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March 19, 2020
As much as we have been sending information around about what is happening locally across the region, it is critically important to be aware of what is happening on the national level, as a majority of funding for relief and stimulus will come at the federal level. The action taken on the Hill impacts us locally, so we must be engaged.
We have two important Congressional updates, and one involves you taking action TODAY.
First, we need you to ACT NOW to ensure Congress provides adequate relief to the restaurant and small business industry! This is the "Call to...
March 19, 2020
The DC Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board adopted an emergency rulemaking prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption starting Thursday, March 19th at 4pm. You cannot serve alcoholic beverages to people while they wait for their food order. This is in effect through the duration of either or both the Mayor’s Public Emergency and Public Health Emergency.
Please note for delivery and takeout of alcoholic beverages: they must be provided in sealed container and a beer with a lime in the top does not count as a seal. Establishments...
March 18, 2020
A helpful guide for suspending/closing your restaurant under challenging and difficult circumstances
Let staff take any food that cannot be frozen/saved.
Remove all trash from the building/Cancel Dumpster Pickups.
Take pourers off and tightly wrap open bottle tops of liquor in saran.
Leave all exhaust fans running - In the unlikely event of a gas leak or pilot goes out during the closing, the fans will help to exhaust any hazardous gas from the building.
Turn off any autopayment processes.
Cancel any scheduled deliveries. Examples would include:
Broadline Distributer...
March 18, 2020
Attention Montgomery County Restaurants,
All restaurants licensed by the Montgomery County Board of License Commissioners may sell sealed containers of beer and wine for off-premises consumption along with a takeout or delivered meal.
This permission includes the sale of bottles, cans, growlers, and crowlers for off-premises consumption and does not include the sale of alcoholic drinks in a to-go cup. This permission does not include liquor.
This permission expires when the emergency order to close restaurants is lifted.
Businesses may deliver beer and wine to Montgomery County addresses...
March 18, 2020
Dear Operators,
We hosted an industry-wide call this morning with regional leaders and we understand there were some technical difficulties. We had hundreds of people on the call, but as other businesses and organizations are needing to do everything by conference call, the platform was overloaded. We apologize for any inconvenience.
We are synthesizing the information from the call to share on our website including FAQs and resources shared on that call. This will be available later today on our blog where we are posting all real-time updates and resources. Please share with...
March 18, 2020
Dear Restaurant Community,
As we try to give you up to date information, we ask that you also be patient as we are doing our best to respond to each and every email and also provide you with information that has been subject to change. We received an influx of questions and want to provide some clarification shared in our earlier email.
UPDATED INFO
Virginia: Governor Northam Mandates 10 or fewer patrons
Governor Ralph Northam issued a new statement that changes his recommendation to a mandate, which limits the number of patrons to 10 or less. Restaurants are...
March 17, 2020
PLEASE READ THIS IN ITS ENTIRETY.
Tuesday, March 17, Mayor Muriel Bowser signed into law the COVID-19 Response Emergency Amendment Act of 2020.
Included is a provision that allows ABC-licensed restaurants and taverns to sell beer, wine, and spirits in closed containers for carry-out and/or delivery to DC residences in conjunction with the purchase of one or more prepared food items.
Before an eligible restaurant or tavern may sell beer, wine, and spirits in closed containers for carry-out and delivery, they must register...
March 17, 2020
DC Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19) Can Now Apply for Federal Relief Funds
(WASHINGTON, DC) – Tuesday, March 17, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that the US Small Business Administration (SBA) has accepted the District of Columbia’s declaration for assistance in the form of economic injury disaster loans following the advent of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and DC businesses can start applying now. While the SBA directly administers this loan program, the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD), led by Director Kristi Whitfield, will liaise...
March 17, 2020
Dear Restaurant Community,
We have a few important updates to share with you based on what was passed by the DC City Council and recommendations from Virginia Governor Ralph Northam Tuesday, March 17, 2020. We are also sharing what is a work in progress and happening on the Federal level.
This is a long email, but includes important information, so please read the entire message as most of your questions could be answered with this update.
DC Update
The DC City Council just voted on Emergency Legislation, which means it goes into effect immediately upon the Mayor's...
March 16, 2020
BREAKING NEWS
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser issued guidelines banning on premise dining at restaurants starting at 10pm tonight and through April 1, 2020 at 6am. Restaurants and bars are still able to offer meals to go through take out, delivery or curbside service. Read the Mayor's order here.
Tomorrow, the DC Council is introducing Emergency Legislation that will offer relief for the local industry and its workers. More to come on what this relief package looks like tomorrow.
As a reminder, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan banned on premise dining...
March 16, 2020
A Note from the Desk of RAMW's President & CEO, Kathy E. Hollinger
Dear RAMW Members,
I am beyond proud of the resilience of our industry. As you are all very aware, everything has been turned upside down, and this is a quickly evolving situation. This does not take away from the fact that we are a community of small businesses that through the years have successfully adapted to changing times. We are impressed with your agility during this current situation, as you put in place rapid changes that are necessary in order to put the public health of your staff, diners, friends...
March 16, 2020
As an association we are focused on protecting restaurant operators during this incredible time for you as a business owner, we have also heard from so many of you about your concerns rooted in your employees. There are some local grassroots efforts to help workers, as you may have seen.
We are collaborating with Hook Hall Helps who are helping to ensure that workers have access to to-go meals and supplies. We started a Worker Relief Fund as well that has raised $14,000+ in 48 hours. First and foremost, we needed to just act on something quickly. This will be...
March 15, 2020
(Washington, DC) While the District of Columbia Government will begin to modify its operations starting Monday, March 16, in order to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the District government wants residents to know that it will continue to deliver essential services and keep the majority of its systems and services operating.
