National Campaign & Regional Updates 4/13

It’s been 30 days since the region was upended and everyone had to consider what their temporary new normal needed to be going forward during this very uncertain period. And while we are not clear on exactly what is ahead, we will continue to support you with all of your present needs and prepare this industry for what may need to be and should be considered going into the next several weeks.

From what we are hearing, small businesses are just now starting to receive updates and funding based on the loans they applied for depending on their lenders, and on which type of loans they applied for (EIDL, PPP, etc.).  We expect that many more of you who have applied will receive notices and funds in this week and next. We are simultaneously hearing that employees are starting to receive the UI benefits they applied for across jurisdictions. Though many areas have been slower and more difficult to navigate than one would hope, there are improvements and progress being made.

To start the week off we have an action item to urge you to act on, as well as a few updates on relief and best practices to share with you.

Act NOW
As businesses have started to submit their PPP applications, it has become very clear that additional funding for, and quick fixes to, the PPP will be needed. Congress is trying to address this need through additional legislation that is being viewed as Phase 3.5 of relief to address concerns with the CARES Act and PPP.

While there are many issues that need to be addressed in terms of relief for our industry of independent restaurant operators, Congress is not looking at overall relief at this point and is focused these next few days on the quick fixes for PPP. To capitalize on this Phase 3.5, the National Restaurant Association has launched an email campaign to tell Congress what needs to be fixed with PPP. This campaign is deliberately narrow in its focus. We urge you to click here to take action TODAY.

As we stated on Friday, once Phase 3.5 passes, we will launch a more comprehensive campaign that addresses all the feedback we have received from you, our state partners, and the National Restaurant Association to target additional and more comprehensive relief for Phase IV.   It is important that our voice is loud during every phase.

Fairfax County Loan Program
The Fairfax County Board will vote on Tuesday to approve a $2.5M loan program for small businesses with less than 50 employees. The Board is viewing this program as a starting point, and will look for additional opportunities for support or mechanisms to expand the loan program, which is meant to supplement federal loans. Once it passes, the Board is predicting a 7-day turnaround period. We will share more information with you as it becomes available.

3 Important Safety Tips to Practice During The COVID-19 Health Crisis
As the coronavirus health crisis continues, the restaurant industry remains focused on ensuring the safety of its customers and employees. ServSafe has prepared a list of three important safety tips to utilize in your operations during this health crisis to keep your staff and customers healthy and safe. Click here for more information and please share with your employees.

We will be in touch with more information regarding relief, advocacy and regional updates.

Stay safe. Stay kind.

Best,
Kathy