June 10, 2021 — U.S. foodservice industry organizations praised the introduction of federal legislation on 10 June that would provide USD 60 billion (EUR 49 billion) in additional funding to restaurants that ran into financial distress during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Restaurant Revitalization Fund Replenishment Act, introduced in both the U.S. House and Senate, would effectively replenish the USD 60 billion (EUR 49 billion) Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF).
December 8, 2020 — U.S. restaurant groups are urging Congress to provide immediate financial help for the hard-hit industry, as new dining restrictions are expected to increase financial burdens and cause more restaurants to close.
An estimated 110,000 restaurants have already closed their doors since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the National Restaurant Association. In November alone, food and beverage establishments lost 17,400 jobs – the first month since April the industry has lost jobs, according to new U.S. Department of Labor data.
November 10, 2020 — The results of the recent U.S. election is expected to both positively and negatively impact restaurants, which are already struggling to remain open due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The National Restaurant Association has applauded the election of President-elect Joe Biden – who beat out current U.S. President Donald Trump, who was seeking a second term – but the organization stressed the urgency of Washington delivering financial help to the foodservice industry.
September 15, 2020 — Six months after the first shutdown of restaurants for the coronavirus pandemic, at least 100,000 U.S. restaurants have permanently closed or will do so by the end of this year, according to a new survey.
In addition, the industry is on track to lose USD 240 billion (EUR 2020 billion) in sales by the end of this year, the National Restaurant Association said in a press release.
September 1, 2020 — The National Restaurant Association is launching a nationwide consumer advertising campaign to encourage diners to come back to eat at restaurants, as they continue to feel significant financial impact from dining room closures due to COVID-19.
The multimedia Restaurant Revival campaign taps into the sights and sounds associated with dining out and asks diners, “Doesn’t dining out sound good?” the NRA said in a press release.
July 17, 2020 — The United States government needs to take immediate action to stabilize restaurants, an industry group said, even as seafood restaurants shut down or stop paying rent.
On 15 July, the National Restaurant Association (NRA) sent its “Blueprint for Restaurant Revival” to Congress. The comprehensive policy and legislative plan outlines “specific and immediate action the federal government should take to stabilize the industry in the short-term and set the foundation for long-term rebuilding,” the NRA said in a press release.
April 21, 2020 — Restaurants and foodservice distributors continue to push the U.S. government for funding relief to help their businesses survive in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The restaurant industry is expected to realize losses of more than USD 240 billion (EUR 221 billion) nationwide by the end of the year, after losing USD 30 billion (EUR 28 billion) in March and USD 50 billion (EUR 46 billion) in April, the National Restaurant Association said in a press release.