Operations and Infrastructure
District Department of Transportation (DDOT)
DDOT remains open, with most DDOT staff teleworking through Tuesday, March 31. Programs that will maintain normal operations are:
DC Circulator will operate its...
March 15, 2020
PLEASE READ IMPORTANT REAL TIME UPDATES BELOW REGARDING YOUR OPERATIONS.
All restaurants and community members have to be mindful as to how we are changing our operating culture to accommodate and enforce the new guidelines to ensure public health is the priority. It will require rethinking offerings and adjusting operations. We encourage you to think creatively about how your food offerings may look different.
Newly Issued Guidelines for DC Restaurants and Tavern License Holders
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, has just released new guidance that directly impacts the restaurant and hospitality...
March 15, 2020
Original content c/o: National Restaurant Association
What should your business do to prepare for a pandemic? Here are 10 steps to take now!
Step 1: Maintain a healthy work environment.
Ensure adequate air circulation and post tips on how to stop the spread of germs.
Promote hand and respiratory hygiene.
Ensure wide availability of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (not just in places required by law).
Provide sanitizing supplies for frequent cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
Remind employees to report any illness to their manager especially if they are sick with...
March 15, 2020
NOTE TO OUR COMMUNITY
Some of you reading this are members, others are not, but all are worried about your business and employees given the current situation. We understand, we are worried too, however you should feel confident that in difficult times, which this industry has faced before, we have prevailed best when we come together as a community and face it head on. We urge you to stay strong, stay clear-minded, and know that you are not alone in this. We are working for you, and there are many efforts in motion. Understanding that you are concerned...
March 14, 2020
Dear VA Members,
We are in a rapidly evolving situation and would like to provide you with quick updates as they become available. As you may know, DC limited public gatherings to groups of 250 or less as of yesterday. While counties in Northern Virginia have not provided caps on gathering sizes, Governor Northam declared a state of emergency in the Commonwealth and ordered all schools in the state to close for a two-week minimum period. The declaration also halted travel outside of VA for state employees and they are quickly implementing telework. Read the Governor's...
March 13, 2020
A Note from the Desk of RAMW's President & CEO, Kathy E. Hollinger
Dear DC Restaurant Members,
We are in a quickly evolving situation and would like to provide you with a quick real time update from DC Mayor Muriel Bower as of 4pm Friday afternoon.
1. At this time, the DC government has banned gatherings of 250 or more people. The Department of Health has indicated that this applies to restaurants with banquet halls and large private event spaces. Restaurants that can accommodate 250 people do not have to change operations at this time, as long as the 250 are broken up...
March 13, 2020
Funds will be used to aid the most vulnerable people throughout the country
CHICAGO – March 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ – Feeding America, the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a network of 200 member food banks across the country, today announced the establishment of the COVID-19 Response Fund to help food banks across the country as they support communities impacted by the pandemic. The $2.65 million fund will enable food banks to secure the resources they need to serve the most vulnerable members of the community during this...
March 13, 2020
Original content c/o: James Beard Foundation
Plus resources for diners, restaurateurs, and chefs
The James Beard Foundation is acutely aware of the health and safety concerns surrounding the current COVID-19 pandemic. We are also mindful of how this virus is negatively impacting the hospitality industry at large, both from a well-being and economic standpoint. Novel coronavirus COVID-19 is pushing the restaurant industry to think creatively as travel bans are put into place, cities cancel conventions, and events are postponed until the summer. It’s been great to see the open sharing...
March 13, 2020
All pub crawl permits for events scheduled to take place in Washington, DC now through March 31, 2020 have been revoked effective immediately.
The 6-0 decision by the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board was made based on guidance from the District’s Department of Health (DOH) that all non-essential mass gatherings of more than 1,000 persons be cancelled to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Mayor’s Orders 2020-045 and 2020-046 indicate that the spread of COVID-19 represents an imminent threat to the health, safety, and welfare of District...
March 11, 2020
A Note from the Desk of RAMW's President & CEO, Kathy E. Hollinger
Dear RAMW Members,
We are hearing from many of you who are requesting suggested communication and messaging to share with diners across social media platforms and through signage you can post in your restaurants and at the host stand. We encourage you to share your enhanced cleanliness and sanitation practices with your customers. RAMW is in the process of creating sample collateral now and we will send you materials soon. Please stay tuned. If you choose to create your own messaging, it is advised industry-wide...
March 9, 2020
A Note from the Desk of RAMW's President & CEO, Kathy E. Hollinger
We know Restaurant Members are receiving a lot of emails regarding coronavirus, so we want to cut through the noise, and provide you with pertinent information specific to the restaurant and foodservice industry. Please be aware that we are in discussion with the city on the creation of a relief fund or other mechanisms of support that can be provided to help preserve the financial health and economy of our local industry.
As there are new developments daily, it is crucial that you are receiving information...
March 6, 2020
Original content c/o: National Restaurant Association
Location-based marketing is now about audiences instead of individuals
Location-based marketing is no novelty, but it is growing and evolving. Asif Khan, founder and director of the Location Based Marketing Association, says 88% of retail and restaurant companies worldwide used local marketing in 2019, up 8% from 2018.
Annual spending on technology — platforms, solutions and hardware — is expected to reach $57.4 billion globally by 2021, with geotargeted advertising expenditures rising to $39.4 billion. “...
March 6, 2020
Original content c/o: National Restaurant Association
Nearly half of restaurant job openings in 2019 were filled by either first-time workers or promotions.
The restaurant industry has long been the top training ground for new entrants to the workforce. In fact, nearly one-half of adults say their first regular job was in the restaurant and foodservice industry, according to new National Restaurant Association research.
This trend continued in 2019, with restaurant operators reporting that roughly one in four of their job openings were filled by people for whom this was the first...
