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December 15, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: media@ramw.org
Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington Names Shawn Townsend President & Chief Executive Officer
Washington, DC (December 9, 2022) – Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), the trade association representing restaurants and the foodservice industry in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, announced today the appointment of its new President & CEO, Shawn Townsend, effective mid-January. Established in 1920, RAMW advocates for and promotes the vitality of the capital region’s hospitality industry and,...
December 9, 2022
The National Cherry Blossom Festival, in conjunction with RAMW, is proud to showcase the Washington, DC area’s vibrant restaurant scene during the 2023 Festival, from March 20 – April 16. Restaurants that enroll in the program offer custom spring-themed menu items that are featured on Festival channels, encouraging Washington, DC area residents and visitors to experience flavors of this iconic DC season with friends and family.
New this year, the Festival is partnering with the Goosechase App for the inaugural Cherry Hunt, a gamified engagement experience for Festival attendees...
December 9, 2022
Sustainability is about balancing the environmental, economic, and social needs of the District of Columbia today as well as the needs of the next generation, and the one after that.” - Mayor Bowser
The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) would like to invite you to apply for the 2023 District Sustainability Awards.
The application period opens on January 2nd for the 2023 District Sustainability Awards. The application period closes on February 10, 2023.
Click here to apply.
About the District's Sustainability Awards
The District Sustainability...
November 22, 2022
In The Community
Community Impact Through Intentional DEIB Strategies
The COVID-19 pandemic shined a spotlight on racial injustice and disparities in healthcare access for vulnerable populations, including Black and Brown communities across the country. Cynthia Cifuentes, regional vice president for brand communications and community engagement for Kaiser Permanente, authored a contributed article in I95Business about how organizations can embrace diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging by offering learning opportunities to youth, expanding access to education, and...
November 15, 2022
(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) announced a new $8 million round of the Bridge Fund grant program that will provide financial support to businesses and sole proprietors in the restaurant, entertainment, and retail sectors.
“Our restaurant, entertainment, and retail industries are critical to our comeback,” said Mayor Bowser. “When we have great places for people to dine out, and shop, and visit, that not...
November 15, 2022
Our Mission
In 2017, Qwick was founded to revolutionize how hospitality works. We knew that the industry needed more freedom and flexibility in its staffing operations for businesses to be successful and hospitality professionals to have greater autonomy in their work. Since day one we’ve been driven by the opportunity to serve those who serve us and create prosperity in the industry that we love.
Five years later, we’re more driven by this mission and inspired by the hospitality community than ever. We’ve successfully matched over 600,000 hospitality shifts...
October 27, 2022
Four Things Every Restaurant Owner Should know about Wage & Hour Collective and Class Actions
By: Scott A. Mirsky
Practice Area: Employment Law
Paley Rothman’s Employment Law Group has extensive experience with wage and hour compliance issues and can assist restaurants and restaurant chains with both preventive measures and defending against single-plaintiff and collective or class action wage and hour lawsuits.
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While the thought of being sued by a single worker for unpaid wages is enough to give most restaurant owner’s heartburn, the...
October 25, 2022
Come celebrate the launch of year 2 of Nourish DC and the opening of a new round of funding.
About the Grant:
Nourish DC grants support Washington, DC businesses increasing access to healthy food and creating quality jobs. Your business could receive between $10,000 and $50,000 in grant funding to support food access for communities across the District.
Grant uses include: New product development, technology, equipment, real estate acquisition, construction, tenant improvements, cold storage, marketing, and more.
Eligible business location: Food business...
October 19, 2022
Shared content from the National Restaurant Association
The IRS is warning small businesses about “improper” claims for the employee retention tax credit (ERTC). As you know, restaurants were uniquely qualified for the Covid-related ERTC due to partial closure orders and/or revenue declines in 2020 and three calendar quarters of 2021. However, the IRS is reporting that some third-party companies are offering bad advice to small businesses regarding eligibility or the estimated value of the ERTC.
We urge members to closely review the below information, our...
October 18, 2022
Eligible licensees may operate 24-hours and sell and serve alcohol between 6:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. during the 2022 FIFA World Cup taking place November 20-December 18, 2022.
To participate, licensees must register and pay a non-refundable $100 fee by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 17.
If approved, licensees will be issued a permit that must be posted next to their alcohol license inside the premises.
Note the following:
Eligible licensees include On-Premises Retailers, Manufacturers with an On-Site Sales and Consumption Permit, and...
October 17, 2022
DC Cocktail Week 2022 Registration Now Open!
DC Cocktail Week, returning Monday, November 28 through Sunday, December 4, 2022, celebrates cocktail culture across the Metropolitan region featuring tasty cocktails paired with delicious bites for one price. We invite you to be part of this spirited promotion highlighting your cocktail program, and you can opt-in to spotlight your restaurant through a unique experience or custom event to engage diners and fuel their cocktail and mocktail interests through your exclusive cocktail culture experience.
All participating...
October 12, 2022
Did you know that restaurant and hotel workers are ranked number one among the top ten most addiction-prone careers? More than 19% of employees reported illicit drug use or alcohol abuse within the past 30 days, according to The Arbor Behavioral Healthcare.
National Capital Treatment & Recovery is a nonprofit behavioral health care organization specializing in the treatment and prevention of substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders, serving adults in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. region since 1962. Our staff is available to educate, inform and support businesses by...
