Photo by Eatery Pulse Media.
DRN: With the National Restaurant Association issuing guidance for reopening restaurants, how is RAMW involved in filtering that down to DMV restaurant operators and providing additional resources? KEH: While RAMW is not part of determining the reopening plan, we do have a seat at the table in consideration of the plan, which is critical. We collected feedback from operators to ensure that as we glean from the plans put together by the National Restaurant Association and by our state affiliates, we are adding in the key components that are unique to our largely independent operators. Last week I was appointed by Mayor Bowser to serve as Co-Chair of the Restaurants and Food Retailers Committee--one of 12 committees that are providing industry-specific feedback in the Mayor’s Reopen DC Advisory Group.
We have been working with various state restaurant associations and the National Restaurant Association to put together blueprints for what reopening will look like in the industry. Most are still in early-draft phases of development. Ultimately, the guidance relies heavily on enhancing cleanliness and sanitation practices and integrating social distancing. The White House has included restaurants among the businesses allowed to reopen during Phase 1; however, social distancing must be practiced. This is not further defined by the Executive Branch, and reopening plans will be determined by individual states or a coalition of states. In our case, D.C., Va. and Md. are coordinating their work on reopening guidelines so the results will be consistent region-wide. District Restaurant News 11
