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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.


Do No Harm

Imperial Dade logo
September 20, 2022
Do no harm is a basic tenet of medicine. Although the goal is always to treat disease and alleviate suffering, a physician must always try to protect the patient from any further injury. Likewise in the food service industry. Restaurants want to create and deliver enjoyable experiences to their customers. That’s why they’re in business. But, just as with healthcare, they also need to protect their customers from foodborne illnesses. Simply put, they need to safeguard the customer, the staff, and the brand.

ABRA: License Renewals, Remaining Holiday Weekends Eligible for Extended Hours, & More

September 12, 2022
All information below is posted as shared through the 09.12.22 edition of ABRA's Last Cal Newsletter: Extended Hours There are four (4) holiday weekends remaining in 2022 that are eligible for extended hours . They include: Indigenous Peoples' Day Weekend | Friday, October 7 – Monday, October 10 Veterans Day Weekend | Thursday, November 10 – Sunday, November 13 T hanksgiving Day Weekend | Wednesday, November 23 – Sunday, November 27 C hristmas Day Weekend | Friday, December 23 – Monday, December 26 Establishments registered in the program may sell and serve...

Tipped Wage Workers Fairness Amendment Act Reminders and Deadlines

August 10, 2022
Information provided by RAMW Industry Partner, CPA Eats. As we gear up for another referendum on the Tipped Minimum Wage (Initiative 82), it’s important to be aware of an important law that passed after the last referendum in 2018. From the DC Office of Human Rights: "The Tipped Wage Workers Fairness Amendment Act (TWWF) requires District employers who hire individuals earning tips as wages to inform their employees about their rights and benefits.” Compliance with notice requirements has largely centered around the posting of Employee Rights in the District of Columbia...

Big News From RAMW, Kathy Hollinger to Depart after 10 Years of Leadership

August 2, 2022
You may have already heard the news that I am leaving RAMW, a decision that I gave immense thought in making. RAMW, and all of you, have been my family, community and my dedicated focus for 10 long and meaningful years. I will be here to support the next steps through the coming months, and I will continue to support you every step of the way as a new President and CEO is onboarded. I assure you that RAMW is stronger than ever and here for you.

Make Healthy Living Part of Every Workday

March 8, 2022
Any business, no matter how small, can create a workplace culture that encourages healthy lifestyles. It involves offering programs that support healthier behaviors, educating employees about health issues, and making health-related objectives part of your corporate policy. Take a look at our tips for creating a culture of health in your workplace. ---- The restaurant business is rewarding but tough. Operators need a health care plan that works as hard as they do. That’s why RAMW has partnered with USI Insurance Services and Kaiser Permanente to develop a plan that is flexible,...

National Landing BID and RAMW Announce Second Annual “Love Local” $100K COVID-19 Recovery and Relief Program

February 10, 2022
Funds Will Support Open and Eligible Restaurants and Small Businesses in Pentagon City, Crystal City and Potomac Yar d ARLINGTON, VA - February 10, 2022 - National Landing Business Improvement District (BID) , in coordination with Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) , today announced the return of Love Local , a grant program created in 2021 to provide funding and promotional support for National Landing restaurants and small businesses. The current round of funding of up to $100,000 for this initiative is intended to help small businesses cover pay for workers’ wages...Read more

Practical Tips to Foster Equity, Inclusion and Diversity within Your Organization

February 8, 2022
Creating a culture of equity, inclusion, and diversity (collectively referred to as EID) is complex and challenging. Many companies struggle to take the first step or may be limited by a lack of resources or time. But the journey to a culture that embraces EID and uses it to create healthier, safer and more inclusive work environments can begin with a few simple steps. Read more in our recent joint article with the Baltimore Business Journal. ---- The restaurant business is rewarding but tough. Operators need a health care plan that works as hard as they do. That’s why RAMW has...

DC Vaccination Requirement Breakdown

December 29, 2021
DC Vaccination Requirement Breakdown Saturday, January 15, 2022 Proof of the first dose of vaccination will be required for all patrons 12+ dining indoors at restaurants, bars, and nightclubs starting Saturday, January 15, 2022. The requirement also applies to indoor cultural and entertainment events, indoor exercise and recreational establishments, and indoor event and meeting establishments. Beginning on January 15, 2022, businesses shall display prominently, visible to patrons prior to entry, a notice informing patrons that proof of vaccination is required to enter any indoor portion of a...

Open Enrollment Starts November 1st for Health Insurance Coverage via the Affordable Care Act (ACA)

October 28, 2021
DC Health Link , the District of Columbia's Affordable Care Act health insurance marketplace, offers 25 different health plans for District residents to fit all budgets. There are PPOs, POSs, and HMOs—low and high deductibles—and HSA compatible plans from CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield and Kaiser Permanente. Fifteen of the 25 plans even cover medical services without having to first pay your deductible, including urgent care, specialists (including mental health), primary care, and generic medication. All District residents qualify for coverage through DC Health Link and may...

Mayor Bowser’s Emergency COVID-19 Relief at Work Keeping District Residents and Small Businesses Covered with Quality Health Insurance

October 6, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 6, 2021 CONTACT: LaToya Foster (EOM) – (202) 727-5011; latoya.foster@dc.gov Mayor Bowser’s Emergency COVID-19 Relief at Work Keeping District Residents and Small Businesses Covered with Quality Health Insurance (WASHINGTON, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that thousands of DC residents and small businesses with DC Health Link coverage have had their past-due health insurance premiums paid thanks to a local program using American Rescue Plan COVID-19 relief funds for cities and states. Of the $15 million relief fund established by...Read more

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