As Butch Davis prepares his third Tar Heel football team, local economic boosters have united to produce the "Touch Downtown" campaign with the shared goal of bolstering the community, hometown spirit and economic activity during football weekends.

2009 will mark the second year of an aggressive mass media branding campaign designed to remind fans coming to Kenan Stadium that "It's your school. Your team. Your town. So why not make it your day? There's a lot to do all around Chapel Hill, so stay and play on game day."

Local officials will utilize many more marketing vehicles this season. Magazine, radio and interactive ads. Street banners. An enhanced Web site: TouchDowntown.com. E-mail blasts. Plus a joint letter from Chapel Hill Mayor Kevin Foy, UNC Chancellor Holden Thorp and UNC Director of Athletics Dick Baddour is being distributed to Orange County business owners with suggestions to best take advantage of the business opportunities associated with home football games in Chapel Hill.

Additional information is available at 968-2060 or www.TouchDowntown.com.

ZINAZ: Hip to be punk

ZINAZ, a "MENZ+WOMENZ" fashion store at 400 W. Rosemary St. in downtown Chapel Hill, is preparing for back-to-school crowds with many events and promotions. It offers an assortment of kick-back/chic clothing influenced by the musical genres of hip-hop, punk rock, reggae, soul and electric lounge. 636-4051.

Tandoor gets facelift

For longstanding fans of Tandoor Indian Restaurant, 1301 E. Franklin St., visiting the restaurant now feels akin to Dorothy when she left Kansas and landed in Oz. The moment you descend the stairs, you're surrounded by flowing fabrics in pinks, amethyst, orange, plum and copper colors. Following the aroma of classic Indian spices you arrive at a completely refurbished place, filled with mythological art and sculpture, newly painted doorways, metal bird sculptures and butterfly topiaries as well as new booths, rugs, curtains, covers and cushions. Local designer Terry Melville worked with owner Balwinder "Binda" Bhupal to revitalize his 10-year-old restaurant into a place that families, visitors, students and business travelers would feel welcome and joyful in. Tandoor is located near Whitehall Antiques next to State Farm Insurance and serves buffet lunches and full-menu dinners with wine and beer. 967-6622.

Authentic, easy take-out food

Looking for a quick, easy and authentic way to put classic Southern food on your supper table tonight? Ethel Bynum and her daughter, Vicki, along with her brother Thomas, operate EB's Restaurant and Catering, a take-out place in Jones Ferry Plaza in Carrboro. What it lacks in decorations, it makes up for in flavor. From the fried chicken to the potato salad, country ham and eggs and BLT's, Ethel's food has long been popular with local residents and corporate clients. Ethel is a 1967 graduate of Lincoln High and since opening EB's Restaurant in November has added a steady list of committed customers and catering clients. www.ebsrestaurantandcatering.com 942-3458.

Hotel adds comfort, breakfast

The Holiday Inn Express in Hillsborough, located off Interstates 85 and 40, recently completed renovations and now includes wireless Internet throughout, a deluxe breakfast bar, a cardio room, spacious rooms and suites and an outdoor pool. Rooms have been painted and decorated with new white, high thread-count bedding packages and pillows labeled for degree of softness/hardness. 644-7997.