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.

DC DOH, Virginia, and Industry Marketing Plans 5/8

May 11, 2020

Dear Operator, I hope you made it through the week feeling positive as progress on reopening is on the horizon and we gain more clarity each day on next steps. Many of you have asked for more information on protocol regarding employee and customer exposure to COVID-19. We are in touch daily with the DC Department of Health and are awaiting and expecting industry-specific guidance that they are developing this weekend to provide operators with critical information as we enter reopening in the future. We are hoping to send the step-by-step guidance no later than close of business on Monday. In...

Local Updates: DC, MD & VA 5/7

May 7, 2020

We want to touch base and share some quick updates and clarifications with you based on regional news and questions we have received from you.

DC Council Passes Additional Relief for Restaurants 5/5

May 6, 2020

On May 5th, the DC Council passed emergency legislation that provides additional relief for our industry. We have been working closely with the Council to help ensure the continued support of the unique needs of our industry happen. Yesterday, I shared a breakdown of what we thought would be included in the bill, and below is a breakdown of what passed today.

Virginia Reopening Updates 5/4

May 5, 2020

Hello Virginia Restaurants, Today, Governor Northam announced during his press conference that Virginia will likely enter Phase One of reopening on Friday, May 15th. Phase One will include reopening of restaurants for on premise dining in some form next Friday and state authorities will issue additional guidance for the restaurant industry, which we expect by mid week. Northam indicated during the press conference that restaurants will use less of their seating to spread people out more, however, it is not clear if restaurants will be subject to the ten or less guidance. He also stated...

Updates on PPP Guidance and Local Relief 5/4

May 4, 2020

I hope you found a few moments of sunshine this weekend as we are entering yet another busy week, as Governor Northam is likely to address Virginia’s reopening plan as early as today. We are hard at work on DC’s Reopening plan, and hosted an industry specific call yesterday where we were joined by more than 100 DC operators.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) FOR RESTAURANTS

May 4, 2020

We have heard from many of you who are seeking suppliers for PPE items such as masks and gloves, as well as cleaning supplies like disinfectant and hand sanitizer. In response, we collected information from local purveyors in our community to provide you with information and contacts to assist you in purchasing these items. Acme Paper and Supply Co.: Face Masks: Stocking face masks, both 3 ply FDA approved facemasks and FDA approved KN95 masks. They encourage restaurants within close proximity to consider splitting a case, if possible, to lower cost. RAMW can assist in this coordination. Acme...

Reopening Resources and Regional Updates 5/1

May 1, 2020

Dear Operator, I hope you are all staying steady as we round the next corners of this rollercoaster. As you continue to try to put your arms around PPP, our friends at CPA Eats are working through planning scenarios that may be helpful for all of you as you try to make insightful decisions. Matt Hetrick will be hosting daily Zoom meetings next week on how to best protect your business, whether or not you’ve secured a PPP Loan, as well as thoughts on how to spend the money more efficiently. These sessions will happen all of next week, beginning Monday, May 4. Space is limited so please...

OpenTable Facilitates Reserved-Time Grocery Shopping at Markets & Restaurants During COVID-19

April 30, 2020

As we all work to stop the spread of COVID-19, OpenTable has teamed up with participating grocery stores and markets to help limit the number of people who enter at a time and reduce crowds and wait times for shoppers. Just as people can make a restaurant reservation or join a waitlist, they will now be able to reserve shopping times or join a virtual line in the OpenTable app . It works in two ways: Reserved shopping times: Just like reserving a table at a restaurant, you can reserve a time to enter a store. Online waitlists: If you haven’t pre-reserved, instead of standing in a...

"In It Together" OpenTable Webinar Series

April 29, 2020

OpenTable’s In it Together with Chief Operating Officer Andrea Johnston is a weekly webinar series where she discusses the state of the industry with leaders in hospitality. It’s a place to create community and seek advice during these uncertain times. Email us at inittogether@opentable.com if you have questions or discussion topics that you’d like to see in future webinars. Register here for future webinars in the series! - - - Previous On-Demand Webinars Available: April 29, 2020: Andrea spoke with Dan Simons , co-owner of Founding Farmers Restaurant Group, and his...

Restaurants Feel Financial Toll of COVID-19, but Mental Toll Is Heavy, Too

April 29, 2020

Original content c/o: National Restaurant Association Learn to recognize coworkers suffering during the pandemic to help restore health and well-being. The coronavirus is taking a toll on more than the nation’s financial health. It’s also affecting the way people maintain good mental health as they deal with increased feelings of anger, depression and anxiety. A recent webinar put the spotlight on the invisible impact the coronavirus has on those struggling to get through it. Celebrity chef and TV personality Andrew Zimmern is one of the industry leaders offering support to those...