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Operations and Washington DC

  Dear RAMW Community, We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone in our journey towards better support and protection for the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington and its members. It is with great pleasure that we introduce our new insurance partner, Preferred Insurance Services, Inc. At RAMW, we are committed to advancing our mission and serving our community with the utmost dedication. In our continuous effort to enhance the well-being of our members, volunteers, and stakeholders, we have carefully chosen Preferred Insurance Services, Inc. as our...
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Builds on Effort to Help Restaurants Comply with District’s Consumer Protection Laws, Ensure Consumers Understand Their Rights      Washington, DC – Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb today issued a Supplemental Business Advisory on restaurants’ legal obligation to adequately disclose all fees – including service fees – to customers.    “District law requires restaurants to disclose any fees in a timely, prominent, and accurate manner," said the attorney general. "Today’s guidance, developed in collaboration with...
The rise in operating costs and shortage of restaurant labor has forced restaurant owners to incentivize key employees with performance bonuses and equity by building the ideal restaurant management incentive plan. The ideal incentive or bonus plan should: Incentivize and reward key employees for increasing profitability and improving the hospitality experience; Provide an ROI to owners; and Be simple, self-sustainable, and scalable. With an effective compensation incentive plan, owners don’t need to be involved in day-to-day operations, and can focus on growing and...
Calculating your restaurant labor cost percentage is essential to running a successful restaurant. The labor cost percentage is the amount of money you spend on employee wages and benefits as it compares to your total sales. This number is significant because it tells you how much profit you’re making on each dollar that comes through your door. If your labor cost percentage is too high, it means that you’re losing money every time a customer buys food or drinks at your restaurant. This can lead to lower profits and eventually force you out of business if you don’t act fast...
Some of the most expensive liquor liability insurance in the country is in the District of Columbia. In some cases, insurance for a neighborhood bar or restaurant costs 100 times more here than in Maryland or Virginia. Deeper Dive: The exorbitant costs make it hard for businesses of all sizes, but it disproportionately affects small, independently owned neighborhood bars and restaurants, and in particular those owned by entrepreneurs of color. Good News: Legislation to reform liquor liability laws has been introduced in DC Council.  Tune In: The DC Nightlife Council and...
LEDC is a CDFI (Community Development Finance Institution) which helps entrepreneurs and small business through lending and technical assistance.   Ideal for established DC-based restaurants in the process of opening an additional location. The expansion must result in significant job creation, intended for low-income individuals, with certain benefits expected. Loan amounts up to $100,000 Terms up to 5 years One-time closing fee of 3% $50 application (plus $20 per co-owner) Fixed-rate 0% interest LIMITED FUNDING AVAILABLE Made possible by a grant from the Community...
  (Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) announced a new $8 million round of the Bridge Fund grant program that will provide financial support to businesses and sole proprietors in the restaurant, entertainment, and retail sectors. “Our restaurant, entertainment, and retail industries are critical to our comeback,” said Mayor Bowser. “When we have great places for people to dine out, and shop, and visit, that not...
Our Mission In 2017, Qwick was founded to revolutionize how hospitality works. We knew that the industry needed more freedom and flexibility in its staffing operations for businesses to be successful and hospitality professionals to have greater autonomy in their work. Since day one we’ve been driven by the opportunity to serve those who serve us and create prosperity in the industry that we love.    Five years later, we’re more driven by this mission and inspired by the hospitality community than ever. We’ve successfully matched over 600,000 hospitality shifts...
Four Things Every Restaurant Owner Should know about Wage & Hour Collective and Class Actions   By: Scott A. Mirsky Practice Area: Employment Law Paley Rothman’s Employment Law Group has extensive experience with wage and hour compliance issues and can assist restaurants and restaurant chains with both preventive measures and defending against single-plaintiff and collective  or class action wage and hour lawsuits.  ---- While the thought of being sued by a single worker for unpaid wages is enough to give most restaurant owner’s heartburn, the...
Come celebrate the launch of year 2 of Nourish DC and the opening of a new round of funding.    About the Grant: Nourish DC grants support Washington, DC businesses increasing access to healthy food and creating quality jobs. Your business could receive between $10,000 and $50,000 in grant funding to support food access for communities across the District.  Grant uses include: New product development, technology, equipment, real estate acquisition, construction, tenant improvements, cold storage, marketing, and more. Eligible business location: Food business...
Shared content from the National Restaurant Association   The IRS is warning small businesses about “improper” claims for the employee retention tax credit (ERTC). As you know, restaurants were uniquely qualified for the Covid-related ERTC due to partial closure orders and/or revenue declines in 2020 and three calendar quarters of 2021. However, the IRS is reporting that some third-party companies are offering bad advice to small businesses regarding eligibility or the estimated value of the ERTC.   We urge members to closely review the below information, our...
Eligible licensees may operate 24-hours and sell and serve alcohol between 6:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. during the 2022 FIFA World Cup taking place November 20-December 18, 2022.   To participate, licensees must register and pay a non-refundable $100 fee by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 17. If approved, licensees will be issued a permit that must be posted next to their alcohol license inside the premises.   Note the following:   Eligible licensees include On-Premises Retailers, Manufacturers with an On-Site Sales and Consumption Permit, and...
