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As you head into your Friday, we wanted to remind you of two calls happening in the region today that you can join to get updates from regional leaders in Fairfax County and DC.   Fairfax County Operator Call At 1:15pm today, we are hosting a one-hour interactive briefing with Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay, and County Executive Bryan Hill. We hope you can join this important call to learn more about what the Commonwealth of Virginia and Fairfax County are doing to aid businesses, and ask questions of these two key regional leaders. Call in information is...
Each and every day, RAMW is working on additional financial measures to help the industry, your operations, and your employees.   In addition to the ongoing discussions with elected officials locally, regionally and nationally about relief measures, fixes and additional funding, I have also been working with our partners at Events DC to discuss supplemental support during this very uncertain time.  Earlier today, Events DC, Washington DC’s official convention and sports authority, announced an $18 million hospitality and tourism relief package to address the impact of the...
Funds support local DC restaurants, hotel industry, destination marketing and undocumented workers Events DC, Washington DC’s official convention and sports authority, today announced an $18 million hospitality and tourism relief package to address the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. This critical initiative is designed to provide emergency funding to help DC’s local hospitality and tourism industry that is in dire need of immediate support. The relief package, approved by Events DC’s Board of Directors, will provide support to restaurants, hotels and undocumented workers in...
Original content c/o: National Restaurant Association As the coronavirus health crisis continues, the restaurant industry remains focused on ensuring the safety of its customers and employees. With the nation battling the coronavirus, restaurateurs have converted their businesses to all off-premises dining to safely serve guests who are social distancing. Larry Lynch, The National Restaurant Association's senior vice president of Certification & Operations, says it’s imperative for operators to continue enforcing their safe food-handling protocols to help protect the...
We know the beautiful weather outside is just a tease as we all wish for crowded restaurants and Nationals opening week to be in play. But here we are, making the best of each day in this current situation. We are inspired everyday by all of you, who continue to keep making the best of each day, and the entire region knows and sees the incredible efforts you are making happen as an industry. Yesterday, I was a guest speaker on District Strong, Federal City Council CEO and Former DC Mayor Anthony Williams' webcast, which brings together government officials and civic leaders who are at...
This morning we hosted a restaurant industry specific webinar with DC DOES focused on Unemployment Insurance, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), and relevant Wage/Hour issues.  To date DOES has received 55,000 UI applications, and roughly 14,700 are specifically from our industry. In total, DOES has administered benefits to roughly 18,000 people, and approximately 2,700 are from the restaurant industry.    Below is a breakdown of the major takeaways from the webinar and Q&A.    Timing for UI Determinations  While the Emergency...
Good Afternoon Operators,    As each of you strive to get through yet another day full of twists, turns and unknowns, we wanted to remind you that we are here to support you and your employees along the way. While your decisions and business models were forced to temporarily change, your compassion, talent, creativity and resilience are steadfast and apparent.  Yes, each day feels like a week, but we will figure this out as we work our way to the other side.     Today This morning we hosted a restaurant industry specific webinar with DC DOES focused on...
Today at 10:30am we are hosting a webinar with DC’s Department of Employment Services (DOES) focused on Unemployment Insurance for restaurants. This is a great opportunity for you and your employees to connect directly with DOES to provide what we hope will be helpful guidance and insight as you and your employees navigate the UI process.  This webinar is open to all so we encourage you and your staff to join. Please send eden@ramw.org any questions you have before 10am, so we can make sure they are answered during the webinar. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions...
We mentioned previously, and you may have seen in several media outlets, that RAMW launched a Worker Relief Fund through our 501c.3 Education Foundation “Educated Eats” in partnership with Hook Hall Helps. Since mid-March, local restaurant and RAMW member Hook Hall has been meeting the needs of hundreds of restaurant industry employees by providing packaged meals and supply kits to those without their regular income, who are in need of assistance. This effort has been bolstered by so many in the industry including local food suppliers, donors like Pepco, and many more.  Now,...
Hope you had a productive Tuesday with some moments of positivity. We are glad to be sharing positive news this afternoon as we have an employee relief opportunity to activate your restaurant as a community kitchen to support your industry while modestly supporting you as an operator and the food economy.     RAMW Education Foundation and Hook Hall Operator and Employee Relief Model We mentioned previously, and you may have seen in several media outlets, that RAMW launched a Worker Relief Fund through our 501c.3 Education Foundation “Educated Eats” in partnership with...
The DC Council introduced additional Emergency Legislation intended to address shortfalls from the initial Emergency Legislation, however there are still issues that are not addressed in this second bill, and we will continue to work with the Council to make sure our industry’s needs are met. One of the main issues that was removed from the legislation due to fiscal impact addresses much needed support for undocumented workers through a parallel UI process and a grant program. This is an issue we will continue to advocate for, and the Council has committed to continuing discussions...
This week we have three industry briefings and Q&A calls to give you insight in different areas of relief and offer guidance and resources. Please see detaisl below and plan to join those of interest and assistance to you. TODAY, Tuesday 4/7 @ 3:30PM Join us for an industry-wide call with Sean Kennedy, Vice President of Public Affairs and Aaron Frazier Director of Healthcare and Tax Policy at the National Restaurant Association. Many of you have asked what the National Restaurant Association is doing as they gear up for additional requests going into Phase IV.  We have asked Sean...
