You are here

Operations and Washington DC

BREAKING NEWS DC Mayor Muriel Bowser issued guidelines banning on premise dining at restaurants starting at 10pm tonight and through April 1, 2020 at 6am. Restaurants and bars are still able to offer meals to go through take out, delivery or curbside service. Read the Mayor's order here.  Tomorrow, the DC Council is introducing Emergency Legislation that will offer relief for the local industry and its workers. More to come on what this relief package looks like tomorrow.   As a reminder, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan banned on premise dining...
A Note from the Desk of RAMW's President & CEO, Kathy E. Hollinger Dear RAMW Members, I am beyond proud of the resilience of our industry. As you are all very aware, everything has been turned upside down, and this is a quickly evolving situation. This does not take away from the fact that we are a community of small businesses that through the years have successfully adapted to changing times. We are impressed with your agility during this current situation, as you put in place rapid changes that are necessary in order to put the public health of your staff, diners, friends...
As an association we are focused on protecting restaurant operators during this incredible time for you as a business owner, we have also heard from so many of you about your concerns rooted in your employees. There are some local grassroots efforts to help workers, as you may have seen.  We are collaborating with Hook Hall Helps who are helping to ensure that workers have access to to-go meals and supplies. We started a Worker Relief Fund as well that has raised $14,000+ in 48 hours. First and foremost, we needed to just act on something quickly. This will be...
(Washington, DC) While the District of Columbia Government will begin to modify its operations starting Monday, March 16, in order to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the District government wants residents to know that it will continue to deliver essential services and keep the majority of its systems and services operating. Operations and Infrastructure District Department of Transportation (DDOT) DDOT remains open, with most DDOT staff teleworking through Tuesday, March 31. Programs that will maintain normal operations are: DC Circulator will operate its...
PLEASE READ IMPORTANT REAL TIME UPDATES BELOW REGARDING YOUR OPERATIONS. All restaurants and community members have to be mindful as to how we are changing our operating culture to accommodate and enforce the new guidelines to ensure public health is the priority. It will require rethinking offerings and adjusting operations. We encourage you to think creatively about how your food offerings may look different. Newly Issued Guidelines for DC Restaurants and Tavern License Holders DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, has just released new guidance that directly impacts the restaurant and hospitality...
Original content c/o: National Restaurant Association What should your business do to prepare for a pandemic? Here are 10 steps to take now! Step 1: Maintain a healthy work environment. Ensure adequate air circulation and post tips on how to stop the spread of germs. Promote hand and respiratory hygiene. Ensure wide availability of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (not just in places required by law). Provide sanitizing supplies for frequent cleaning of surfaces and equipment. Remind employees to report any illness to their manager especially if they are sick with...
NOTE TO OUR COMMUNITY Some of you reading this are members, others are not, but all are worried about your business and employees given the current situation. We understand, we are worried too, however you should feel confident that in difficult times, which this industry has faced before, we have prevailed best when we come together as a community and face it head on. We urge you to stay strong, stay clear-minded, and know that you are not alone in this. We are working for you, and there are many efforts in motion. Understanding that you are concerned...
A Note from the Desk of RAMW's President & CEO, Kathy E. Hollinger Dear DC Restaurant Members, We are in a quickly evolving situation and would like to provide you with a quick real time update from DC Mayor Muriel Bower as of 4pm Friday afternoon. 1. At this time, the DC government has banned gatherings of 250 or more people. The Department of Health has indicated that this applies to restaurants with banquet halls and large private event spaces. Restaurants that can accommodate 250 people do not have to change operations at this time, as long as the 250 are broken up...
Original content c/o: James Beard Foundation Plus resources for diners, restaurateurs, and chefs The James Beard Foundation is acutely aware of the health and safety concerns surrounding the current COVID-19 pandemic. We are also mindful of how this virus is negatively impacting the hospitality industry at large, both from a well-being and economic standpoint. Novel coronavirus COVID-19 is pushing the restaurant industry to think creatively as travel bans are put into place, cities cancel conventions, and events are postponed until the summer. It’s been great to see the open sharing...
All pub crawl permits for events scheduled to take place in Washington, DC now through March 31, 2020 have been revoked effective immediately. The 6-0 decision by the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board was made based on guidance from the District’s Department of Health (DOH) that all non-essential mass gatherings of more than 1,000 persons be cancelled to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Mayor’s Orders 2020-045 and 2020-046 indicate that the spread of COVID-19 represents an imminent threat to the health, safety, and welfare of District...
A Note from the Desk of RAMW's President & CEO, Kathy E. Hollinger Dear RAMW Members, We are hearing from many of you who are requesting suggested communication and messaging to share with diners across social media platforms and through signage you can post in your restaurants and at the host stand. We encourage you to share your enhanced cleanliness and sanitation practices with your customers. RAMW is in the process of creating sample collateral now and we will send you materials soon. Please stay tuned. If you choose to create your own messaging, it is advised industry-wide...
A Note from the Desk of RAMW's President & CEO, Kathy E. Hollinger We know Restaurant Members are receiving a lot of emails regarding coronavirus, so we want to cut through the noise, and provide you with pertinent information specific to the restaurant and foodservice industry. Please be aware that we are in discussion with the city on the creation of a relief fund or other mechanisms of support that can be provided to help preserve the financial health and economy of our local industry. As there are new developments daily, it is crucial that you are receiving information...
