both locations, an exclusive to Wilmington, North Carolina. Through a special arrangement, Fat Tony’s is the only location in the area to pour the smooth, creamy ale. Deep golden in color, “The Cream of Manchester” is lightly carbonated and topped with a very thick and creamy head. As Brian Belly puts it, “with autumn upon us and the football season in full swing, it’s a perfect beer to make the transition from beach chair to bar stool. Slightly sweet with a hint of honey as it goes down.” Boddington’s pairs well with many dishes served at Fat Tony’s, such as Baked Ziti, Beef Lasagna, Greek salad, and pizza of all kinds. Pasta in all forms with marinara complements the rich brew. Boddington’s continues to be available at some retail outlets in can form. For more information, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boddingtons NBA's Charlotte Bobcats frequent Fat Tony's while training in Wilmington WILMINGTON, NC - October 8, 2005 -- Fat Tony’s, an Italian pub located in Wilmington, has become the most visited restaurant for players. Pasta dishes, pizza, big screen televisions and a laid back atmosphere have not only attracted the Bobcats players since arriving in town on Tuesday, but team personnel and media. On Friday night, Bobcats assistant coach Gary Kloppenberg was seen enjoying a meal at Fat Tony’s. "I like the proximity of Fat Tony’s and the food is really good," said Emeka Okafor. "After a long day of practice, you want to go someplace to sit down and chill and have a good meal." From NBA.com. For complete Bobcats training camp report, go to www.nba.com/bobcats/notes45_051008.html Fat Tony's Italian Pub is First to Serve Beer from New Wilmington Brewery WILMINGTON, NC - October 4, 2005 -- Fat Tony's Italian Pub, 131 N. Front St., announced today that it added to its draft lineup the beer from Azalea Coast Brewery, which began operations in Wilmington on September 23. Fat Tony's is the first restaurant to carry product from the microbrewery, and launched their "Fokker Ale," a German Kolsch style pale ale, on draft during the city's annual "Riverfest" celebration October 1. "We brought Boddington's back to Wilmington, and were the first to server Stella Artois and Maredsous 8. But I haven't seen this kind of reception to a new beer. Everyone loves Fokker Ale," said Eric Rylander of Fat Tony's, which serves 24 varieties on tap. This Thursday, October 6, at 7:00 P.M. the company's master brewer, Dave Mangis, will be onsite at Fat Tony's for a tasting of ales and dopplebock. The tasting is open to the public. "It's a rare opportunity for local residents to sample beer from a new brewery in the Southeast." The other products from ACB will be featured during the upcoming "ChowdaFest" (www.chowdafest.com) to be held on Saturday, November 5, 2005, at the restaurant. In additional to sampling the beers on draft during the event, the public will be able to purchase growlers of beer to take home. According to Paul Perkins with ACB, their traditional European-style Ales and Lagers are made from purified water and high-quality ingredients, then fermented at controlled temperatures "true to each individual style." For more information, contact: Eric Rylander Marzini Restaurants, LLC 910-343-8881 eric@marzini.com www.fatpub.com Paul Perkins Azalea Coast Brewing Company 3406 Merchant Court Wilmington, NC 28405 910-791-9988 Fat Tony's provides free parking in downtown Wilmington, NC WILMINGTON, NC -- May 9, 2005 -- Fat Tony's Italian Pub, 131 N. Front St., announced today that it is providing free parking on some North Front Street parking meters all day from Monday (May 9) through Friday (May 13.) The restaurant's staff will plug the parking meters continuously from 9 a.m. through 6:30 p.m. each day, ensuring no one gets a ticket during the event, which affects all meters of the 100 block of North Front Street (between Princess Street and Chestnut Street) in an event known as "Plug Downtown 2005." Recent proposed changes to the parking meter policies would raise parking ticket fines and prevent shoppers from parking more than an hour on North Front Street. These proposed changes have sparked controversy in the media and among downtown businesses. "This experiment will simulate a world without parking meters," said Eric Rylander, co-owner of the downtown eatery, "and maybe spark an idea among policy makers as they consider options for this very complex and difficult subject." The extended meter time this weeke will allow plenty of time for shoppers to have breakfast at Charlotte's, shop at Eddie's Antiques, have lunch at one of four restaurants, and then continue shopping at locations such as Rare Cargo, Second Time Around, Gifts of Aloha, Front Street Emporium, Isaac's Men's Clothing -- and then have ice cream at the Trolly Stop. In the affected block, visitors can go to the Post Office, a Realtor, the bank, get their shoes repaired -- or even pay an old parking ticket at Park Wilmington (130 N. Front St.), the private company that enforces the City of Wilmington's downtown parking meter ordinances. "Downtown Wilmington provides many more conveniences than any mall I've ever visited," Mr. Rylander continued, "and when the clock strikes 5, it's a good time to come back to Fat Tony's for a refreshment and something to eat. After all, you've got another hour and a half of parking paid for by us." "Finding parking spaces downtown is actually very easy," said Mr. Rylander. "And we'd like to do our part to invite people from the surrounding area to come down and enjoy the crown jewel of Wilmington." "We're not just plugging some meters, we're plugging downtown." There are no restrictions on who parks in the spaces during the event. For more information, contact: Eric Rylander Marzini Restaurants, LLC 910-343-8881 eric@marzini.com www.fatpub.com
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music with an oompah band, German food,
beer, and events for the whole family. This past Oktoberfest included a
parade down Racine Drive, with UNCW men's basketball coach Buzz Peterson as
"Burgermeister", winding into the parking lot of Fat Tony's at the Racine
Commons Shopping Center.