FROM STAFF REPORTS

NORTH SHELBY — Some 60 employees from businesses in Lee Branch, Chelsea and along Alabama Highway 119 gathered at Hampton Inn & Suites Eagle Point Nov. 21 for the first-ever Taste of Lee Branch.

The event was organized in an effort to promote business in the Lee Branch area, said Barbara Zieba, director of sales at Hampton Inn & Suites Eagle Point.

“We will definitely make it into an annual event,” Zieba said. “We had a great turnout.”

Guests were treated to a free lunch and door prizes donated by Lee Branch businesses. Restaurants that participated in Taste of Lee Branch included:

• Taziki’s
• Panera Bread
• Bella
• Marco’s Pizza
• Moe’s Southwest Grill
• Zaxby’s
• Dale’s Southern Grill
• Bellini’s Restaurant
• Melting Pot
• Baumhower’s
• Donut Chef of Chelsea