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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.

National Food Safety Month Week 4: Cleaning & Sanitizing Your Operations

September 21, 2021
Training your crew to execute a solid cleaning job amid the fast action of a foodservice is what separates the good from the great. National Food Safety Month tips this week identify what should be cleaned, sanitized, or disinfected and how to make those efforts visible to guests when possible. Two items that might not currently be in your training routine: How to treat non-food surfaces and what to do if a guest gets sick. Read the full post at Food Safety Focus and get a free poster and activity sheet that makes setting up cleaning schedules easy. Enjoy a 20% discount on ServSafe products...

Budget Support Act/Rent Relief for Our Industry

August 4, 2021
As a direct result of our advocacy, we are thrilled to share that included in the Budget Support Act is a grant program which was conceived and advocated for by RAMW over the past year. The grant program is funded with $40 million dollars and would be available to a small business operating a restaurant, tavern, nightclub, entertainment venue, or retail establishment on leased property with revenues of less than $5 million dollars in 2020. The program will pay up to one-third of rent arrearage accruing during the period of April 1, 2020 to March 30, 2021, provided the landlord abates and the...

Video: Working With Your Food Distributor In Times Of Change

May 26, 2021
For many years, a restaurant's relationship with their food distributor has been primarily a transactional nature. Finding the best products at the best prices has been the norm which has led to a relationship of "I need you, but am I willing to partner with you to grow my business?" One strategy many restaurants used over the past year to remain viable in the marketplace was to partner with their food distributor. The video below features Tom Enright from FoodPRO , an RAMW Industry Partner, who speaks about how your food distributor can help you reach a new level of success...

Changing Strategies for Changing Times Education Series

April 28, 2021
RAMW has joined with FoodPro and CORE Restaurant Marketing to share with you a new restaurant education initiative, “Changing Strategies for Changing Times.” This educational series will be available free for all RAMW members and will cover important topics that will help you increase your sales and lower your food costs. Beginning in May, “Changing Strategies for Changing Times” will be available on the RAMW website and will be shared with members. The series will include monthly installments of videos, best practices from industry experts, and surveys on topics of...

DC Health Link Can Help You Get Insured & Stay Insured

February 1, 2021
DC Health Link Assisters are working with small businesses to support their DC resident employees who are losing or have lost their health insurance to help them enroll in a DC Health Link individual health plan, or apply for Medicaid, so they remain covered during this public health crisis. RAMW can assist you in providing information to your staff by proactively engaging with DC Health Link to reach out to your staff members to discuss their coverage options. DC Health Link has options for employers and individuals who are looking for affordable coverage. If you are interested in talking...

DC Health Link Offers Social Distancing Decals

August 10, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic is hitting RAMW members especially hard. DC Health Link has created floor decals to remind customers to maintain 6 feet between themselves and others. These decals will be an aid to members reconfiguring business operations to keep patrons safe and healthy, while complying with the Mayor’s orders for social distancing. Up to six (6) FREE decals can be ordered by emailing us at coronavirus@ramw.org . DC Health Link has taken several steps to reduce financial barriers making it easier to enroll in quality, comprehensive health insurance coverage. Remember to get...

Regional Updates Going into the Weekend

August 7, 2020
It looks like we have a gorgeous weekend ahead of us, and we are hoping for safe and enjoyable dining across the region. As you utilize, expand and creatively rethink outdoor dining spaces, we are seeing more and more of you take advantage of the programs in place designed to provide expanded and additional outdoor options and space for your business. While some are getting into a good groove for outdoor service, others are just bringing their outdoor dining online, and I want you to know we are already looking towards the cooler months to make sure that any potential additions to your patios...

Fairfax County, VA Support

April 2, 2020
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is looking at establishing a Continuity Loan Fund which would aid small businesses facing economic injury and that are at-risk of closing. While this idea is still taking shape, it could provide capital to existing, viable small businesses and serve as a secondary loan to a SBA loan, or other lines of credit. The goal is to assist small businesses with fewer than fifty employees. This will likely be brought before the Board at the April 14th Board Meeting. We will keep you updated as this develops.

Montgomery County, MD Emergency Relief Package

April 2, 2020
Yesterday, the Montgomery County Council passed legislation that provides $20 million in grants for businesses affected by the coronavirus outbreak. Small businesses with 100 employees or fewer will now be able to apply to earn checks of up to $75,000 from the county’s new “Public Health Emergency Grant Program.” An amendment is being introduced to reserve a quarter of the funding pool for restaurants and retailers. Grant funding must be used for employee wages and benefits, taxes, debt, rent or other operating losses during the public health emergency. We will share...

DC ABRA Renewal Deadlines Extended

April 2, 2020
To provide financial relief to customers impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19), the ABC Board has determined to extend select payment deadlines and expirations including the following: Annual License Payments | Extended from March 31, 2020 to June 1, 2020. Alcohol License Expirations | Any alcohol licenses, including ABC Manager Licenses that expire March 16 - May 31, 2020 are now valid through June 1, 2020. Fines | Any fines due between March 16 - May 31, 2020 are now due June 1, 2020 Q1 Statements | Extended from April 30, 2020 to June 1, 2020.

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