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.

DC Curfew, Election Results and Virginia Updates

June 3, 2020

We are all watching and many are participating as protests continue in DC, across our country, and in cities worldwide over the tragic death of George Floyd and systemic racism and inequity in this country. As some protests continue to result in destruction of property, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that tonight (6/3) curfew will begin at 11pm and remain in place through 6am tomorrow morning (6/4) . T he Mayor noted that the curfew will be revisited daily as needed with consideration for public safety, so be mindful this may impact weekend operations. The city urges everyone to close down...

Aronson: Donate Food Inventory During Epidemic and Claim Sizeable Charitable Deductions

June 3, 2020

March 19, 2020 - As the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak continues to spread, restaurants are being restricted to carryout and delivery service, while many others are closing their businesses entirely during this period. As a result, much of restaurants’ food inventory may spoil and end up getting trashed. Restaurant owners should strongly consider donating their food inventory to a charitable organization, as this will not only help many people in a time of need, but will result in a special and advantageous treatment by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). According to Internal Revenue...

Aronson: How Hospitality Owners Can Preserve Cashflow During COVID-19

June 3, 2020

March 25, 2020 - The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has had an immediate impact on businesses and more repercussions are to come, particularly for restaurants, hotels, food distributors, retailers, and other vendors that service the hospitality industry. Below are some potential solutions that can assist hospitality owners with cashflow in the coming months. Defer Tax Payments Both the federal and state governments have issued guidance regarding extended due dates for paying certain taxes, which could help business owners temporarily preserve some of their cashflow. Below is summary of the...

Our City and Operations Today

June 2, 2020

Hearts are heavy this morning. We know so many of you as an industry and as individuals are speaking up and taking action against injustice in your own ways and are working hard to be leaders for what is right. We are here standing in solidarity with all of you who stand for much needed systemic change. All of us who live and work in this region celebrate the fact that DC is a place where people gather, sometimes by the hundreds of thousands and even millions of people to stand up for what they believe in, march, peacefully demonstrate, and work hard to have their voices heard time and time...

DC Curfew and Pausing Business Operations

June 1, 2020

Sunday night in the District protests continued and several business areas were vandalized. The City urges that businesses and individuals should be prepared to take precautionary measures today and tomorrow, and potentially as the week stretches on. The protests have taken on many forms, and although over 90% has been peaceful protesting, there are additional layers creating unrest in the evening hours. We encourage you to stay safe and take the necessary precautions to protect your businesses and employees. Today, June 1st, Mayor Bowser announced that DC will be under curfew from 7pm to 6am...

Going into Reopening Weekend

May 29, 2020

Today, Friday, May 29th, marks the first stage of reopening across the region. We want to make sure you are armed with all the information you need so we can safely enter this next phase together. As promised, below is more information about how you can register for the use of public and private space for outdoor dining. In DC , you can register for public and private space outdoor patios by clicking here . In Virginia, you can register for a temporary permit for the use of private space, or learn more about use of public and private outdoor spaces in these jurisdictions below: Arlington...

What To Do if an Employee Tests Positive, and Reopening Updates

May 28, 2020

As you consider reopening and are making plans to get your restaurant ready, it is important to ensure you know the proper protocol if an employee tests positive for COVID-19. Our local Mayor and Governors have all warned that as the region begins to reopen, cases will rise, so you need to know the immediate steps to take. Steps to Take if an Employee Tests Positive: Step One : Call your local Department of Health and report the case. They can also provide specific guidance for your restaurant on how to handle operations and disinfecting. DC DOH , VDH , MDH . Step Two: Determine if your...

Regional Reopening Dos and Don’ts, and Updates

May 27, 2020

As Friday’s planned reopening in Northern Virginia and the District is upon us, we are sharing quick updates, reminders, and resources as you make your plans. DC - Stage 1 Reopening - Friday May 29 Today, Mayor Bowser released the official order permitting reopening of the District under Stage 1 guidelines on Friday, May 29th. Click here for the Order. Click here for the NEW Stage 1 Restaurant Guidance . As we expected, the Stage 1 Order includes that taverns, nightclubs and mixed-use facilities that serve food, and that are already approved to provide such outdoor service by ABRA, may...

VA Executive Order 63: Requirement to Wear Face Covering While Inside Buildings

May 26, 2020

Executive Order Number 63 (2020) Order of Public Health Emergency Five: Requirement to Wear Face Covering While Inside Buildings Importance of the Issue The Commonwealth of Virginia continues to respond to the novel coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic. Measures undertaken over the last ten weeks have slowed the spread of the virus; however, its transmission continues to threaten our communities. We must remain vigilant. In fact, as we reopen Virginia, it is critical that we become even more vigilant. Studies of the virus show that a substantial number of individuals with coronavirus are...

Reopening, Short Term Wins & Longer Term Relief

May 26, 2020

Dear Operator, Heading into this week I know you all have your heads in reopening as most of the Metro Area moves into phase/stage one at the end of the week or early next week. That transition is equal parts a welcome relief and a new and difficult challenge for those who are choosing to utilize available outdoor space. On Friday, we tackled many of your issues on DC’s reopening and shared resources and tools ( see here ) as you plan for these upcoming transitions. Today, Mayor Bowser gave a situational update and indicated that reopening in Stage 1 is still slated for this Friday May...