BUSINESS IMPACT UPDATE
What restaurants and foodservice businesses need to know.
October 4, 2021
This update to our ORA members and the Ohio restaurant, foodservice and hospitality community addresses rapidly evolving news and topics.
This week's Business Impact Updates presented by ORA Preferred Vendor CBTS.
  • ORA’s Mid-America Restaurant Expo & Conference Will Be Virtual This Fall – NRA’s Sean Kennedy to Speak as Panelist About Effective Advocacy Strategies 
  • NRA & ORA Pressing Congress to Replenish Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) and Oppose the “Build Back Better” Plan Impact on Taxes and Small Business
  • Act Now! Contact Your Representative: Our Industry Voice is Needed
  • Restaurant Business Conditions in Ohio Deteriorating as Delta Variant Impact Continues
  • Jobs Situation in Ohio – Majority of Restaurants Understaffed
  • Food and Labor Costs Are Up – Profitability is Down
  • Take the Ohio In-Demand Jobs Survey before Friday, October 8
  • Ohio's Minimum Wage to Increase to $9.30 an Hour in 2022; Tipped Wage Rising to $4.65
  • Supply Chain Issues Impacting Industry – LaRosa’s
  • City of Columbus Extends Outdoor Dining Program Again
  • Restaurant Rent Delinquencies Soar Again, Study Finds  
  • TikTok has a Big Influence on Users’ Dining Decisions
  • NRA Employee Retention Tax Credit: Restaurant Updates Webinar  
  • Ohio Safety Council Online Mega Meeting: Wed., Oct 6 
  • ORA Preferred Vendor GBQ Restaurant Masterclass: Wed., Oct 13
ORA’s Mid-America Restaurant Expo & Conference will be Virtual this Fall on October 31 and November 1 & 2
The ORA is excited to announce the National Restaurant Association’s Executive Vice President of Public Affairs, Sean Kennedy, will be joining the Mid-America Restaurant Expo & Conference as a panelist on Your Voice Matters: Effective Advocacy Strategies for our Industry.
  • Sean has been a leader in the fight to protect restaurants’ interests throughout the pandemic. He has partnered with the ORA since the pandemic began in 2020.
  • Sean regularly hosts updates with State Restaurant Association executives, including John Barker and Tod Bowen, NRA Board of Directors and other industry leaders as we focus on the latest developments in D.C. and plan advocacy strategy. This incredible work led to major wins such as the Paycheck Protection Program, Flexibility Act, and the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.        
  • His experience and perspective have been invaluable in ensuring that our industry is represented in Washington. Moderated by Tod Bowen and with fellow panelists, Sandy Spang (Toledo) and State Rep. Rick Carfagna, this panel is just one example of the thought leadership you will find at the 2021 Virtual Expo. 

CLICK HERE to see the full schedule of events and REGISTER NOW.
NRA & ORA Pressing Congress to Replenish Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) and Oppose the “Build Back Better Act” Impact on Taxes and Small Business  
National Restaurant Association Tells Congressional Leaders to Do No Harm to Restaurants

This past week was marked with several critical deadlines, the most important of which is to fund the federal government, which was solved.
 
The other internal deadline issued by Speaker Pelosi was for the House to move the massive $3.5 trillion reconciliation bill called the “Build Back Better” bill, which is at the center of a tug-of-war game between moderate Democrats and progressives.
  • The legislation includes increases to the corporate tax rate and below-the-radar provisions that would strengthen unions.
  • Because the $3.5 trillion bill is opposed by Republicans, Democrats are trying to enact it through a budgetary process called reconciliation, solely with Democratic support. But this would require a "yes" vote from every Senate Democrat, and two of them, Kyrsten Sinema and Joe Manchin, say they won't support it unless the price comes down.
  • Manchin issued a statement reiterating his desire for a strategic "pause" on the legislation, insisting the country shouldn't be spending trillions of dollars now. 
 
