Some 50 Louisville restaurants—known around town as the Louisville Originals—announced the formation of an independent body set up to promote locally owned eateries. The move marks the severance of its association with Dine Originals, a national group set up to do much the same, but on a national scale.

The Louisville chapter was founded in 2005, but it didn’t take long for local members to complain they weren’t receiving adequate support from Dine Originals.

Louisville’s chapter wasn’t alone, and within the past few months, multiple chapters disbanded. Late last year, Dine Originals ceased official operations, though its Web site continues operating.

While the change won’t affect local diners, restaurateur members expect to enjoy an increased marketing bang for their dues bucks, said Kerry DeMuth, the group’s secretary.

“We’ll truly be focused on local efforts and not wasting time, energy or money paying national dues for other things,” she said. “We’re looking at being able to develop more programs that assist local restaurants, which is how it should have been. It’s going to be a breakout year for Louisville Originals.”

DeMuth said a major goal for the group is to heavily promote its innovative gift card program this year. Regardless of where they purchase them, cardholders can use their mag-stripe cards at any Louisville Originals restaurant.

Business First’s Terry Boyd penned an in-depth piece on the change on Friday.