DC Operators are likely hearing more and more about the requirement that DC restaurant operators with at least one tipped employee provide harassment prevention training every two years to all employees. This requirement is a part of the Tipped Workers Fairness Amendment Act, which, if you recall, was passed in 2018 as part of the repeal of Initiative 77.   There has been a long pause in implementation, largely due to Covid, but now the DC Office of Human Rights (OHR) and the Department of Employment Services (DOES) are certifying trainers and putting the mechanisms in place for...
DC Operators are likely hearing more and more about the requirement that DC restaurant operators with at least one tipped employee, provide harassment prevention training every two years to all employees. This requirement is a part of the Tipped Workers Fairness Amendment Act, which, if you recall, was passed in 2018 as part of the repeal of Initiative 77. There has been a long pause in implementation, largely due to Covid, but now the DC Office of Human Rights (OHR) and the Department of Employment Services (DOES) are certifying trainers and putting the mechanisms in place for...
President and CEO, Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington is seeking a charismatic, proactive and innovative President and CEO who has the passion and vision to lead the organization into the future. Building on the strength and success of the organization, the individual will navigate the shifting marketplace dynamics while increasing the impact that RAMW has on behalf of its members. In partnership with the Association and Foundation Boards and staff, the President and CEO is responsible for executing and developing a...
The days of tipping in DC are likely numbered, or at a minimum about to seriously change. Initiative 82  will pass into law and fundamentally transform the compensation model for tens of thousands of workers in the restaurant industry. At Harmony we have concerns about whether this initiative will actually lead to better outcomes for hourly workers because the likely transition from a tipped system to a service charge system is rife with opportunities for money to be transferred from hourly workers to management.   We believe strongly in working with businesses that add value to...
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Written by John Thomas, Director of Health and Wellness at Imperial Dade Imperial Dade is the leading North American distributor of foodservice packaging, sanitation supplies, dish machines, and cleaning equipment. We have been serving the restaurant and hospitality marketplace since 1935. Put our experts to work for you! ---- Do no harm is a basic tenet of medicine.  Although the goal is always to treat disease and alleviate suffering, a physician must always try to protect the patient from any further injury.  Likewise in the food service industry. ...
All information below is posted as shared through the 09.12.22 edition of ABRA's Last Cal Newsletter:   Extended Hours There are four (4) holiday weekends remaining in 2022 that are eligible for extended hours. They include: Indigenous Peoples' Day Weekend  | Friday, October 7 – Monday, October 10 Veterans Day Weekend | Thursday, November 10 – Sunday, November 13 Thanksgiving Day Weekend | Wednesday, November 23 – Sunday, November 27 Christmas Day Weekend | Friday, December 23 – Monday,...
Dear RAMW Members, We know that your bottom line is always top of mind as you also work hard to support your teams and give guests the best experience you can in a competitive market. Did you know that you could be saving money every month on your electric and natural gas?| RAMW has several key providers who support our industry, and we are excited to introduce you to our new Endorsed Provider, Electric Advisors, Inc. EA is an energy broker who will help you get your natural gas and electricity supply at a competitive rate. Shopping for a...
Information provided by RAMW Industry Partner, CPA Eats.    As we gear up for another referendum on the Tipped Minimum Wage (Initiative 82), it’s important to be aware of an important law that passed after the last referendum in 2018.    From the DC Office of Human Rights: "The Tipped Wage Workers Fairness Amendment Act (TWWF) requires District employers who hire individuals earning tips as wages to inform their employees about their rights and benefits.” Compliance with notice requirements has largely centered around the posting of Employee...
Dear Operator,  You may have already heard the news that I am leaving RAMW, a decision that I gave immense thought in making. RAMW, and all of you, have been my family, community and my dedicated focus for 10 long and meaningful years. I will be here to support the next steps through the coming months, and I will continue to support you every step of the way as a new President and CEO is onboarded. I assure you that RAMW is stronger than ever and here for you.  I am so proud of the work we have done through this decade, which included unprecedented growth and exciting development...
Any business, no matter how small, can create a workplace culture that encourages healthy lifestyles. It involves offering programs that support healthier behaviors, educating employees about health issues, and making health-related objectives part of your corporate policy. Take a look at our tips for creating a culture of health in your workplace.   ----   The restaurant business is rewarding but tough. Operators need a health care plan that works as hard as they do. That’s why RAMW has partnered with USI Insurance Services and Kaiser Permanente to develop a plan...
Creating a culture of equity, inclusion, and diversity (collectively referred to as EID) is complex and challenging. Many companies struggle to take the first step or may be limited by a lack of resources or time. But the journey to a culture that embraces EID and uses it to create healthier, safer and more inclusive work environments can begin with a few simple steps. Read more in our recent joint article with the Baltimore Business Journal. ---- The restaurant business is rewarding but tough. Operators need a health care plan that works as hard as they do. That’s why RAMW has...
DC Vaccination Requirement Breakdown Saturday, January 15, 2022 Proof of the first dose of vaccination will be required for all patrons 12+ dining indoors at restaurants, bars, and nightclubs starting Saturday, January 15, 2022. The requirement also applies to indoor cultural and entertainment events, indoor exercise and recreational establishments, and indoor event and meeting establishments.    Beginning on January 15, 2022, businesses shall display prominently, visible to patrons prior to entry, a notice informing patrons that proof of vaccination is required to enter any...

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