We Strongly Oppose the “Build Back Better Act” – Our NRA Public Affairs
Team Sent Communications to Capitol Hill with Key Arguments
 
The NRA sent a “do no harm” letter to congressional leaders, expressing opposition to a number of tax increases being considered in the reconciliation bill.
  • The letter also urges Congress to replenish the Restaurant Revitalization Fund and resist making drastic fundamental changes to the National Labor Relations Act.

NRA Communications

"Build Back Better Act" Increases Taxes for Restaurants, No RRF Money 
Congress is working on the $3.5 trillion “Build Back Better Act”, and a vote could come later this month. The bill makes important investments in things that will benefit our country and the restaurant industry – including pre-K education, greater access to childcare, and improvements in public transit.  
  
But the bill is lacking for us in two significant areas:
1)     It does not replenish the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), and
2)     It raises taxes on small businesses at a time when our industry truly cannot bear more financial strain. 
  • Watch this 5-minute explainer video as the National Restaurant Association’s Director of Healthcare & Tax Policy Aaron Frazier breaks down the potential tax increases and how it would impact restaurants in the proposed “Build Back Better Act” of 2021.
  • The NRA released a new survey of the state of the industry. The conclusions are bleak – deteriorating business conditions are impacting operators’ outlook to the point that they state a recovery from the pandemic will be prolonged well into 2022.  Overall, a majority of full-service and limited-service operators say business conditions are worse now than three months ago. These findings come on the heels of rising food and supply costs, a well-documented labor shortage, nearly $300 billion in lost sales, and debilitating debt that continues to mount. 
  • The NRA released a public letter to congressional leaders sharing the results of our findings and our strong objections to the Build Back Better Act as written.  
 
Congress can change the bill to help our industry – but we need to be vocal, and we need to act now. The National Restaurant Association and the ORA are engaging policymakers to press for a solution that will improve, not jeopardize, the efforts of restaurant owners to keep their doors open.
 
 
 
NRA’s COVID-19 Restaurant Impact Survey
National survey of 4,000 restaurant operators conducted September 7-15, 2021
 
Restaurant Business Conditions in Ohio Deteriorating as Delta Variant Impact Continues
  • Although restaurant sales improved from the early months of the pandemic, business conditions remain far from normal for many Ohio restaurants. Overall, 68% of Ohio operators say their total sales volume in August 2021 was higher than it was in August 2020. Only 23% of operators reported a same-store sales decline between August 2020 and August 2021.
  • However, when compared with August 2019 pre-pandemic levels, a majority of operators say their sales were lower in August 2021. 59% of Ohio operators say their sales volume in August 2021 was lower than it was in August 2019. Only 26% reported higher sales compared to August 2019.
  • Business conditions deteriorated in recent months, according to restaurant operators. 58% of Ohio operators say business conditions for their restaurant are worse now than they were 3 months ago. Only 6% say business conditions improved during the last 3 months.
  • The delta variant negatively impacted the restaurant industry in recent weeks. 71% of operators say their restaurant experienced a decline in customer demand for indoor on-premises dining in recent weeks, as a result of the increase in coronavirus cases due to the delta variant.
  • Most Ohio restaurant operators do not expect a return to normal business conditions any time soon. 29% of operators think it will be 7-12 months before business conditions return to normal for their restaurant, while 34% think it will be more than a year. An additional 21% of operators say business conditions will never return to normal for their restaurant.
 
Jobs Situation in Ohio – Majority of Restaurants Understaffed
  • Although the industry added back many of the jobs lost during the pandemic, a majority of restaurants remain understaffed. 70% of Ohio operators say their restaurant currently does not have enough employees to support its existing customer demand.
  • Among restaurants that are currently understaffed, 84% of operators say their restaurant is more than 10% below necessary staffing levels. 38% say they are currently more than 20% below necessary staffing levels.
 
