WASHINGTON, DC - As the pandemic continues to force changes across the retail and foodservice industries, the National Restaurant Association (NRA) released new survey data showcasing the impact the recent omicron variant has had, as well as the positive effects of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) on the industry. To discuss this data, the NRA held a press conference to further enforce the need to replenish the RRF.
“This highlights how impactful RRF replenishment would be. Our own estimates indicate that replenishing the RRF would save an additional 1.6 million restaurant jobs,” said Sean Kennedy, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs. “The RRF was a critical lifeline to many, but far more remain on the sidelines, desperately looking for support amidst continued economic uncertainty. The decisions you make in the coming weeks will be critical toward the future of the restaurants that are so proud to serve your communities.”
In a letter to Congress, the NRA highlighted survey findings that showed the first round of RRF funding was able to save over 900,000 jobs. In the study, 96 percent of recipients stated the grants made it more likely to stay in business, while the release further stated owners would appreciate another round of funding as the results included:
- Nearly 50 percent of restaurant operators that did not receive RRF grants feel it’s unlikely that they will stay in business beyond the pandemic without a grant
- 94 percent of restaurant operators that applied for an RRF grant, but did not receive funding, said a future grant would enable them to retain or hire back employees
Amid the latest surge of COVID-19 cases due to the omicron variant, the restaurant industry was hit especially hard. To adapt to consumer hesitance when it came to dining in, many restaurants were forced to reduce hours or days of operation, cut seating capacity, and even shut down, moving to off-premises dining instead.
“The new data shows that restaurant recovery is paralyzed and nowhere near complete. The restaurant industry is at an inflection point, and we need your leadership now more than ever. Congress must act now, to replenish the RRF in the upcoming legislative package to fund the government,” added Kennedy in the letter.
To read the association’s full letter to congress, click here.
To read the COVID-19 Restaurant Impact Survey, click here.
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