GRA Weekly | August 15, 2021

GRA Weekly

August 15, 2021

This week's newsletter is brought to you by Imperial Dade

RRF LATEST REPLENISHMENT UPDATE

Restaurant Revitalization Fund Unanimous Consent Request

On August 7th, the Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship Chair Ben Cardin (D-MD) and U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), along with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), Bill Cassidy (D-LA), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) sought unanimous consent, on the Senate floor, to approve legislation to provide $48 billion in additional Restaurant Revitalization Funds (RRF). There was an objection to the unanimous consent motion, blocking the measure from passing.

As it is difficult to pass a measure by unanimous consent (a single objector can block passage through this procedure) it is unsurprising that the legislation did not pass. At the same time, it served a critical purpose – to continue to draw attention to the importance of funding outstanding RRF applications (the $48 billion would cover all outstanding applicants). We appreciate the Senators’ ongoing efforts and will continue to advocate with them, and others, toward the goal of funding this program.

SAY "YES" SUMMER

Georgia DPH Presents Say “Yes” Summer Walk-Up Vaccinations at Local Events

In an urgent effort to stop the spread of COVID-19 and its Delta variant, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is hosting a series of pop-up events to get more Georgians vaccinated. The Say “YES” Summer events will offer walk-up vaccinations that are free and do not require appointments, insurance, or identification...Read More.

VACCINES REQUIREMENTS?

Vaccine Requirements? Read Best Practices from the National Restaurant Association

Our partners at the Association have put together an article with best practices for restaurants that require proof of vaccination. The best practices include information on the legal and logistical ramifications of enforcing the policy and cover issues around requirements for both employees and guests. If you are considering adding a vaccine requirement be sure you are prepared.

Meanwhile, Yelp, OpenTable, and other technology platforms recently announced that they will now allow restaurants to update their profiles to include information regarding whether their entire staff is vaccinated and if they require proof of vaccination for indoor dining. These changes are intended to help restaurants communicate with guests about their COVID-19 policies.

VACCINE + MASK MANDATE WEBINAR

Vaccine and Mask Mandates: Use Science to Make Your Case

As the delta variant puts COVID-19 cases on the rise again—mostly among unvaccinated populations—state and local mandates requiring proof of vaccination and/or face coverings to dine indoors also are on the rise. Dr. Vishnu Chundi and Dr. Stephen Ondra from the Chicago Medical Society join Larry Lynch, the Association’s SVP, Science & Industry, to provide the science behind the effectiveness of these precautions. Operators can use this information to develop consistent and effective messaging to explain their restaurants’ mandated policy and their efforts to keep employees and guests safe when dining indoors.

Thursday, August 19th | 10:00AM

IMPERIAL DADE INNOVATIONS EXPO | ATLANTA

GRA Corporate Partner, Imperial Dade invites all GRA restaurants and foodservice operators to the Innovations Expo on Thursday, August 19 at the GICC. Walk through their catalog in person and see the latest innovations in takeout packaging, kitchen sanitation supplies, dish machines, restroom products, floor care systems, and more!

With over 100 exhibits you’ll be sure to find solutions that will help you save time and money, increase customer satisfaction, and create a healthy and safe dining experience. Admission and parking are free!

Thursday, August 19, 2021

INFRASTRUCTURE BILL UPDATE

Infrastructure Bill Includes Cut to ERTC Claim Period

Earlier this week, the Senate passed a $1.2T infrastructure package, reauthorizing spending on existing federal public-works programs and to fund improvements to the electrical grid and water projects. The final bill also includes a provision to end the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) on Sept. 30. The bill now goes to the House for consideration.

“Overall, our country and our industry rely on an efficient national infrastructure, and this measure definitely makes the investments that we will need in the long-term—funding for new programs to encourage truck driving and recycling initiatives, for example, that will further advance the future of the restaurant industry. We applaud this leadership from Congress,” said Sean Kennedy, EVP of Public Affairs for the National Restaurant Association. “But in the short-term, our industry continues to languish with an uncertain workforce, rising food costs, and the threat of new pandemic mandates. This bill shortens the use of one of the only recovery tools available to us—the Employee Retention Tax Credit. This action increases our need for Congress to act on behalf of the restaurant industry and replenish the RRF in the planned reconciliation bill.”

GOING AL FRESCO IN ATLANTA

Going Al Fresco: Restaurants Turn Parking Spaces into Dining Spots

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020, restaurants across metro Atlanta faced a crushing dilemma. How could they serve customers and stay in business while indoor dining was off limits or severely restricted?

Some savvy eateries found a solution in an unlikely place: the parking lot. They moved tables to the asphalt, erected umbrellas, tents, and large canopies, and even set up heating lamps to keep patrons warm during the winter.

The owners of El Zarape, a Mexican restaurant in Roswell, took over four parking spaces out front, using the newfound square footage to add about eight tables – socially distanced of course – seating a total of 32 people. They even found room for a live music stage....Read More.

ACT NOW TO STOP NEW 80/20 TIP RULE!

URGENT: DOL Wants to Impose an 80/20 Rule! Help us tell them NO!

On June 21, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced that it intends to change certain regulations that apply to tipped employees. Specifically, the DOL proposes to implement an 80/20 Rule. Which means that:

Tipped employees won’t be allowed to spend more than 30 consecutive minutes or 20% of their time on tasks that directly support tip-producing work, such as a waiter wiping tables after customers leave or bartenders preparing garnishes for drinks.

Employers will need to track tipped employees working time through three categories: time spent on tasks that produce tips, time spent on tasks directly supporting tip-producing work, and time spent on tasks that are not part of the “tipped” occupation.

Limits will be placed on taking the tip credit based on the category of work performed and taking a tip credit won't be allowed for any time spent on work that the DOL considers not part of the tipped occupation.

DOL needs to hear from YOU! Your voice is critical to preventing the federal government from issuing rules that would be damaging to an industry still recovering from pandemic revenue loss and facing further uncertainty due to potential COVID-19 variants and evolving guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Please let the Department of Labor know that you oppose rule changes for tipped employees by completing our grassroots message campaign today!

TAKE ACTION NOW!

3 WAYS TECH IMPROVES THE HUMAN TOUCH

3 Ways Tech Improves The Human Touch

It’s all hands-on deck for Georgia restaurants as more people are finding more reasons to get out for the night or for a big celebration. Whether you’re short-staffed or filling seasonal gaps, there’s good news: technology can not only help you bridge the labor gap but bolster the human touch.

Incorporating technology into your team is proving to be a pivotal strategy for many Georgia restaurants. From handheld point of sale (POS) systems that allow servers to send orders directly from table to the kitchen, to QR Code Ordering that makes it possible for customers to order directly at the table using their mobile device, to Kitchen Display Screens (KDS) that reduce paper and confusion back-of-house, adding technology to your team is enabling Georgia restaurateurs to do more, with less, and do it better. We asked restaurants who are using a robust technological strategy about the impetus—and impact—of their tech update. Here’s what they shared with us...Read More.