Food and Labor Costs Are Up – Profitability is Down in Ohio
  • 89% of operators say their total food costs (as a percent of sales) are higher than they were prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. Only 4% say their food costs make up a smaller proportion of sales.
  • 84% of operators say their total labor costs (as a percent of sales) are higher than they were prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. Only 5% of operators say their labor costs declined as a percent of sales.
  • 60% of operators say their total occupancy costs are higher than they were prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. Only 8% say their total occupancy costs are lower.
  • 79% of Ohio operators say their profit margin is lower than it was prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. Only 5% of operators say their profit margin is higher.
  • Many Ohio operators also reported a deterioration of profitability during the last few months. 62% of operators say their restaurant is less profitable now than it was 3 months ago. Only 10% of operators say their restaurant is more profitable now than it was 3 months ago.
ORA Business Impact Poll of Operators:
Employee Shortage Top Concern 
ORA research and analysis shows that restaurant and foodservice performance varies widely depending on the sector they operate in, ability to offer pick-up window and takeout, ability to manage delivery, and use of digital tools for online ordering and pay.
Restaurants in the quick-service and fast-casual category are faring better and, in most cases, continue to produce positive customer traffic and sales results versus both 2020 and 2019. Further, new restaurants continue to open across Ohio as operators and entrepreneurs see the industry rebounding over time.

To focus on facts, the ORA conducts a weekly Business Impact poll to determine the on-going health of restaurants across the state. We’ve done this since March 2020. The latest poll was conducted from September 26-29 and references information from the weeks of September 1-29.

Key Statistical Takeaways

Finding Employees Top Concern for the Majority of Survey Respondents
  • 93% of restaurateurs say this either a critical issue, or one of their top three concerns.
  • 7% of respondents do not think staffing their restaurant is a major concern at this time.

Sales Trended Downward in September vs. August 2021
  • 71% of respondents report sales decreased in September versus their same-store sales in August.
  • 36% of respondents saw sales down 1-10%.
  • 29% saw a decrease of 10-20%.
  • 6% of respondents saw their sales drop more than 20%.
  • 13% said sales were flat and 16% reported sales have increased.

“Ongoing concerns by consumers about COVID and the delta variant, along with mask and vaccine requirements in certain jurisdictions, are impacting business,” said John Barker, President & CEO of the ORA. “Indoor dining is where we see the biggest pressure point. Additionally, employee shortages are forcing restaurants to close on certain days, which limits operating hours and how many tables that restaurants can service. We are hopeful that business conditions will improve as the Ohio Department of Health reports show COVID cases have plateaued in the state and are lower than the 21-day trend.”
Many restaurateurs believe they will break even in sales this year, but that number is shrinking
  • 57% of respondents report they will break even, given their current sales forecasts.
  • 42% believe they will not break even in 2021.
 
Sales better at 45% of restaurants in September 2021 vs. 2019
Sales this month are stronger at nearly half of restaurants reporting an increase than compared to 2019. This is an encouraging sign for many operators. Note: the ORA switched to asking about sales from 2019 when we crossed the one-year mark for the pandemic. This data offers a greater understanding of the pressure restaurants continue to face.

A total of 25% of restaurants in Ohio are seeing declines vs. 2019
  • 0% of restaurants are seeing their year-over-year sales declining by more than 70%
  • 1% of restaurants are seeing their year-over-year sales declining by 50-70%
  • 7% of restaurants are seeing their year-over-year sales declining by 20-50%
  • 16% of restaurants are seeing their year-over-year sales declining by 5-20%
  • 1% of restaurants are seeing their year-over-year sales declining by 0 – 5%
  • 13% of restaurants are seeing their year-over-year sales flat vs. 2019

A total of 45% of restaurants are seeing gains vs. 2019
  • 11% of restaurants are seeing their year-over-year sales increasing by 0-5%
  • 29% of restaurants are seeing their year-over-year sales increasing by 5-20%
  • 5% of restaurants are seeing their year-over-year sales increasing by 20-50%

No significant increase in takeout & delivery sales through September 2021 vs. August 2021
  • 48% of respondents report takeout & delivery sales have remained flat in light of the Delta variant.
  • 22% of respondents report their takeout & delivery sales have grown 1-50%, with most of those responses being in the 1-5% gain category.
  • 29% of respondents report their takeout & delivery sales have decreased by at least 1%.