October 12, 2022
DC Operators are likely hearing more and more about the requirement that DC restaurant operators with at least one tipped employee provide harassment prevention training every two years to all employees. This requirement is a part of the Tipped Workers Fairness Amendment Act, which, if you recall, was passed in 2018 as part of the repeal of Initiative 77.
There has been a long pause in implementation, largely due to Covid, but now the DC Office of Human Rights (OHR) and the Department of Employment Services (DOES) are certifying trainers and putting the mechanisms in place for...
October 5, 2022
DON’T MISS THIS WORKFORCE TRAINING OPPORTUNITY!
The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington Education Foundation (RAMW-EF), known as Educated Eats, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the restaurant and foodservice industry as a career of unlimited opportunity. Named for a lifelong educator and chef who played a pivotal role in founding the education foundation, Frans Hagen scholarships of up to $5,000 are available to individuals who are exploring a career in foodservice and for those who demonstrate an interest in continuing education in the restaurant...
October 4, 2022
DC Operators are likely hearing more and more about the requirement that DC restaurant operators with at least one tipped employee, provide harassment prevention training every two years to all employees. This requirement is a part of the Tipped Workers Fairness Amendment Act, which, if you recall, was passed in 2018 as part of the repeal of Initiative 77. There has been a long pause in implementation, largely due to Covid, but now the DC Office of Human Rights (OHR) and the Department of Employment Services (DOES) are certifying trainers and putting the mechanisms in place for...
September 28, 2022
President and CEO,
Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW)
The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington is seeking a charismatic, proactive and innovative President and CEO who has the passion and vision to lead the organization into the future. Building on the strength and success of the organization, the individual will navigate the shifting marketplace dynamics while increasing the impact that RAMW has on behalf of its members.
In partnership with the Association and Foundation Boards and staff, the President and CEO is responsible for executing and developing a...
September 26, 2022
The days of tipping in DC are likely numbered, or at a minimum about to seriously change. Initiative 82 will pass into law and fundamentally transform the compensation model for tens of thousands of workers in the restaurant industry. At Harmony we have concerns about whether this initiative will actually lead to better outcomes for hourly workers because the likely transition from a tipped system to a service charge system is rife with opportunities for money to be transferred from hourly workers to management.
We believe strongly in working with businesses that add value to...
September 26, 2022
What is Initiative 82, and how would it affect restaurant and bar workers?
The District of Columbia Tip Credit Elimination Act of 2021 or Initiative 82 is being considered by D.C. voters this November to eliminate the tip credit for restaurant and bar workers. If passed, this measure will severely reduce take home pay for servers and bartenders across our city.
Under the current system, the tip credit guarantees that servers and bartenders receive the minimum wage but enables tipped employees to earn well above that amount – about $26 per hour, on average, according to...
September 20, 2022 to October 31, 2022
DON’T MISS THIS WORKFORCE TRAINING OPPORTUNITY!
The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington Education Foundation (RAMW-EF), known as Educated Eats, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the restaurant and foodservice industry as a career of unlimited opportunity. Named for a lifelong educator and chef who played a pivotal role in founding the education foundation, Frans Hagen scholarships of up to $5,000 are available to individuals who are exploring a career in foodservice and for those who demonstrate an interest in continuing education in the restaurant...
September 20, 2022
Written by John Thomas, Director of Health and Wellness at Imperial Dade
Imperial Dade is the leading North American distributor of foodservice packaging, sanitation supplies, dish machines, and cleaning equipment. We have been serving the restaurant and hospitality marketplace since 1935. Put our experts to work for you!
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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. ...
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
Thanksgiving Day Weekend | Wednesday, November 23 – Sunday, November 27
Christmas Day Weekend | Friday, December 23 – Monday,...
September 12, 2022
Business Strategy
Reminder! Health Views for Business - September 27th
Don't forget! The next session in the Health Views for Business series, Managing Cancer Care in the Workplace, takes place on September 27. Register here to find out how encouraging preventive cancer care can not only have an impact on employees, but also have a positive impact on businesses.
Employer Tools & Resources
Support Your Total Health With Our Add-On Care Options
Kaiser Permanente members have access to a broad range of care options. Take a look at our More...
September 1, 2022 to September 30, 2022
This September, join ServSafe in celebrating National Food Safety Month. Each week, ServSafe will deliver new content highlighting the different roles each of your restaurant’s team members have in practicing exceptional food safety.
A safe restaurant environment can only be achieved when employees at every level understand the importance of food safety and can work together to create a food safety culture. From food handlers to restaurant managers to executive leadership, we will be sharing content, tools, and training tailored to each role. Click here to learn more and...
August 25, 2022
The Inflation Reduction Act, signed on August 16, 2022, extends lower health insurance premiums through 2025 for District families and residents! The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (Inflation Reduction Act) extends the lower premiums under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (American Rescue Plan) for three years, through 2025. For DC residents, the Inflation Reduction Act extends lower premiums for health insurance through DC Health Link, so residents can get health insurance for as little as $11/month.
District families can save on average $5,600/year on quality health insurance...
August 18, 2022
Dear RAMW Members,
We know that your bottom line is always top of mind as you also work hard to support your teams and give guests the best experience you can in a competitive market. Did you know that you could be saving money every month on your electric and natural gas?|
RAMW has several key providers who support our industry, and we are excited to introduce you to our new Endorsed Provider, Electric Advisors, Inc. EA is an energy broker who will help you get your natural gas and electricity supply at a competitive rate. Shopping for a...
