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April 14, 2020
In talking with many of you, I know that so many of you are checking in regularly with your employees and managers who are not on site during this time. When your team was together each day, it was certainly easier to be there for one another, share in successes and the spirit of teamwork, and create a positive and uplifting work environment. Our current status is a whole different beast and while so many are taking measures to ensure co-workers and industry colleagues are supported through relief measures, meals and supplies, it is critical that we all touch base with one another during this...
April 13, 2020
Dear Operator,
We know you are working hard to keep your community safe, to feed your neighbors and patrons if you are still open, and to support your employees in many creative ways. A study conducted by CARAVAN found that 85% of people surveyed miss going to restaurants--this is second only to missing family members. This tells us what we already know, that restaurants are a valued part of everyone’s daily lives.
While we currently have stay at home orders in place across the region, we have also been in discussion with local and regional leaders and other...
April 13, 2020
Original content c/o: National Restaurant Association
While it doesn’t come close to making up for sales losses, a majority of consumers are maintaining their off-premises usage of restaurants.
After mandated on-premises dining area closures were implemented in many parts of the country, tableservice and quickservice operators alike were left with two options – switch to an off-premises-only business model or close completely.
While offering off-premises alone by no means made up for the on-premises sales losses, it did leave consumers with options to satisfy their restaurant...
April 13, 2020
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...
April 12, 2020
Gelberg Signs would like to support Essential businesses during the COVID-19 Pandemic. They are providing the selected signs shown here for free for any Essential business. To order please call, 202-882-7733 or 240-372-7148.
April 10, 2020
Dear Operators,
I hope you got outside to see some sunshine this week and that you are practicing self-care and stress management when you can during this time. As an Essential industry, you are rising above every day and it is noticeable how hard you as operators are working to ensure safety for your employees, vendors, and takeout and delivery patrons by going above and beyond to establish strict protocol and safety standards. Earlier today, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious-disease expert, said that the curve is beginning to flatten, and he applauded...
April 10, 2020
ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan today announced that the state is instituting a budget and hiring freeze amid estimates that Maryland is facing a projected $2.8 billion shortfall due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The governor also announced that he has directed the Maryland Department of Labor to take steps to bolster the state’s unemployment insurance process to handle an unprecedented surge in claims.
“The spread of this deadly virus is wreaking havoc on our national and state economies, on small businesses, and the people of our state,” said Governor Hogan. “...
April 10, 2020
Original content c/o: Streetsense
In the last month alone the retail and restaurant industry has been flipped upside down. Many local small businesses, however, are standing ground and leveraging existing conditions as an opportunity to test new product offerings and services, and most importantly, give back to the communities in need. Here are some quick solutions culled from our conversations with front-line business service providers, including the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and Downtown Memphis Commission. We continue to be inspired by the creative ways in which...
April 10, 2020
To-Go Easter Specials in the DMV
ABC Pony
- Easter and Passover meals to-go.
- Choose from a roast leg of lamb or slow-cooked beef brisket, with potato gratin, sautéed green beans, and gravy for $50.
- The meal serves two people and is available for pickup and delivery. Order online.
Al Dente
- Old-guard Italian chef Roberto Donna’s family-style menu Easter menu is available for pickup or delivery.
- It includes a choice of fettuccine bolognese or lasagna, two pizzas, a choice of two fish or chicken dishes, two sides, focaccia, and cannolis.
- Each order is $75 for pickup...
April 10, 2020
As you head into your Friday, we wanted to remind you of two calls happening in the region today that you can join to get updates from regional leaders in Fairfax County and DC.
Fairfax County Operator Call
At 1:15pm today, we are hosting a one-hour interactive briefing with Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay, and County Executive Bryan Hill. We hope you can join this important call to learn more about what the Commonwealth of Virginia and Fairfax County are doing to aid businesses, and ask questions of these two key regional leaders. Call in information is...
April 9, 2020
Each and every day, RAMW is working on additional financial measures to help the industry, your operations, and your employees.
In addition to the ongoing discussions with elected officials locally, regionally and nationally about relief measures, fixes and additional funding, I have also been working with our partners at Events DC to discuss supplemental support during this very uncertain time. Earlier today, Events DC, Washington DC’s official convention and sports authority, announced an $18 million hospitality and tourism relief package to address the impact of the...
April 9, 2020
Funds support local DC restaurants, hotel industry, destination marketing and undocumented workers
Events DC, Washington DC’s official convention and sports authority, today announced an $18 million hospitality and tourism relief package to address the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. This critical initiative is designed to provide emergency funding to help DC’s local hospitality and tourism industry that is in dire need of immediate support. The relief package, approved by Events DC’s Board of Directors, will provide support to restaurants, hotels and undocumented workers in...
April 9, 2020
Original content c/o: National Restaurant Association
As the coronavirus health crisis continues, the restaurant industry remains focused on ensuring the safety of its customers and employees.
With the nation battling the coronavirus, restaurateurs have converted their businesses to all off-premises dining to safely serve guests who are social distancing.
Larry Lynch, The National Restaurant Association's senior vice president of Certification & Operations, says it’s imperative for operators to continue enforcing their safe food-handling protocols to help protect the...
April 9, 2020
We know the beautiful weather outside is just a tease as we all wish for crowded restaurants and Nationals opening week to be in play. But here we are, making the best of each day in this current situation.
