GRA Weekly | July 25, 2021

GRA Weekly

July 25, 2021

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

RRF UPDATE

ENTRÉE Act | Replenishment, Finally?

On Thursday, House Small Business Committee Ranking Republican Blaine Luetkemeyer introduced legislation to replenish the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). Appropriately titled the ENTRÉE Act, this bill generally reflects the GOP’s preference for how to replenish the RRF. As you will see from the short summary at the end, the bill is like the Restaurant Revitalization Fund Replenishment Act, H.R. 3807, in that it would provide $60 billion in additional funding for RRF.

Download the Brief.

Help Wanted: Urge Congress to Replenish the RRF

Since the RRF ran out of money earlier this month, the Association is engaging in a grassroots effort, encouraging members to urge their member of Congress to replenish the RRF. About 177,000 eligible restaurants did NOT receive grants, leaving nearly $50B in unfunded applications. For additional information detailing the critical need to replenish the RRF, check out the Association’s newest fact sheet.

Restaurant Revitalization Fund Questions? Get Answers

Sean Kennedy, the Association’s EVP, Public Affairs, will be on hand for a Facebook Live Q&A, ready to answer your questions about the RRF program and to share his latest information from the Small Business Administration.

Join the session on Monday, July 26 at 11AM ET, on the Association’s Facebook page.

IMPERIAL DADE INNOVATIONS EXPO | ATLANTA

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

COVID-19 UPDATE

The medical community and government officials have labeled the Delta variant of coronavirus twice as infectious as the 2020 version of COVID-19. In addition, the CDC stated recently the Delta variant makes up a staggering 83% of US coronavirus cases today. COVID-19 cases are going up in over 90% of US states; we must stay vigilant in our efforts to prevent the spread. Georgia businesses have the ability to decide for themselves how to best keep their teams, their establishments, and their guests safe. Using the guidance that is available, businesses can adopt the practices and protocols necessary to address the changing challenges of COVID-19.

COVID-19 Liability Protection has been extended until July 14, 2022. Businesses can post either (1) a sign at their entrance or (2) issue any receipt or proof of purchase for entry, including but not limited to an electronic or paper ticket or wristband, to a person upon entry.

The ticket and poster also requires specific language in certain size specifications. Information may be found on the GRA website (Business Liability Protection Entrance Ticket (8.5in x 2.75in)

Business Liability Protection Poster (must be printed at least 18in x 24in)). Restaurants should note that this is not and should not be considered blanket amnesty for businesses. This protection will not help if proven that something happened because of a business’ “gross negligence, willful and wanton misconduct, reckless infliction of harm, or intentional infliction of harm.”

Please consider the guidance available from the CDC and other regulatory agencies (such as OSHA) that can assist you as you evaluate your business practices. For example, this CDC guidance for Restaurant and Bar Operators offers useful suggestions and helpful tips on key operational issues. Our partners at the National Restaurant Association have also provided newly updated operating guidance that will be useful for you as well.

We encourage you to evaluate the existing guidance, and adopt and adapt the guidance that best suits the needs of your business so you can continue to operate safely. We will keep you updated with all of the latest to ensure that you can continue to provide safe and wonderful guest experiences.

2021 MARKETING & OPERATIONS SUMMIT

FRLA’s Marketing + Operations Summit is back for the 9TH Annual premier Florida hospitality event. Bringing you leading industry trends, best practices, top-notch speakers and unparalleled networking, we’ve made sure there’s a seat for EVERYONE at our table. Join Florida’s most influential hospitality professionals and top-level executives. Click here for full agenda.

GRA members have been invited to attend using discount code ASSOCMOS21 to receive 50% off registration.

NEW OSHA RECOMMENDATIONS

ServSafe COVID-19 Operating Guidance Update Includes New OSHA Recommendations

This 6th edition of the Guidance incorporates changes reflecting the new OSHA guidelines for protecting workers. Key among them: Most employers no longer need to take steps to protect workers from COVID-19 exposure where all employees are fully vaccinated. However, there are still steps to be taken to protect employees who are either unvaccinated or otherwise at risk in the workplace.

Download the New Edition.

WORK OPPORTUNITY TAX CREDIT

Take a Tax Break for Hiring the Unemployed

Did you know you could receive a tax break for hiring unemployed individuals? The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal tax credit for hiring applicants from certain target groups who face significant barriers to employment—including individuals unemployed for 27 weeks or longer.

Get the FAQs.