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April 22, 2020
Dear Operator,
Congress has reached a deal for what we have been referring to as Phase 3.5 of federal relief. The Senate passed a bill on Tuesday that provides a $484 billion relief package that includes $310 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), $60 billion will be set aside for smaller lending facilities, including "community financial institutions, small insured depository institutions and credit unions with assets less than $10 billion." There will also be $10 billion for grants under the Emergency Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, $50 billion for...
April 21, 2020
Dear Operator,
Over the weekend, we launched an aggressive campaign to advocate for Congress to provide relief that works for our industry as they enter into discussions of what Phase IV of federal relief and aid will look like. This campaign is built on your feedback and puts forth a unified message of what our industry needs to recover from this pandemic. We have created a platform to amplify your voice and our issues, and now we need you to ACT TODAY.
If you have not participated in the campaign already, click here to send a letter to Congress. This important advocacy will...
April 20, 2020
Dear Operator,
I hope you took a little time over the weekend to breathe in Spring. We are all grateful for you as you continue to work hard, lead your teams, and bring needed joy and sustenance to those ordering your delicious meals and goods for takeout and delivery.
As you might imagine, we are being pulled into countless conversations with leaders around the country about what the reopening of restaurants, retail and business in general may look like. There are a lot of conversations with other states as they coordinate in state clusters with state governors as to what a...
April 20, 2020
With so much COVID-19 related information available, it can be hard to find specific guidance as it relates to insurance for the hospitality and retail business. USI has put together a webinar, COVID-19: Impact on the Hospitality and Retail Industry, to address this. It provides critical and timely insight including actions that can be taken today to minimize the impact of the pandemic on an organization and their employees.
This 30-minute on-demand webinar covers important information including:
Issues created by COVID-19 that could affect the hospitality, retail or related...
April 20, 2020
Dear Operator,
This weekend we launced our Congressional industry-wide campaign focused on ensuring that Phase IV of the relief package addresses the real needs of our industry, and we NEED YOU TO TAKE ACTION TODAY.
While Congress is still working on increasing funding for PPP (what we have referred to as Phase 3.5), it is important that they start hearing from our local industry about the major fixes and overall mechanisms for relief that need to be made. We are including increasing funding for PPP into our campaign, even though it will likely be addressed in the Phase 3.5...
April 15, 2020
Dear Operators,
We have some important updates to share with you as new Orders were issued today in DC and MD impacting restaurant operators.
DC - Earlier today, Mayor Bowser issued an Order requiring restaurant workers to wear gloves and cloth or surgical masks while at work. All gloves and masks shall be procured by the business. This will go into effect on April 17th at 12:01am. This gives operators a short window to procure supplies if they need to, and we expect enforcement will be reasonable, understanding all operators currently open for...
April 15, 2020
Good Morning Operator,
In talking with many of you, I know that so many of you are checking in regularly with your employees and managers who are not on site during this time. When your team was together each day, it was certainly easier to be there for one another, share in successes and the spirit of teamwork, and create a positive and uplifting work environment. Our current status is a whole different beast and while so many are taking measures to ensure co-workers and industry colleagues are supported through relief measures, meals and supplies, it is critical that we all touch base with...
April 15, 2020
Dear Operators,
We know there is a lot of information coming from RAMW and while we hope it’s useful, we are also mindful that it can be a lot to absorb.
Over the next couple of weeks, we will begin to streamline messaging to include real-time updates and action needed by you as you are considering and leveraging various relief efforts. In the meantime, we are sharing a few quick regional updates below.
NoVA
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted in their meeting yesterday to approve the establishment of the Fairfax County Small Business...
April 15, 2020
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted in their meeting yesterday to approve the establishment of the Fairfax County Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Microloan Fund to complement federal relief funding for county businesses. The board expects the loan program to be ready by May 1, according to county documents. The program provides $1.2M to small businesses with fewer than 50 employees. Businesses who undergo a pre-submission counseling session will be able to apply for loans up to $20,000 and will be able to use the money for costs such as rent, equipment...
April 15, 2020
Original content c/o: National Restaurant Association
Social distancing has increased the adoption of online ordering as people spend more time at home. Having an ecommerce presence has never been more important to close the distance between you and customers.
Many small businesses are still not using the Internet to conduct business. In fact, the Small Business Administration reports that 36% of U.S. small businesses don’t have a company website, according to an article in Small Business Trends. Restaurants simply can’t afford to be a part of that statistic.
Now is the time...
April 15, 2020
Original content c/o: National Restaurant Association
Washington, DC – National Restaurant Association Interim President and CEO Marvin Irby was named to President Donald J. Trump’s Great American Economic Revival Industry Groups. The White House noted during the announcement that the groups will work with government officials to help chart the path to recovery following COVID-19 closures.
Irby released the following statement:
“Restaurants have been deeply and disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 crisis as state and local governments have taken...
April 15, 2020
Original content c/o: James Beard Foundation by Maggie Borden
Our industry is in crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic has shuttered restaurants, forced millions into unemployment, and left us with a future that is uncertain at best. Efforts are happening on the ground nationwide, from communities rallying around their local businesses, to national calls on Congress and our own relief fund. In this landscape, every small action helps, even for diners who are stuck under stay-at-home orders. With that in mind, we've rounded up suggestions and resources for aiding your local eateries, from...
April 14, 2020
In talking with many of you, I know that so many of you are checking in regularly with your employees and managers who are not on site during this time. When your team was together each day, it was certainly easier to be there for one another, share in successes and the spirit of teamwork, and create a positive and uplifting work environment. Our current status is a whole different beast and while so many are taking measures to ensure co-workers and industry colleagues are supported through relief measures, meals and supplies, it is critical that we all touch base with one another during this...
April 13, 2020
Dear Operator,
We know you are working hard to keep your community safe, to feed your neighbors and patrons if you are still open, and to support your employees in many creative ways. A study conducted by CARAVAN found that 85% of people surveyed miss going to restaurants--this is second only to missing family members. This tells us what we already know, that restaurants are a valued part of everyone’s daily lives.
While we currently have stay at home orders in place across the region, we have also been in discussion with local and regional leaders and other...
April 13, 2020
Original content c/o: National Restaurant Association
While it doesn’t come close to making up for sales losses, a majority of consumers are maintaining their off-premises usage of restaurants.
After mandated on-premises dining area closures were implemented in many parts of the country, tableservice and quickservice operators alike were left with two options – switch to an off-premises-only business model or close completely.
While offering off-premises alone by no means made up for the on-premises sales losses, it did leave consumers with options to satisfy their restaurant...
April 13, 2020
It’s been 30 days since the region was upended and everyone had to consider what their temporary new normal needed to be going forward during this very uncertain period. And while we are not clear on exactly what is ahead, we will continue to support you with all of your present needs and prepare this industry for what may need to be and should be considered going into the next several weeks.
From what we are hearing, small businesses are just now starting to receive updates and funding based on the loans they applied for depending on their lenders, and on which type of loans they...
April 12, 2020
Gelberg Signs would like to support Essential businesses during the COVID-19 Pandemic. They are providing the selected signs shown here for free for any Essential business. To order please call, 202-882-7733 or 240-372-7148.
April 10, 2020
Dear Operators,
I hope you got outside to see some sunshine this week and that you are practicing self-care and stress management when you can during this time. As an Essential industry, you are rising above every day and it is noticeable how hard you as operators are working to ensure safety for your employees, vendors, and takeout and delivery patrons by going above and beyond to establish strict protocol and safety standards. Earlier today, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious-disease expert, said that the curve is beginning to flatten, and he applauded...
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 10, 2020
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...
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...