Wearing masks while at work increased dramatically since last month
  • 19% of respondents said there was a mask mandate in their city or town.
  • 25% say they strongly recommend employees wear masks.
  • 29% say that even though there is no requirement, some of their employees choose to wear masks.
  • 21% say none of their employees regularly wear masks.
  • 5% of respondents require unvaccinated staff to wear masks.

Overwhelming majority of restaurateurs do not expect guests to wear masks in their establishments
  • 65% of respondents are not asking guests to wear masks at this time.
  • 16% say they are under a city/town mandate requiring guests wear masks on entry.
  • 4% require masks unless seated.
  • 16% strongly recommend unvaccinated guests wear masks.

Restauranteurs not requiring proof of vaccination for dine-In guests
  • 99% of respondents do not require guests to provide proof of vaccination to dine at their restaurant.

Restaurateurs who applied for state grant funding have started to receive their funds
  • 47% of respondents were notified they had been awarded a grant AND have received their funding.
  • 22% of respondents were notified they had been awarded a grant BUT have yet to receive their funds.
  • 31% of respondents were notified they had not been a awarded a grant.

Restaurants Who Applied for Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) Started to Receive Their Funds
  • 42% of respondents were notified they had been awarded a grant AND have received their funding.
  • 11% of respondents were notified they had been awarded a grant BUT have yet to receive their funds.
  • 47% of respondents were notified they had not been a awarded a grant. 
The ORA & NRA are asking Congress to pass the
Restaurant Revitalization Fund
– Replenishment Act or the Entrée Act
 
  • House Bill 3807 Replenishment Act – This bill provides an additional $60 billion in FY2021 for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, which was established to support restaurants and other food and beverage purveyors in response to COVID-19.
  • Entrée Act – Designed to add $60 billion of accounted-for CARES Act funds to the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. Read More.
  • NRA website
  • SBA website
State News: In-Demand Jobs Survey Closes on October 8, 2021
For continued business growth in Ohio, it is important that training providers, educators, and workforce professionals know the future hiring needs of employers. Lt. Governor Jon Husted is encouraging Ohio businesses to participate in this year’s In-Demand Jobs Survey to provide feedback on the state’s In-Demand Jobs List, which helps drive the state and federal investments in our workforce.

The current survey is open to all registered Ohio businesses, giving small and large businesses alike the opportunity to have a voice in how Ohio prepares people for the current workforce. Your feedback will directly shape Ohio's workforce priorities. It is absolutely essential that we make sure our restaurant industry is highly represented in this important survey, so please take a moment to add your voice today.

Businesses can fill out the In-Demand Jobs Survey at TopJobs.Ohio.gov/Survey through October 8. Make sure you have your business’s FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Number) before beginning the survey. This number can be found on previous tax returns. As a reminder, only employers that pay into Ohio’s unemployment insurance system can complete the survey.

Ohio’s updated In-Demand Jobs List will be published at the end of 2021.

Feel free to reach out to Kayla Wilson at [email protected]
with any questions.  
State News: Minimum Wage Rising in Ohio for 2022
Ohio's Minimum Wage to Increase to $9.30 an Hour in 2022

Ohio’s minimum wage will increase to $9.30 per hour in 2022, up from the current $8.80 for non-tipped employees, the Ohio Department of Commerce said. 
  • For tipped employees, the minimum wage will rise from $4.40 to $4.65 per hour. 
  • The 2022 increase applies to employees at businesses with annual gross receipts of more than $342,000 a year, according to a release. It will take effect on Jan. 1 of next year. 
  • In 2006, Ohioans voted in favor of a yearly minimum wage increase based on the rate of inflation. From Sept. 1, 2020, to Aug. 31 of this year, the Consumer Price Index increased by over 5.8%, according to the Department of Commerce. 
  • The state minimum wage will remain tied to the federal minimum wage at $7.25 per hour for employees who are 14 and 15 years old, as well as employees at smaller companies. 

