Congress Set to Look at PPP Changes on Restaurants' Wish List

Restaurants’ most-requested changes in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) are expected to be addressed in Congress next week, with prominent members of both political parties voicing a willingness to make at least one of the adjustments.

The stipulations likely to be altered are the eight-week deadline restaurants and other small businesses are given to spend loans from the PPP, and the requirement that at least 75% of the borrowed money be spent on payroll, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said yesterday.

How Coronavirus is Changing Restaurant Policies

Restaurant chains and food delivery platforms are responding to the rapid spread of coronavirus, or COVID-19, by making changes to their employee benefits and operations. While nearly all are implementing similar cleaning processes, many are rolling out additional solutions to try and solve the issues beyond hygiene that matter to their workers and customers.

From social distancing policies to new paid sick leave and medical coverage, Restaurant Dive will regularly update this tracker with our own coverage and aggregated news from major U.S. restaurants to map the virus’ impact on the foodservice industry.

The restaurant industry has been the hardest hit by COVID19, suffering more losses than any other industry. Tell Congress to support the Restaurant Blueprint for Recovery to help our industry get the support we need: https://actnow.io/blueprint .
Best Practices for Re-Opening Retail Food Establishments During the COVID-19 Pandemic

FDA is providing a food safety re-opening checklist for previously closed retail food establishments or those that have been open with limited service related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This checklist addresses key food safety practices for retail food establishments to consider when re-opening and restarting operations. This is not a comprehensive list. We encourage retail food establishments to partner with local regulatory/health authorities to discuss the specific requirements for their retail food establishment prior to re-opening.

75% of small businesses sought PPP aid, Census Bureau finds

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), at least at its rollout, seemed to leave lenders and borrowers both with their share of anecdotes about overwhelming demand. A Census Bureau survey released Thursday put some numbers to it.

Webinar | Wednesday, May 27 at 12:30 p.m.

As restaurants in New York begin to reopen, takeout and curbside will remain a key part of your business. Join us for a conversation with three operators who have successfully pivoted to takeout/curbside as they share their experiences, best practices, tips and lessons learned.