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April 10, 2020
ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan today announced that the state is instituting a budget and hiring freeze amid estimates that Maryland is facing a projected $2.8 billion shortfall due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The governor also announced that he has directed the Maryland Department of Labor to take steps to bolster the state’s unemployment insurance process to handle an unprecedented surge in claims.
“The spread of this deadly virus is wreaking havoc on our national and state economies, on small businesses, and the people of our state,” said Governor Hogan. “...
April 10, 2020
Original content c/o: Streetsense
In the last month alone the retail and restaurant industry has been flipped upside down. Many local small businesses, however, are standing ground and leveraging existing conditions as an opportunity to test new product offerings and services, and most importantly, give back to the communities in need. Here are some quick solutions culled from our conversations with front-line business service providers, including the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and Downtown Memphis Commission. We continue to be inspired by the creative ways in which...
April 10, 2020
To-Go Easter Specials in the DMV
ABC Pony
- Easter and Passover meals to-go.
- Choose from a roast leg of lamb or slow-cooked beef brisket, with potato gratin, sautéed green beans, and gravy for $50.
- The meal serves two people and is available for pickup and delivery. Order online.
Al Dente
- Old-guard Italian chef Roberto Donna’s family-style menu Easter menu is available for pickup or delivery.
- It includes a choice of fettuccine bolognese or lasagna, two pizzas, a choice of two fish or chicken dishes, two sides, focaccia, and cannolis.
- Each order is $75 for pickup...
April 9, 2020
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...
April 9, 2020
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...
April 9, 2020
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...
April 8, 2020
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...
April 7, 2020
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...
April 7, 2020
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...
April 6, 2020
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...
April 6, 2020
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...
April 6, 2020
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...
April 6, 2020
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...
April 6, 2020
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...
April 4, 2020
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...
April 3, 2020
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...
April 3, 2020
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,...
April 3, 2020
To help navigate the challenges of COVID-19 the James Beard Foundation has been hosting industry support webinars to help provide resources for the hospitality community and to better stay connected throughout difficult times by sharing advice on a range of topics from business and unemployment insurance to marketing in the time of COVID-19 to mental health resources.
You can find recordings of last week’s webinars here.
Next week’s topics and speakers include:
Monday, April 6: Retail Leases and Tenant Rights
Cindy McLoughlin (JBF Trustee) and Richard...
April 3, 2020
Original content c/o: National Restaurant Association
Association adds ServSuccess courses to its free offerings to support restaurant employees and help them return to the industry with advanced skills.
Homebound restaurant employees have the opportunity to use this time to upskill – for free – thanks to the National Restaurant Association ServSafe and ServSuccess programs as well as American Hotel & Lodging Foundation.
The ServSuccess online learning suites provide training on the skills and knowledge the industry identifies as essential...
April 3, 2020
Original content c/o: Streetsense
Place-based organizations focused on economic development such as Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) have long played an integral role in enhancing delivery of public services and providing other innovative, market-informed tools and services to local businesses within their defined service area boundaries. Now more than ever these organizations are engaged in problem-solving and tackling unprecedented business environment challenges, alongside municipalities and private sector collaborators across the country.
BIDs are also thinking outside the box for...
April 3, 2020
Original content c/o: National Restaurant Association
Your access to coronavirus relief will require documentation, the key to any successful business continuity/financial recovery plan.
Keeping records is probably the last thing you’re thinking about while you try to figure out ways to keep your doors — or at least your drive-thru window — open during the coronavirus crisis. But documents and records may be the things that help you most in securing loans and grant money to tide you over until the crisis passes.
Now is the time to gather documents and start tracking...
April 2, 2020
In this morning’s message, we mentioned creating an anchoring message as we enter into the Congressional Phase IV of relief. If you have not done so already, please email coronavirus@ramw.org to provide feedback as to what you think should be included in the Phase IV relief outside of what we already know. For more information on what we are already working on, click here.
We have received a few requests from our restaurant community for access to masks and gloves. At this time local health authorities are not requiring full time use of masks and gloves, however we do...
April 2, 2020
Processing for both ServSafe Food Safety Manager and Alcohol Manager print exams has been halted as of March 20 due to the Illinois Shelter-in-Place order (ServSafe’s headquarters state). The Shelter-in-Place order is in effect until April 3 and if lifted, ServSafe will be able to resume grading print exams on April 6. In-person classes at RAMW will resume to our posted schedule at the time the DC Stay-at-Home Order is lifted.
To help keep you and your employees safe, ServSafe is offering the online Food Handler, COVID-19 Takeout and COVID-19 Delivery courses, for free at...
April 2, 2020
Original content c/o: National Restaurant Association
As Covid-19 rages on, telemedicine is a viable treatment option, while access to discounted prescriptions is always a great benefit.
The National Restaurant Association is offering two programs to help members and their employees stay healthy and safe.
Through its new partner, Healthiest You, the Association is making a telemedicine option available to its members. The service is $7/month per employee. There are no co-pays, and all family members can use the service.
The National Restaurant Association is offering members access to...
April 2, 2020
Washington, DC – Clyde’s Restaurant Group and Founding Farmers announce today the launch of Food it Forward MD, an initiative to support the hard-hit restaurant industry and provide quality food to vulnerable populations, first responders, and frontline health care workers in Montgomery & Howard counties.
Through Food It Forward MD, the public can purchase delivery meals packaged by local restaurants. Meals will be distributed to Maryland frontline health care workers, first responders, and to those in need by community partners like Bethesda Cares,...
