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September 19, 2023
In an effort to constantly improve the standards of food safety in the United States, the system of food safety regulations has been evolving gradually throughout the past century, creating fresh guidelines and protocols in reaction to emerging issues involving food safety. More than 50 new food regulations have been enacted or introduced just in the past five years. Let’s take a look at some of the new regulations being put into place in 2023 and beyond.
What’s Changed?
The most prominent overall theme in new food industry regulations is increases and expansions in...
September 14, 2023
Last week we explored the science behind personal hygiene and food safety and this week we turn our focus to health inspections.
Health inspections play a vital role in upholding retail food safety standards, but there are more than a few misconceptions about what inspections entail and how violations factor into a restaurant’s success. To help crack the code for this critical food safety process, let’s go over some of the most common questions restaurant workers have regarding health inspections.
1. What does the health inspection process look like?
Authorized food...
September 7, 2023
Explore the role personal hygiene plays with food safety, and how a clean kitchen significantly helps protect the health of restaurant guests.
This week we look at the role personal hygiene plays in food safety and share proper practices to ensure your staff isn’t putting the health of your guests at risk by neglecting their cleanliness. Join us as we crack the code on proper personal hygiene in kitchens and help you protect your guests from foodborne illnesses by maintaining a clean and tidy staff. Read the full Week 2 blog post here.
September 1, 2023
This week we are examining the effects of time and temperature on food, sharing safe temperatures to cook different types of food, and explaining how to build an effective food temperature policy that your staff can stick to. Understanding food safety temperatures is critical for protecting your guests from foodborne illnesses and earning their trust. All operators and food handlers are responsible for understanding the importance of the temperature danger zone, which foods are most likely to become unsafe, and how to properly check and record food times and temperatures. (Read the full Week...
August 31, 2023
Jurisdictions are enacting laws that shift the onus of employee compensation, previously provided as tips or commissions by customers, onto restaurants through increased base wages for front-of-house (FOH) personnel. To offset these added expenses, restaurants have devised various strategies, the most prevalent being the introduction of service charges – a mandatory fee, typically calculated as a percentage, added to every bill.
As an increasing number of restaurants implement service charges, it's crucial to...
August 30, 2023
Washington, D.C. (August 29, 2023) – Martin’s Tavern in historic Georgetown, is the city’s oldest family-run restaurant. It was founded by great-grandfather William Solomon Martin, and grandfather, former Major League Baseball player, William Gloyd “Billy” Martin, and opened in 1933 as Prohibition ended. In September 2023, this landmark 98-seat tavern, with an additional 44 seats in the outdoor cafe and “streatery” celebrates its 90th anniversary with Billy Martin at the helm, the four-generation restaurateur in this family that is carrying on his...
August 22, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 22, 2023
Contact:
media@ramw.org
202-331-5990
Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington Names Keiristin Wilbert Communications Manager
Washington, DC (August 22, 2023) - Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), the trade association representing restaurants and the foodservice industry in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, names Keiristin Wilbert as its new Communications Manager. Established in 1920, RAMW is an advocate, resource, and community for its members. In this role, Wilbert is the primary media contact for...
August 9, 2023
Builds on Effort to Help Restaurants Comply with District’s Consumer Protection Laws, Ensure Consumers Understand Their Rights
Washington, DC – Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb today issued a Supplemental Business Advisory on restaurants’ legal obligation to adequately disclose all fees – including service fees – to customers.
“District law requires restaurants to disclose any fees in a timely, prominent, and accurate manner," said the attorney general. "Today’s guidance, developed in collaboration with...
July 20, 2023
On Wednesday August 16, 2023 at 12pm ET, GYH Partner Becki Young and GYH Of Counsel David Morris, will host a webinar to educate viewers on visa options for foreign investors.
Register here for this webinar!
The United States offers two primary visa options to foreign investors and entrepreneurs seeking to start a new business or buying an existing business. The E-2 non-immigrant investor visa program is extremely flexible. For example, there is no minimum capital investment test and no minimum job creation requirements. Alternatively, the EB-5...
July 17, 2023
The rise in operating costs and shortage of restaurant labor has forced restaurant owners to incentivize key employees with performance bonuses and equity by building the ideal restaurant management incentive plan. The ideal incentive or bonus plan should:
Incentivize and reward key employees for increasing profitability and improving the hospitality experience;
Provide an ROI to owners; and
Be simple, self-sustainable, and scalable.
With an effective compensation incentive plan, owners don’t need to be involved in day-to-day operations, and can focus on growing and...
July 13, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Avery Meetre, LRA PR
avery@lindarothpr.com
202-369-4954
Restaurant Week website now live to view participating restaurants + make reservations
Washington, DC (July 13, 2023)—Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) announced today the roster of restaurants participating in Summer Restaurant Week from Monday, August 28, through Sunday, September 3. The area’s signature dining promotion invites everyone to close out summer and Labor Day Weekend with the return of one of the area’s most...
July 11, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Avery Meetre, LRA PR
avery@lindarothpr.com
202-369-4954
Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington Announces 2023 RAMMY Awards Winners
Annual awards celebrate legacy and excellence in the region’s food industry
Washington, DC (July 9, 2023)—Restaurant industry professionals and their allies gathered tonight at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for the 41st Annual RAMMY Awards as Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) announced winners and a range of special distinctions in a...
June 8, 2023
Contact Information
Zena Polin
Co-Owner, Beauty Champagne & Sugar Boutique
Zena@beautychampagneandsugar.com
Cell: 202/210-1427
(June 2023– Crystal City, National Landing, VA) – Beauty Champagne & Sugar Boutique joins with Sommelier Andrew Stover for a five-course tasting menu paired with five wines on June 26, from 7pm to 9pm for $60 (includes gratuity, tax additional).
