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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...
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...
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...
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.
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...
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. “...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Funds support local DC restaurants, hotel industry, destination marketing and undocumented workers Events DC, Washington DC’s official convention and sports authority, today announced an $18 million hospitality and tourism relief package to address the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. This critical initiative is designed to provide emergency funding to help DC’s local hospitality and tourism industry that is in dire need of immediate support. The relief package, approved by Events DC’s Board of Directors, will provide support to restaurants, hotels and undocumented workers in...
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...
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...
Today at 10:30am we are hosting a webinar with DC’s Department of Employment Services (DOES) focused on Unemployment Insurance for restaurants. This is a great opportunity for you and your employees to connect directly with DOES to provide what we hope will be helpful guidance and insight as you and your employees navigate the UI process.  This webinar is open to all so we encourage you and your staff to join. Please send eden@ramw.org any questions you have before 10am, so we can make sure they are answered during the webinar. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions...
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...
The DC Council introduced 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 through a parallel UI process and a grant program. This is an issue we will continue to advocate for, and the Council has committed to continuing discussions...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...

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