We are inspired everyday by all of you, who continue to keep making the best of each day, and the entire region knows and sees the incredible efforts you are making happen as an industry. Yesterday, I was a guest speaker on District Strong, Federal City Council CEO and Former DC Mayor Anthony Williams' webcast, which brings together government officials and civic leaders who are at...
April 8, 2020
This morning we hosted a restaurant industry specific webinar with DC DOES focused on Unemployment Insurance, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), and relevant Wage/Hour issues. To date DOES has received 55,000 UI applications, and roughly 14,700 are specifically from our industry. In total, DOES has administered benefits to roughly 18,000 people, and approximately 2,700 are from the restaurant industry.
Below is a breakdown of the major takeaways from the webinar and Q&A.
Timing for UI Determinations
While the Emergency...
April 8, 2020
Good Afternoon Operators,
As each of you strive to get through yet another day full of twists, turns and unknowns, we wanted to remind you that we are here to support you and your employees along the way. While your decisions and business models were forced to temporarily change, your compassion, talent, creativity and resilience are steadfast and apparent. Yes, each day feels like a week, but we will figure this out as we work our way to the other side.
Today
This morning we hosted a restaurant industry specific webinar with DC DOES focused on...
April 8, 2020
Today at 10:30am we are hosting a webinar with DC’s Department of Employment Services (DOES) focused on Unemployment Insurance for restaurants. This is a great opportunity for you and your employees to connect directly with DOES to provide what we hope will be helpful guidance and insight as you and your employees navigate the UI process. This webinar is open to all so we encourage you and your staff to join.
Please send eden@ramw.org any questions you have before 10am, so we can make sure they are answered during the webinar. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions...
April 7, 2020
We mentioned previously, and you may have seen in several media outlets, that RAMW launched a Worker Relief Fund through our 501c.3 Education Foundation “Educated Eats” in partnership with Hook Hall Helps. Since mid-March, local restaurant and RAMW member Hook Hall has been meeting the needs of hundreds of restaurant industry employees by providing packaged meals and supply kits to those without their regular income, who are in need of assistance. This effort has been bolstered by so many in the industry including local food suppliers, donors like Pepco, and many more. Now,...
April 7, 2020
Hope you had a productive Tuesday with some moments of positivity. We are glad to be sharing positive news this afternoon as we have an employee relief opportunity to activate your restaurant as a community kitchen to support your industry while modestly supporting you as an operator and the food economy.
RAMW Education Foundation and Hook Hall Operator and Employee Relief Model
We mentioned previously, and you may have seen in several media outlets, that RAMW launched a Worker Relief Fund through our 501c.3 Education Foundation “Educated Eats” in partnership with...
April 7, 2020
The DC Council introduced additional Emergency Legislation intended to address shortfalls from the initial Emergency Legislation, however there are still issues that are not addressed in this second bill, and we will continue to work with the Council to make sure our industry’s needs are met. One of the main issues that was removed from the legislation due to fiscal impact addresses much needed support for undocumented workers through a parallel UI process and a grant program. This is an issue we will continue to advocate for, and the Council has committed to continuing discussions...
April 7, 2020
This week we have three industry briefings and Q&A calls to give you insight in different areas of relief and offer guidance and resources. Please see detaisl below and plan to join those of interest and assistance to you.
TODAY, Tuesday 4/7 @ 3:30PM
Join us for an industry-wide call with Sean Kennedy, Vice President of Public Affairs and Aaron Frazier Director of Healthcare and Tax Policy at the National Restaurant Association. Many of you have asked what the National Restaurant Association is doing as they gear up for additional requests going into Phase IV. We have asked Sean...
April 6, 2020
Dear Operators,
We have updates and developments from around the region.
DC Emergency Legislation
Tuesday morning, the DC Council is introducing additional Emergency Legislation intended to address shortfalls from the initial Emergency Legislation, however there are still issues that are not addressed in this second bill, and we will continue to work with the Council to make sure our industry’s needs are met. One of the main issues that was removed from the legislation due to fiscal impact addresses much needed support for undocumented workers...
April 6, 2020
This past weekend, the Association sent a letter to the National Governors Association and the United States Conference of Mayors thanking them for their help so far and asking for continued support. The letter asks Governors and Mayors to consider the following actions including:
Direct Aid to Restaurants and Employees
Provide grants to small businesses.
Create tax credits with expedited processing for retaining employees during the COVID-19 crisis.
Taxes and Fees
Delay sales tax remittance for restaurants.
Defer property, estimated income, corporate income, and franchise...
April 6, 2020
The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) appreciates your patience over the weekend as they worked to improve their ability to administer restaurant worker relief funds and announced system upgrades intended to enhance functionality + expand capacity. Here is the current status:
Submitted Applications – They are reviewing applications already submitted and this week will begin approving and notifying eligible applicants of their grant fund awards.
Applications in Process – They are contacting nearly 13,000...
April 6, 2020
Many of RAMW’s Endorsed Providers, Industry Partners, and Allied Members are offering great support to restaurants and small businesses during this time in the way of resource guides, PPP loan support, discounted or free services, moped share for in-house delivery service, free online ordering systems, and more. We will continue to update this information as information comes in.
PPP RESOURCES - If your bank has stopped accepting applications or if you can’t apply through them due to other limitations, there are other options.
Heartland...
