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March 31, 2020
Increasing Safety Protocols - Visual Resources to Share with On-Premise Employees
Many of you have asked for visual resources to post on site as part of your heightened protocol. We have gathered guidance from local agencies and our national ServSafe partners that can be shared with your team. Click here for more information.
Click here for ServSafe’s Handwashing Poster in English and Spanish
Click here for ServSafe’s Poster on Sanitizing vs. Cleaning
Click here for Virginia Department of Health Poster on COVID-19 and Restaurant Protocol
Click here for DC...
March 31, 2020
Original content c/o: Streetsense
Both independent restaurants and large corporate chains are facing their own unique challenges in order to emerge from COVID-19 in a strong position. A lot of that depends upon the owners’ future access to capital, as well as the flexibility of their vendors, landlords, and equipment leasing firms. At this point, with so much out of our control, here are a few points that we do have the ability to control:
Access to Capital – Create a Plan on How You Will Come Back Financially
How much capital will you need, and where will it come from? Think...
March 31, 2020
Original content c/o: National Restaurant Association
Starting Thursday, April 2, restaurant employees can apply to receive a check for $500 from the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Restaurant Employee Relief Fund.
The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation has launched the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund to support U.S. restaurant employees financially impacted by the coronavirus crisis.
Beginning April 2, restaurant employees can apply online to receive a one-time, $500 check to use toward bills, including housing, transportation,...
March 31, 2020
Yesterday was a day of announcements, and while in practice it doesn’t actually change much from the previous guidance, it can be a lot to wrap your head around. As always we want to make sure we are providing you with new and helpful information to assist in your business operations, but also to outline opportunities for relief and how to navigate federal support.
Essential Letters for Restaurant Workers
As a reminder, across the region restaurants offering takeout and delivery are deemed essential as they act as important sources of food. Click here for letters you can share...
March 31, 2020
Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Phase 2 of the Congressional response to coronavirus resulted in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which goes into effect on April 1st. The U.S. Department of Labor published another round of guidance to its growing questions and answers list, which includes additional information on the small business hardship exemption. However, these answers still don’t provide insight about the actual process for applying for the exemption. We expect more guidance before the effective date. Click here for the full DOL Question and Answer...
March 30, 2020
Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser said anyone—regardless of immigration status—with COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, and shortness of breath) needs to call a health care provider and seek treatment. First responders will not ask you about your immigration status. Those without a healthcare provider should call Mary’s Center at 844-796-2797. We encourage you to share this information with your current, terminated and furloughed employees.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, March 31st at 6pm is the deadline to apply for a DC Microgrant. Click here to apply.
March 30, 2020
Dear Operator,
As you likely know already, there were several announcements made today by leaders within the region. The impact to restaurant operations is very minimal, but we want to help clarify and give you tools to support your operations and employees.
We also want to address real-time questions that we are hearing from you, Operators, region-wide.
Real-Time Questions From the Day:
Hiring Employees Back - Earlier today we sent an email about a mechanism for operators to receive some funding via the RAMW Worker Relief Fund to be able to hire back...
March 30, 2020
This morning, Governor Larry Hogan issued an official “Stay-at-Home-Order” that goes into effect at 8pm tonight. Restaurants are exempt from this order as long as you are doing takeout and/or delivery. Travel to and from exempted or essential businesses is allowed. This means if you live in Maryland, but work in a restaurant in DC or VA, you are allowed to go to work. Click here for the full order. The 26 previously signed Executive Orders also remain in effect.
A person who knowingly and willfully violates this Order is guilty of a misdemeanor and...
March 30, 2020
This afternoon, Governor Ralph Northam announced that Virginia issued an official “Stay-at-Home Order” that goes into effect immediately. Restaurants continue to be allowed to be open for take out and delivery as they are deemed essential. Virginia will continue to enforce the 10 or less rule, and those in violation could be subject to a class one misdemeanor. Non-essential retail may stay open as well, as long as businesses continue to observe social distancing.
Click here for the full Order.
March 30, 2020
Dear Operators,
As we start this new week, we know many of you are still navigating your temporary business models and continuing to seek guidance and support during these uncertain times. Many in our industry have proactively launched efforts to support their employees, but we understand it is difficult to decide what the right route for you may be. We wanted to share with you some forthcoming employee relief options.
First, know that RAMW is developing a model in partnership with our friends at Hook Hall Helps to modestly support our operators to position restaurants who...
March 30, 2020
City Suspends Enforcement of Residential Parking Zones, Weekend Meters, Inspection Stickers
To assist vehicle owners who are now working from home, caring for others, or trying to ensure the flow of goods and services, the City has suspended enforcement of the following parking restrictions until further notice:
Time restrictions for the general public in residential parking permit zones. (Signs in these zones include the language "residential permit exempt.")
Weekend time restrictions and meter fees on blocks with pay stations. (Time restrictions and meter fees on...
March 27, 2020
As we all head into the weekend we want to share important information with you about opportunities for relief on the local and national level.
National Relief
As you know, Congress passed the CARES Act and it was signed into law by the President today. The CARES Act offers support for employers and employees during this incredibly tumultuous time, and while there are still some unknowns regarding implementation, timing and overall access, we want to share what we do know as of today.
Our partners at the National Restaurant Association hosted a webinar today to...
March 27, 2020
With the closure of restaurant dining rooms, many Virginia restaurants have switched to takeout and delivery, allowing you to enjoy some of Virginia’s finest fare while also following Governor Northam’s mandates for the COVID-19 state of emergency.
If you are able to participate, you can support Virginia’s restaurants by ordering takeout, delivery, or curbside pickup from your favorite local dining establishments during Virginia is for Restaurant Lovers Takeout Week, happening March 30th-April 5th. Afterwards, share your takeout stories with us on social media with #...
