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.

National Relief

March 27, 2020

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 discuss the CARES Act. If you...

New research details early impact of coronavirus pandemic on restaurant industry

March 25, 2020

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...

RAMMYS Nominations Announcement Rescheduled for May 4

March 27, 2020

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, 2020.

Federal Relief Updates 3/26

March 26, 2020

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 CARES Act. 1) Relief measures for your...

Federal Relief Deal Reached

March 26, 2020

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 of employer payroll taxes Emergency relief and taxpayer...

Keany Produce & Gourmet Donates Over $100,000 Worth of Fresh Produce During Covid-19 Lockdown

March 23, 2020

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 community...

Free ServSafe Training & VA Updates 3/25

March 25, 2020

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 keeping themselves safe...

COVID-19 Transportation Service Adjustments

March 25, 2020

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: Federal Center SW Mt. Vernon Sq*...

GOVERNOR NORTHAM'S ORDER TO PROMOTE SOCIAL DISTANCING

March 25, 2020

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 establishment with social...

Montgomery County Department of Transportation Updates Parking Restriction Status

March 22, 2020

Montgomery County Department of Transportation Updates Parking Restriction Status During the COVID-19 Health Crisis Montgomery County’s Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will continue to enforce most parking rules and regulations during the COVID-19 health crisis, with some exceptions. Residents should follow normal legal practices when parking. Restricted area parking violations, disabled parking violations and safety-related violations will be strictly enforced to prioritize public safety. One modification is parking meter enforcement that has been relaxed in areas where businesses...