Original content c/o: National Restaurant Association Location-based marketing is now about audiences instead of individuals Location-based marketing is no novelty, but it is growing and evolving. Asif Khan, founder and director of the Location Based Marketing Association, says 88% of retail and restaurant companies worldwide used local marketing in 2019, up 8% from 2018.  Annual spending on technology — platforms, solutions and hardware — is expected to reach $57.4 billion globally by 2021, with geotargeted advertising expenditures rising to $39.4 billion. “...
Original content c/o: National Restaurant Association Nearly half of restaurant job openings in 2019 were filled by either first-time workers or promotions.   The restaurant industry has long been the top training ground for new entrants to the workforce. In fact, nearly one-half of adults say their first regular job was in the restaurant and foodservice industry, according to new National Restaurant Association research. This trend continued in 2019, with restaurant operators reporting that roughly one in four of their job openings were filled by people for whom this was the first...
Original content c/o: National Restaurant Association The restaurant industry is adding middle-class jobs at a faster pace than the overall economy. The restaurant industry added middle class jobs* at a rate more than three times stronger than the overall economy during the recovery from the Great Recession, according to an analysis of data from the US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey.    Between 2010 and 2018, the number of restaurant jobs with annual income between $45,000 and $74,999 jumped 84 percent. In comparison, middle-class jobs in the overall economy...
Original content c/o: National Restaurant Association Spring is a terrific time to reflect on where your business is at, and where you’d like it to be. Assess what’s not working, declutter and freshen up. Follow these spring cleaning tips to improve your brand, operations and bottom line. Put the brakes on what’s not working We’ve all tried something that didn’t work. Not every product or marketing promotion is a super seller. If something isn't working, it’s time to drop it and try something else. Menu: Do you carry menu items that are...
A Note from the Desk of RAMW's President & CEO, Kathy E. Hollinger As of March 2, there have been no confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Washington, DC or the metro region. We are in constant conversation with relevant government agencies, lodging and hospitality partners and the National Restaurant Association to ensure we have the most up to date information, to then share a plan of action with our members and the restaurant community.  What You Should Focus On Right Now Our goal is to provide you with information and tools that might assist with your planning and...
Original content c/o: MarketWatch People who isolate themselves with ‘social distancing measures’ would still need food From movie chains to luxury retailers, the coronavirus could cut into earnings for many consumer-facing companies if the virus that’s infected more than 82,000 people worldwide escalates in America and forces consumers to stay home. Chinese workers in February carrying a cart of vegetables meant as groceries for nearby residents. Photo Credit: GREG BAKER/AFP via Getty Images Yet bottom lines could go in the opposite direction for...
Original content c/o: National Restaurant Association ServSuccess and the Apprenticeship Program work well alone – and together – to help develop career paths for your restaurant employees. Here’s the difference between the two and how they can connect. Two great programs now exist to help foodservice operators attract and retain employees, and provide employees career development opportunities. We heard details about both during the Association’s Human Resources and Risk & Safety conference held mid-February and found out they’re ideally suited to be used...
Original content c/o: Restaurant Business Magazine As virus fears grip the country, experts stress planning and good food safety practices to reduce risk. As coronavirus fears gripped the world this week, more attention has focused on challenges restaurants often face in keeping sick workers home — and how that could exacerbate the spread of a virus many experts believe is destined to become a global pandemic. Photo credit: Shutterstock As of Friday, there were 82,294 confirmed cases of coronavirus, or COVID-19, worldwide, the vast majority of them in China, according to the...
Original content c/o: National Restaurant Association The Association’s annual State of the Restaurant Industry is out. Report highlights key avenues for growth for the coming year and beyond. People want to use restaurants. According to new data from the National Restaurant Association, heading into a new decade, pent-up demand for restaurants remains high. It’s also the 11th consecutive year of industry growth, and operators are interested in using all the tools at their disposal to stay top-of-mind with an evolving consumer base. The National Restaurant Association’...
- Grubhub+ offers unlimited free delivery, 10% Cashback, Elite Care and donation matching - Company doubles down on diner rewards after doubling restaurant network CHICAGO, Feb. 26, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Grubhub, the nation's leading pickup and delivery marketplace with the largest restaurant network, today launched Grubhub+, a new membership program loaded with rewards (Seamless+ also available). Grubhub+ goes above and beyond other subscription programs with member benefits like 10% Cashback and donation matching to high impact organizations like No Kid Hungry....
Version 2020 marks the beginning of a new generation of benchmarking, recognition and transparency SEATTLE, Feb. 26, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- During the opening plenary of its annual conference, a gathering of more than 1,000 food distributors, manufacturers and safety professionals, the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) announced the newest edition of its Benchmarking Requirements. GFSI has long set the "global standard" for those in the industry, yet the newest edition of the GFSI Benchmarking Requirements is more than an update — it's a complete...
Original content c/o: National Restaurant Association The Association has worked for more than five years to advocate for the type of change enacted in the National Labor Relations Board's final rule. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) said today it would issue its final joint employer rule. The National Restaurant Association has worked for more than five years with NLRB, congress and key stakeholders to advocate for the type of change enacted by the agency in this final rule. “With the completion of today’s rule, employers will now have certainty in structuring...
(WASHINGTON, DC) – February 21, 2020 – How businesses sell, serve, and transport alcohol is changing. Four alcohol laws — introduced and signed by Mayor Muriel Bowser — focused on boosting access to DC-made products, fostering creativity and collaboration, creating parity within the manufacturing landscape, and alleviating administrative burdens for licensees became effective Friday, February 21, 2020. Notable improvements by law include: Alcoholic Beverage Enforcement Amendment Act of 2019 Persons 18+ may deliver alcoholic...

Pages