Avalon Park uses 'app' to attract business

ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - At Eastside Bistro, owner Shelly Gref says new faces have been pouring in, thanks to some new technology.

"It has been wonderful because it has a whole new buzz that's buzzing around Avalon Park right now."

She's talking about Avalon Park's new iPhone app. "They gave it to all us business owners at no charge and that is great."

"We have doctors offices, retail, shopping places, CVS, Publix, the school," says Avalon Park marketing director Stephanie Hodson. She says resident Matt Chapman created the app for free. She tells us, its been a great way to attract more visitors to the area.

"It's good for people not just in the Avalon Park community, but all of East Orlando to know what kind of services and events are here for them to utilize."

There's an event calendar, as well as a directory of businesses. "The great thing about this is you can tap on one of the businesses and it calls them directly."

Stephanie says out of the 90 businesses on the app, the restaurants get the most hits. "Takes you in and tells you what specials are going on."

"We're on the cutting edge that's what's so exiting about it."

Exciting for both Shelly and her customers. Stephanie says, an app will be created for Android users in another month.