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.

Relief for Operators & Employees Through Worker Relief Fund

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.

DC Emergency Legislation Recap -- Passed on 4/7/2020

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 to...

DC Emergency Legislation, Regional Updates + Call with Natl Rest Association & Local Independent Operators 4/7

April 6, 2020

We mentioned in this morning’s email that we will be hosting a call tomorrow at 3:30pm with Sean Kennedy, Vice President of Public Affairs at the National Restaurant Association. All are welcome to join. 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 to provide this feedback, speak to their national campaign efforts and advocacy around the CARES ACT, as well as entertain Q&A on any other local and state matters of concern. For those of you who have unresolved questions, concerns or new questions you would like Sean to address tomorrow, please send them along to coronavirus@ramw.org by 11:30am tomorrow.

ServSuccess Program Courses Are Free Through April; Upskill Yourself for the Future

April 3, 2020

Original content c/o: National Restaurant Association Association adds ServSuccess courses to its free offerings to support restaurant employees and help them return to the industry with advanced skills. Homebound restaurant employees have the opportunity to use this time to upskill – for free – thanks to the National Restaurant Association ServSafe and ServSuccess programs as well as American Hotel & Lodging Foundation . The ServSuccess online learning suites provide training on the skills and knowledge the industry identifies as essential for career restaurant employees...

Three Important Industry Briefing + Q&A Calls Today, Wednesday & Friday

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 and Aaron...

National Restaurant Association Appeals to Governors & Mayors for Aid

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 taxes. Suspend...

Next Week's James Beard Foundation Industry Support Webinars

April 3, 2020

To help navigate the challenges of COVID-19 the James Beard Foundation has been hosting industry support webinars to help provide resources for the hospitality community and to better stay connected throughout difficult times by sharing advice on a range of topics from business and unemployment insurance to marketing in the time of COVID-19 to mental health resources. You can find recordings of last week’s webinars here . Next week’s topics and speakers include: Monday, April 6: Retail Leases and Tenant Rights Cindy McLoughlin (JBF Trustee) and Richard Mirliss of CohnReznick will...

Restaurant Law Center | Guidance for Restaurant Employers: Masks & Temperature Checks

April 4, 2020

On Premises Workplace Infection Control Practices Impacting Employees 1. May Restaurants require employees to provide notes from healthcare providers confirming they can return to work? A: Generally, even If employers do not require disclosure of medical information, they can require notes confirming employees can return to work without violating the ADA because the request would not be disability related. As a practical matter, however, public health authorities have warned that doctors and other health care professionals may be too busy during and immediately after a pandemic outbreak to...

Three Best Practices for Destinations Right Now

April 1, 2020

Original content c/o: Streetsense During a time when the majority of the globe’s citizens are staying home, destination marketers find themselves wondering how to forge on with their day-to-day operations sans visitors. Despite near-empty hotels and airports, never have we collectively experienced a greater need for destination marketers to seize their natural leadership potential and gather their community to come together for the benefit of the common good. In the wake of these unprecedented times, we’re sharing three crucial best practices for all destination marketers. Don...

What Restaurant Owners Need To Do Right Now

March 31, 2020

Original content c/o: Streetsense Both independent restaurants and large corporate chains are facing their own unique challenges in order to emerge from COVID-19 in a strong position. A lot of that depends upon the owners’ future access to capital, as well as the flexibility of their vendors, landlords, and equipment leasing firms. At this point, with so much out of our control, here are a few points that we do have the ability to control: Access to Capital – Create a Plan on How You Will Come Back Financially How much capital will you need, and where will it come from? Think...