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.

Feeding America Establishes COVID-19 Response Fund To Help Food Banks During The Coronavirus Pandemic

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 difficult time. Still, it is...

During Modified DC Government Operations, Many Services Still Operating

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 regular schedule...

NEW HEALTH GUIDELINES for Bars and Restaurants

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...

Quick Virginia Update on Coronavirus

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 declaration here ...

UPDATES FOR INDUSTRY - Business Relief, Community Needs, Worker Relief

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 about your business and employees right...

How the Restaurant Industry is Responding to COVID-19

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 of...

Real Time DC Updates on Coronavirus

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 into smaller...

Coronavirus Update: Consumer Messaging, Social Media, and More

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 that...

IMPORTANT Restaurant Coronavirus Updates

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 w e 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 from us in...

Make Your Business Buzz-Worthy with Location-Based Marketing

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. “That’s...