Dear Operators,    We have updates and developments from around the region.     DC Emergency Legislation Tuesday morning, the DC Council is introducing additional Emergency Legislation intended to address shortfalls from the initial Emergency Legislation, however there are still issues that are not addressed in this second bill, and we will continue to work with the Council to make sure our industry’s needs are met. One of the main issues that was removed from the legislation due to fiscal impact addresses much needed support for undocumented workers...
This past weekend, the Association sent a letter to the National Governors Association and the United States Conference of Mayors thanking them for their help so far and asking for continued support. The letter asks Governors and Mayors to consider the following actions including: Direct Aid to Restaurants and Employees Provide grants to small businesses. Create tax credits with expedited processing for retaining employees during the COVID-19 crisis. Taxes and Fees Delay sales tax remittance for restaurants. Defer property, estimated income, corporate income, and franchise...
The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) appreciates your patience over the weekend as they worked to improve their ability to administer restaurant worker relief funds and announced system upgrades intended to enhance functionality + expand capacity. Here is the current status: Submitted Applications – They are reviewing applications already submitted and this week will begin approving and notifying eligible applicants of their grant fund awards. Applications in Process – They are contacting nearly 13,000...
Many of RAMW’s Endorsed Providers, Industry Partners, and Allied Members are offering great support to restaurants and small businesses during this time in the way of resource guides, PPP loan support, discounted or free services, moped share for in-house delivery service, free online ordering systems, and more. We will continue to update this information as information comes in.   PPP RESOURCES - If your bank has stopped accepting applications or if you can’t apply through them due to other limitations, there are other options.     Heartland...
An employer shall provide paid leave to an employee who is absent from work for the days the employee was scheduled to work up to a total of 14 consecutive days. This paid leave shall be compensated at the employee’s regular rate of pay or, in the case of an employee who does not have a regular rate of pay, the employee’s rate of pay shall be determined by dividing the employee’s total gross earnings, including all tips, commission, piecework, or other earnings earned on an irregular basis for the most recent 2-week period that the employee worked by the number of hours...
Original content c/o: National Restaurant Association Operators need easy and effective ways to stay in touch with socially-distanced employees. The COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in an age of uncertainty that’s hitting the restaurant industry hard. With social distancing in full swing, it’s more important than ever that restaurant owners and managers stay in touch with their staff in order to keep them in the loop about operations and updated on the state of the business. There’s no shortage of apps and platforms to help keep these teams connected. it’s more...
We have a few updates, reminders and invitations to share with all of you as we head into a new week. First and foremost, we want to remind you of a few resources to lean on as we know this has been a time of significant stress for you and your employees. Feelings of distress and anxiety can take an emotional toll as you are forced to make incredibly difficult decisions each and every day. The CDC stresses the importance of taking care of YOURSELF during this time and following the suggested guidelines below of things you can do to support yourself. Taking care of yourself, your...
Free groceries to be distributed to dedicated staff of Leesburg and Loudoun County area restaurants who are in need during COVID-19 pandemic Leesburg, VA - The Tuskie's Restaurant Group and Sysco Corporation have stepped up to the plate to jointly form the Tuskie's Food Hub to give free groceries to dedicated staff of Leesburg and surrounding Loudoun County restaurants who are in need of personal food supplies during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.    Distribution of food to local area restaurant staff will be conducted through the Tuskie's Food Hub, by...
On Premises Workplace Infection Control Practices Impacting Employees 1. May Restaurants require employees to provide notes from healthcare providers confirming they can return to work? A: Generally, even If employers do not require disclosure of medical information, they can require notes confirming employees can return to work without violating the ADA because the request would not be disability related. As a practical matter, however, public health authorities have warned that doctors and other health care professionals may be too busy during and immediately after a pandemic outbreak to...
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is evaluating mechanisms of support for local small businesses. The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority is asking for businesses affected by coronavirus to fill out this short survey. They hope to use this information to understand the challenges facing the business community and what resources are needed.   Fairfax County has also set up a website dedicated to businesses - it has been recently updated with new loan and grant information and with a guide to the federal CARES Act.
We made it through another week together. During these uncertain times please take a moment to appreciate the wins you made happen this week, no matter how big or small, it is all significant.    As we head into the weekend, we want to share some important updates that will help set you up for a productive and informed weekend and week.    Payroll Protection Program (PPP) Update The Treasury released an Interim Final Rule about PPP. This guidance is meant to be effective without advance notice and public comment, and it is being issued to allow for immediate...
Mayor Bowser held a press conference this morning reiterating that everyone has a role to play in flattening the curve and commended the people working in essential roles who support the well being of DC and our region. This includes our incredible restaurant and foodservice industry.   The DC Council is introducing additional Emergency Legislation during Tuesday’s session. We are working with the Council to ensure shortfalls from the initial legislation are addressed and that our industry’s needs are adequately supported. The Mayor did note that the overall relief that is...
Montgomery County, MD:  We previously shared that the Montgomery County Council recently created a $20M Public Health Emergency Grant Program, which enables the County Executive to provide grant funding to small businesses with 100 or less employees and nonprofits. We are still awaiting information on when applications will be made available. Montgomery County recommends emailing peter.fosselman@montgomerycountymd.gov with the subject line PHEG to be added to their mailing list to be notified real time when the application is open.   Prince George’s County,...

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