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Operations

Operating a restaurant involves a lot of moving parts – most controlled by you, but many controlled by laws, regulations, licenses and permits. Alcoholic beverages, food safety, labor practices and the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (the healthcare mandate) are significant – and then there is everything else.

Get to know the regulatory agencies that govern such things as sidewalk cafes, signage, noise, fire safety and more. And, get to know about the efforts being made by RAMW on your behalf to improve the regulatory environment.


Qwick's New Look

November 15, 2022
Hospitality industry staffing leader, Qwick, introduced its new brand this week. Read about the change and how hospitality is at the heart of it all.

A Q&A on Wage & Hour Collective and Class Actions for Restaurant Owners

October 27, 2022
While the thought of being sued by a single worker for unpaid wages is enough to give most restaurant owner’s heartburn, the implications of being sued by a large group or class of workers can be a real life nightmare. Wage and hour collective and class action lawsuits against restaurants are a prime target for plaintiffs’ attorneys. Below is a Q&A regarding class and collective actions, with several preventive steps a restaurant or restaurant chain can take to greatly reduce its legal exposure.

Nourish DC Year 2 Grant Launch

October 25, 2022
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 must be physically located in DC with...

Vigilance Encouraged when Filing ERTC Claims - IRS Advisory

October 19, 2022
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 FAQ , and a recent...

Extended Hours for 2022 FIFA World Cup

October 18, 2022
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 Temporary License holders. Extended hours start the evening...

DC Harassment Training Requirement - Updates and Details

October 12, 2022
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 businesses to...

FAQ: DC Required Harassment Training

October 4, 2022
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 businesses to...

RAMW CEO Search Launches, Position Live

September 28, 2022
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...Read more

Tips vs. Service Charges: Critical Insight from CPA Eats

September 26, 2022
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 all stakeholders...

Learn More About Initiative 82 and Support Tipped Employees

September 26, 2022
What is Initiative 82, and how would it affect restaurant and bar workers? The District of Columbia Tip Credit Elimination Act of 2021 or Initiative 82 is being considered by D.C. voters this November to eliminate the tip credit for restaurant and bar workers. If passed, this measure will severely reduce take home pay for servers and bartenders across our city. Under the current system, the tip credit guarantees that servers and bartenders receive the minimum wage but enables tipped employees to earn well above that amount – about $26 per hour, on average , according to the Bureau of...

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