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.

Make the ServSafe Dining Commitment

November 30, 2020

Through the ServSafe Dining Commitment, operators pledge to follow four best practices that are effective means for reducing the transmission of COVID-19. Nearly 10,000 restaurants have made the commitment in which they pledge to: Adhere to the updated COVID-19 Safe Operating Guidance and/or corporate brand guidelines, which are based on CDC, FDA, EPA and OSHA guidelines. Adhere to the laws and guidelines set by their state and local municipalities. Commit to a minimum of one person per location with a current ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification. Commit to ensuring employees have...

Free Social Distancing Seat and Floor Decals and Facemasks Available from DC HBX

November 23, 2020

RAMW is working with DC Health Link to provide free seat and floor decals to remind customers to maintain 6 feet between themselves and others. These decals are intended to be an aid in business operations to keep patrons safe and healthy, while complying with the Mayor’s orders for social distancing. Each business can request up to six (6) floor decals, ten (10) seat decals, and eight (8) facemasks by emailing us at coverage@ramw.org . DC Health Link has taken several steps to reduce financial barriers making it easier to enroll in quality, comprehensive health insurance coverage. If...

Join Mayor Bowser for Health Round-Up 2021 – Open Enrollment Kickoff

November 5, 2020

On Saturday, Nov. 7, at 11:00am, DC Health Link is sponsoring a virtual enrollment kickoff that will bring together leading healthcare advocates, local leaders, celebrities and entertainers. Learn tips for healthy living, and most importantly, how to enroll in quality, affordable health insurance. The kickoff will feature: - Healthy cooking demonstrations with celebrity chefs; - Sounds of local DJs and artists; - Multicultural dance and music performances; - Exercise instruction with Zumba, Yoga experts; - Healthy living tips for 2021; Having health insurance is always important, but...

Sign up for The Washington Post “Restaurant Gift Card Giveaway”

October 15, 2020

The Washington Post is excited to offer a partnership in a “Restaurant Gift Card Giveaway” To participate, all you need to provide is your restaurant name, hi res logo, restaurant point of contact (name, email, direct phone number) to Alexandra.Weber@washpost.com . Deadline to participate is Monday, November 2, 2020. Details: The Washington Post will be giving away (5) $100 restaurant gift cards in an exclusive subscriber enter for a chance to win promotion Launch date November 9 and to run for 5 consecutive weeks Your Commitment to participate is needed by Monday, November 2 Cost...

Open Table Restaurant Resources

October 8, 2020

Over the past several months, OpenTable has worked to create content that can help restaurateurs navigate this challenging period. They are sharing their data, performing regular consumer research, and working directly with industry partners to gather insights and advice. OpenTable has compiled some of their most beneficial pieces, including their latest diner survey data, their industry webinar series, zero-budget marketing tips, and more, in one place for easy access. Diner insights: How people feel about eating out again In OpenTable’s new July 2020 survey report, get insights from...

Cohn Reznick Restaurant Technology Webinar Series

October 1, 2020

2020 RESTAURANT TECHNOLOGY SERIES – THE NEW FRONTIER Aligning Technology and Operations for Changing Times Each year CohnReznick’s restaurant technology summits draw hundreds of strategic thinkers in the industry to discuss practical solutions for how restaurants can leverage technology to achieve their business vision. Needless to say, this year is unlike any other for the restaurant industry, and our RestTech series will be different too. Our 2020 RestTech program is going virtual with a series of webinars held every Wednesday from September 16, 2020 through October 14, 2020...

DC Health Link Extends Opportunity for DC Residents and Employees of DC Small Businesses to Get Covered During COVID-19 Crisis

September 11, 2020

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release: September 10, 2020 Contact: Adam Hudson: (202) 527-5622; adam.hudson@dc.gov Linda Wharton Boyd: (202) 351-9777; linda.wharton-boyd@dc.gov Washington, DC –The DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority (DCHBX) Executive Board unanimously voted to adopt the recommendations from its Standing Advisory Board to extend the Special Enrollment Periods (SEP) for COVID-19 for District residents who need health insurance and for employees and dependents of employers already covered on DC Health Link to January 31, 2021, or longer if the District’s public health...Read more

The DC Sustainable Energy Utility is Showing Love to Small Businesses with Free Energy Audits

September 8, 2020

The small business community in DC is the soul of the city. The District relies on you. The DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) is showing love to small businesses with two limited-time offers to help you save money and energy. Free Energy Audits: For a limited time, the DCSEU is offering free virtual audits with one of our Energy Consultants. The audit includes: interviews with business staff, a virtual walk-through of the facility, and a report. Sign up to receive a custom report on energy savings opportunities. Enhanced Incentives: Need to upgrade lighting, HVAC, or food service...

Menupoly: No Contact Ordering and Payment Service for Restaurant Businesses

August 27, 2020

I am excited to inform you that we are now introducing a NO CONTACT ordering and payment service using QR codes for restaurant businesses . The service covers Take Out & Dine In orders, enabling diners to see visual menus, open tabs, and pay, using their phones with no need for any app downloads or user logins. This service helps restaurants deter COVID to keep diners and staff safe and save on their expenses during these tough times. This service is free-of-charge for restaurants as we only charge users a fixed tiny fee ($0.50) per order. Please visit www.menupoly.com/restaurant or watch...

Reminders, Updates, and Free PPE Kits

August 20, 2020

We know how hard you are all working to welcome and service guests and maintain safety protocols for diners and staff. We continue to hear that mask compliance is an ongoing issue for many operators. We are here to support as you encourage your team members to always put safety first over the wants of an individual customer who may not want to follow the rules. We also know that you want to avoid any operational consequences of having mask violators in your establishment, as a few local jurisdictions in our region impose hefty fines, license suspensions, and even shut downs for non-compliance...