Operations

The rise in operating costs and shortage of restaurant labor has forced restaurant owners to incentivize key employees with performance bonuses and equity by building the ideal restaurant management incentive plan. The ideal incentive or bonus plan should: Incentivize and reward key employees for increasing profitability and improving the hospitality experience; Provide an ROI to owners; and Be simple, self-sustainable, and scalable. With an effective compensation incentive plan, owners don’t need to be involved in day-to-day operations, and can focus on growing and scaling their...

Some of the most expensive liquor liability insurance in the country is in the District of Columbia. In some cases, insurance for a neighborhood bar or restaurant costs 100 times more here than in Maryland or Virginia. Deeper Dive: The exorbitant costs make it hard for businesses of all sizes, but it disproportionately affects small, independently owned neighborhood bars and restaurants, and in particular those owned by entrepreneurs of color. Good News: Legislation to reform liquor liability laws has been introduced in DC Council. Tune In: The DC Nightlife Council and RAMW host an operator...

LEDC is a CDFI (Community Development Finance Institution) which helps entrepreneurs and small business through lending and technical assistance. Ideal for established DC-based restaurants in the process of opening an additional location. The expansion must result in significant job creation, intended for low-income individuals, with certain benefits expected. Loan amounts up to $100,000 Terms up to 5 years One-time closing fee of 3% $50 application (plus $20 per co-owner) Fixed-rate 0% interest LIMITED FUNDING AVAILABLE Made possible by a grant from the Community Economic Development program...

(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 only improves the quality of life for our residents, it draws more...

While the thought of being sued by a single worker for unpaid wages is enough to give most restaurant owner’s heartburn, the implications of being sued by a large group or class of workers can be a real life nightmare. Wage and hour collective and class action lawsuits against restaurants are a prime target for plaintiffs’ attorneys. Below is a Q&A regarding class and collective actions, with several preventive steps a restaurant or restaurant chain can take to greatly reduce its legal exposure.