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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...
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...
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...
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 #...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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:...
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...
DC-Area Restaurants & Bars Temporarily Suspending Business Operations Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Anchovy Social All Souls Amuse (Hotel Le Meridien Arlington) Anafre A Rake’s Progress Bad Saint Bar Deco Barley Mac Belga Cafe Ben’s Chili Bowl (Rosslyn | H Street | Nats Stadium | FedEx Field | Ben’s Next Door | Ben’s Upstairs) The Betsy Beuchert’s Saloon (takeout/delivery TBD) Bindaas (Cleveland Park & Foggy Bottom) The Bistro The Bombay Club Boqueria (Penn Quarter & Dupont) BOURBON STEAK Brasserie Beck Brew’d The Brixton...
We have a lot to share so please read this email in its entirety.      Thank you for being patient as we guide you through this most difficult and unexpected journey.  We are all learning as we go each day and our commitment is to get you through this period with resourceful information.  Here are updates for your Wednesday as well as resources you can use for your employees as needed.    Congressional Federal Relief Legislation, Phase 3  A bipartisan agreement was reached late last night on a recovery bill, with votes expected in the Senate (...
ServSafe is offering their Food Handler course online for free for the next 30 days begining Wednesday, March 25. Additionally, they are offering new COVID-19 Take Out & Delivery courses at no cost.  For 30 years, ServSafe has been at the forefront of preparing restaurant and foodservice workers to deliver safe dining experiences for their guests, while also keeping themselves safe. Every day, we train the restaurant and food service industry on topics like cooking temperatures, safe storage, and cross contamination, as well as hygiene, sanitation, and other risk mitigation...
Restaurant workers are considered essential employees that can be asked to come to work even when there are federal, state, or local, shelter-in-place Orders.  Still, more and more states and localities are restraining travel, particularly during certain hours of the day, while restaurant workers need to arrive earlier than the time restrictions to make bread, brew coffee, etc., and stay past curfew to clean, disinfect, and close the premises. Meanwhile, some restaurant workers are running into issues with law enforcement restricting workers movement to and from work.   The...
Dear Operators, We hope you are all staying strong. Here are updates for Tuesday, March 24, 2020.  Restaurant Rescue Campaign First, as we aim to tell your story and show the impact of COVID-19 on the food service industry, we will join a social media campaign tomorrow called #RESTAURANTRESCUEPLAN. We will document on social media the number of employees who work at restaurants, bars and clubs in the region that have been laid off or furloughed to powerfully present to our government leaders and the public the devastation COVID-19 has had on our industry and why we need a #...
The Alexandria/Arlington Emergency Layoff Aversion Assistance Program will award 11 grants to local small businesses who require financial assistance in order to retain their workforce during the COVID-19 emergency. How the Program Works Participating businesses or non-profit organizations with employees located in Alexandria City and Arlington County that has 250 or fewer employees. Fill out and submit the Emergency Layoff Aversion Assistance Program application at https://workforcecouncil.arlingtonva.us/covid19/ Application requests shall not exceed $7,500. Smaller requests are...
Dear Restaurant Community,    As we start off what will likely be another busy week, we want to provide you with helpful updates on the local and national level that will impact your operations, employees and customers.    The Senate and House are currently working on Phase 3 of the COVID-19 Congressional response. This will include relief for businesses, and we will send updates as we have more clarity on what will be included in the legislation. Our partners at the National Restaurant Association are aggressively advocating on our behalf to ensure the unique needs of...
Landover, MD – Keany Produce & Gourmet has donated over $100,000 worth of fresh produce during the COVID-19 lockdown. Since Friday, March 13, 2020 through Friday, March 20, 2020, Keany has donated fresh produce to various food banks, food halls, and charities to support their efforts of supplying community members with access to fresh food. Keany has deployed their own fleet of trucks to distribute these donations across the DC-metro region. “While the effects of COVID-19 are certainly impacting our business, we want to do everything we can to support our surrounding...
c/o NBC Washington All public schools in Virginia will remain closed through the academic year and all restaurants must end dine-in service, the governor announced Monday as officials try to contain the spread of coronavirus. Restaurants can continue carryout, delivery and drive-thru service. All recreational and entertainment businesses are closed. All non-essential stores are limited to having only 10 patrons at a time.  Theaters, gyms and bowling alleys must close, Gov. Ralph Northam said. Grocery stores and health services can remain open but must “adhere to social...
So far, Congress has received more than 170,000 calls and emails urging relief for restaurants ASAP! And, there's still time to take action! If you have not taken action yet, we need your help to ensure relief for restaurants and our employees is properly addressed in the current legislative package! CLICK HERE TO TAKE ACTION Economic forecasts indicate restaurants and the foodservice industry could sustain $225 billion in losses and eliminate 5-7 million jobs over the next three months. By taking action, you can tell your personalized story about how this has negatively...
Dear RAMW Community,   As promised here is some end of day news as we head into the weekend.   As a reminder please visit https://www.ramw.org/blog for up to date information on all things COVID-19. We have recently posted a helpful FAQ section that answers the most frequently asked questions we have received and that will likely help you.   DC Mayor Muriel Bowser announced this afternoon that restaurants will be closed for on-premise service until April 27th. She is advising people to stay indoors, but has NOT issued a shelter in place mandate. Take-out and delivery...

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