March 27, 2020
NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION AND INDUSTRY ICON GUY FIERI LAUNCH RESTAURANT EMPLOYEE RELIEF FUND RAISING MILLIONS TO SEND CASH GRANTS TO RESTAURANT WORKERS FACING ECONOMIC HARDSHIP
The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) announced today the creation of a Restaurant Employee Relief Fund(RERF) to support U.S. restaurant workers financially impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, and that industry icon Guy Fieri will lead a nationwide fundraising drive for the Fund via a Restaurant Relief America campaign. Fieri is the...
March 27, 2020
Dear RAMW Community, Sponsors, Partners, and Friends,
RAMW was scheduled to announce the 2020 RAMMY Award Finalists this Monday, March 30th to the industry, public, and media. Knowing that we would not be hosting an in-person event on Monday, we explored virtual announcement platforms for Monday to utilize for the announcement to maximize visibility for the finalists, sponsors, and industry. As all of you - operators and business community partners - are dealing with what is right in front of you, we have decided to reschedule the announcement of the finalists until Monday, May 4...
March 26, 2020
We shared a great deal of information earlier today, understanding there is a lot to digest. We are working with partners to get all relevant information to you in a digestible way through various platforms.
What we do know is this: The bill has a lot of relief that will benefit our industry, specifically to include the kind of independent operators in our unique market. We also know that what you care the most about are relief for your employees, relief measures for YOU, and resources that can best guide you through how to get the relief outlined in the...
March 26, 2020
On March 25, 2020, the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board adopted an emergency rulemaking that extends beer, wine, and spirits carry-out and delivery privileges to ABC-licensed hotels, multipurpose facilities, private clubs, and food retailers with commercial street footage at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. All alcohol sales must be accompanied by at least one (1) prepared food item.
Accordingly, licensees are required by law to register with the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA). Registration takes less than five (5) minutes to...
March 26, 2020
Original content c/o: National Restaurant Association
The goal is to help operators and their employees practice safe food handling and delivery during the coronavirus pandemic.
For 30 years, ServSafe has been at the forefront of preparing restaurant and foodservice employees to deliver safe dining experiences for their guests while also keeping themselves safe. This mission is as important as ever during the service disruptions caused by the coronavirus.
ServSafe is offering free resources to restaurateurs focusing on takeout and delivery during the coronavirus crisis. The goal is to...
March 26, 2020
Late last night, the Senate unanimously passed a $2 trillion Coronavirus rescue package. The legislation is meant to blunt the economic impact of the Coronavirus on the local and national economy. The House will likely vote Friday morning. The package includes :
$349 billion program for the SBA to offer unique loans to small businesses
Tax benefits in the form of net operating loss
Qualified Improvement Property
Creates a Paycheck Protection Program
Employee Retention Tax Credit
Community Development Block Grants
Delay of payment...
March 25, 2020
Original content c/o: National Restaurant Association
Gift-card sales are a much-needed revenue source during the pandemic disruption. Cards appeal to homebound customers and play a big part in community outreach efforts.
As coronavirus disrupts the US, restaurant owners and operators are looking for alternative ways to create much-needed revenue for their businesses.
One way is promoting the purchase of online and digital gift cards, especially with everyone social distancing.
Rocklands Farm Winery in Poolesville, MD, is using its gift card program to create an extra source of revenue...
March 25, 2020
Dear Operator,
We wanted to share some helpful end of day updates as well as resources and opportunities for education, support and relief. As you have any questions please email coronavirus@ramw.org and we will get back to you with a timely response.
Complimentary ServSafe Training
As the industry faces ongoing challenges with COVID-19, the National Restaurant Association remains dedicated to helping everyone stay safe. ServSafe has been at the forefront of preparing restaurant and foodservice workers to deliver safe dining experiences for their guests, while also...
March 25, 2020
Original content c/o: National Restaurant Association
Survey of more than 4,000 operators offers details on how outbreak is hurting sales, operations.
As the coronavirus epidemic rages on, 3% of restaurant operators have already permanently closed their restaurants, 44% have temporarily closed their restaurants, and 11% say they anticipate they will permanently close within the next 30 days, according to new research from the National Restaurant Association.
A new Association survey of 4,000 operators found that 44% have temporarily closed their restaurants, and 11% say they anticipate...
March 25, 2020
Dear DC Small Business Owner or Nonprofit Leader,
As you know, the Small Business Recovery Microgrant Program launched on March 24, however there were many issues with eligibility criteria, which we shared with DPMED directly. The application has been updated to capture estimated future earnings and calculate economic injury starting from March 11, the date Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a public health emergency, as opposed to aligning with the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) disaster period beginning January 31.
The application portal has reopened, and we invite you or...
March 25, 2020
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) recently announced service changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Effective as of, Wednesday, March 25, WMATA will be fully closing 17 stations and partially closing others to ensure adequate staffing, bringing the total to 19. All service changes made by WMATA are indefinite until otherwise announced. WMATA strongly encourages only essential travel on Metro. WMATA has waived all fares for bus travel and strongly encourages only those with essential travel to use the buses.
Station Closures:...
March 25, 2020
ALEXANDRIA - Governor's Order Now in Effect
Governor Northam's executive order to promote social distancing took effect at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24. The order bans all gatherings of more than 10 people, closes non-essential recreation and entertainment businesses; permits food service establishments and farmers' markets to remain open only for takeout and delivery; permits essential retail businesses to remain open only with social distancing and enhanced sanitizing practices; limits non-essential retail businesses to no more than 10 patrons per...