The theme of the dinner is Around the World, with stops in Austria, Spain, Italy, and even Maryland.
The first two courses visit Austria. The evening...
May 23, 2023
A recent study by BMI and NRG (National Research Group) confirms that music positively impacts the way consumers interact with local eating and drinking establishments. According to the findings, bars and restaurants that feature live music have customers who eat, drink and spend more when listening to music they enjoy, resulting in higher revenues for many business owners.
Out of the 1,000 nationally represented U.S. consumers1 surveyed across age demographics 21+, atmosphere and music are a big part of what keeps them returning to the establishments that they...
May 19, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Avery Meetre, LRA PR
avery@lindarothpr.com
202-369-4954
Eight iconic DMV dining destinations recognized for remarkable longevity after decades in business
Washington, DC (May 18, 2023)—Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) announced today its 2023 Honorary Milestone RAMMY Award recipients, each acknowledged for decades delighting local diners and visitors alike. Filomena Ristorante (40 years), The Grill From Ipanema (30 years), Old Europe (75 years), Cafe Milano (30 years), National Democratic...
May 17, 2023
For Immediate Release
Contact: John Rorapaugh/Alyssa Bonk
E-mail: johnr@leadingdc.com Tel: (202) 309-1926
E-mail: alyssa@leadingdc.com Tel: (571) 232-6804
FoodJobsDC.com Official Launch
Created for the Industry by the Industry
Restaurant...
May 8, 2023
Serving Responsibly
Why Strengthening Liquor Liability Law is Good Business
Register Here
Are you a District restaurant, bar, or venue operator concerned about the cost of liquor liability insurance and threat of lawsuits?
Join this Operator Town Hall to learn how strengthening dram shop laws help to promote responsible serving practices and reduce alcohol-related harms in communities – all while lowering insurance costs.
The Problem: Unlike most states, District law is vague about how or when a business can be held liable for the actions of an...
April 26, 2023
Renowned chef and restaurateur to be honored with esteemed industry award at reception this June.
Washington, DC (April 26, 2023)—Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) today announced chef and restaurateur Ris Lacoste as the 2023 Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award recipient. One of the most respected and dedicated chefs in the region, Lacoste has earned a reputation built on genuine hospitality, mentoring the next generation of industry workers, and a true love for her team members and the guests she serves. Diners adore her use of high-quality ingredients,...
April 11, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Avery Meetre, LRA PR
avery@lindarothpr.com
202-369-4954
Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington Announces 2023 RAMMY Awards Finalists
Foodservice industry celebrates innovative individuals and concepts as category finalists
Washington, DC (April 10, 2023)—Industry professionals and allies gathered this evening as Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) announced finalists for the 2023 RAMMY Awards, the winners of which will be named on Sunday, July 9, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The 41st Annual RAMMYS...
April 7, 2023
Calculating your restaurant labor cost percentage is essential to running a successful restaurant. The labor cost percentage is the amount of money you spend on employee wages and benefits as it compares to your total sales.
This number is significant because it tells you how much profit you’re making on each dollar that comes through your door. If your labor cost percentage is too high, it means that you’re losing money every time a customer buys food or drinks at your restaurant. This can lead to lower profits and eventually force you out of business if you don’t act fast...
March 23, 2023
Some of the most expensive liquor liability insurance in the country is in the District of Columbia. In some cases, insurance for a neighborhood bar or restaurant costs 100 times more here than in Maryland or Virginia.
Deeper Dive: The exorbitant costs make it hard for businesses of all sizes, but it disproportionately affects small, independently owned neighborhood bars and restaurants, and in particular those owned by entrepreneurs of color.
Good News: Legislation to reform liquor liability laws has been introduced in DC Council.
Tune In: The DC Nightlife Council and...
March 15, 2023
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., March 14, 2023— National Harbor kicks off a huge cherry blossom celebration this year on March 20. Included in the festivities is a face off of National Harbor’s top bartenders/mixologists. The CocktailPro Competition takes place on Friday, March 24, National Cocktail Day from 8 to 11 p.m. in the Sunset Room at National Harbor (137 National Plaza, #200).
Ten bartenders/mixologists will compete to showcase their most noteworthy and creative drinks using Pratt Standard cocktail mixes. Attendees will then vote on who has the best...
March 14, 2023
Join the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington's (RAMW) energetic roundtable discussion and hands-on seminar to help you develop your on-air presence and prepare you for live and recorded television segments, social media streams, influencer videos, and more. This informative session will give you actionable tips, tricks, and techniques to make your on-air presence engaging, fun, and informative so that you showcase the best of yourself, your restaurant, and your brand.
Panelists:
Eun Yang, Emmy Winner & Anchor of News4 Today, the #1 rated morning news in...
March 13, 2023
Care Excellence
Mental health days for kids? It’s complicated.
What do you think about mental health days for kids? Asha Patton-Smith, MD, a child and adolescent psychiatrist with Kaiser Permanente in Virginia, says it's complicated. Learn why in her recent interview with WJLA.
In The Community
Working to expand gun violence prevention and education in the DMV
Firearms are the leading cause of injury and death among children and young adults. David Grossman, VP of Social Health and Equity, explained on 7 News DC how our Center for Gun Violence...
March 13, 2023
Webinar On-Demand:
How Energy Choice Can Improve Your Bottom Line
Join our partners at Electric Advisors for a quick session to answer your questions about energy choice and how you can benefit from alternative suppliers.
• Learn how you can take advantage of DC tax codes to further reduce your monthly energy costs.
• Pepco DC rates are changing June 1st, now is the time to learn about alternatives, before the expected price increase takes effect.
• Let us show you how we find our clients competitive pricing that could potentially save them thousands!
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