States and Localities Begin Calculating 2022 Minimum Wage Hikes  
More than 50 states, counties, and cities will increase their wages on January 1, with more following throughout the year. Those set to annually index the minimum wage according to inflation are already publishing 2022 hourly rates – some of which may be steep due to rapid inflation this year.
It's not just LaRosa's. Restaurants across the U.S. are facing shortages of or increased prices for everything. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, and spikes due to the Delta variant, are squeezing ports, where ingredients are offloaded; farms where livestock is raised; meat processing plants where it is processed; and the trucking industry, which ships supplies to restaurants.

  • The supply shortage is in part caused by a shortage of labor, which is something else squeezing the restaurant industry.
  • LaRosa said he is seeing it worst in the company's and its franchisees' kitchens. Front-of-house servers and hosts, as well as delivery drivers, have seen boosts to their wages through tips, but LaRosa's has increased pay for its kitchen staff in an effort to attract and keep workers.
  • The shortages impact all 66 LaRosa's locations, and they haven't been missed by customers. The restaurant studies all of its social media posts, to look for comments and suggestions and reach out to guests after bad experiences. As the shortages increased, mostly over the last month, LaRosa's started to see comments asking if it was cutting corners to save money.
Liquor Shortages Affecting Local Restaurants
The Ohio Restaurant Association said there is a shortage of specific liquors, such as tequila, certain bourbons and gin.
How Can Cuyahoga County Restaurateurs Convince Employees to Return to Work?
With many workers beginning to adjust their expectations for hospitality jobs, managers
and bosses are dealing with an employee exodus.

John Barker, president and CEO of the Ohio Restaurant Association, the business trade association for the restaurant and food-service industry, asserts the virus has clearly wreaked havoc on hospitality. Prior to the pandemic, Ohio was home to 23,000 restaurants. Because of COVID-19 and the restrictions that followed, 3,000 have closed. 

“We advocated for state and federal unemployment because this was the crisis of a lifetime and our industry was decimated,” Barker says. “There’s no question that eliminating the $300 a week federal unemployment payment led to more people applying for jobs. But there are other, more complicated issues having nothing to do with unemployment benefits.”
Anti-Vaccine Mandate Legislation 
After fast-tracking an anti-vaccine mandate bill (HB 435) through committee this week, Ohio House Speaker Bob Cupp pulled the proposal from the House Session schedule last week for further discussions on the measure.    
  • The bill received pushback from both sides of the debate, with democrats opposing measures that prevent COVID-19 vaccination mandates, and at least one Republican thought the bill did not go far enough because it carved out certain health care professions. Business and health groups opposed the bill. 
City of Columbus Extends Outdoor Dining Program Again
The outdoor seating pilot program will extend through November 14 to allow restaurants and bars to use the right of way for temporary outdoor on-street dining areas or expand seating into their parking lots.

The pilot program was launched in summer 2020 and resumed in March 2021 to support restaurants and bars during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pilot permitted increased seating capacity outdoors to replace indoor seating lost as a result of social distancing. The outdoor spaces also help mitigate the transmission of the virus and ensuing Delta variant.
  •  “The City of Columbus is pleased to extend this program again and work with our local restaurants and bars to provide safe outdoor seating options for patrons,” said Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “The successful pilot supports the industry, our economy, and the health and well-being of our community as we continue to fight this virus.”
  • Twelve restaurants currently are participating in the right-of-way dining, and 24 others have outdoor dining in their parking lots. Public Service and Building and Zoning Services will reach out to participating establishments to see if they want to continue through November 14.
  • All temporary outdoor seating areas permitted must comply with the requirements of the pilot and with state and local health requirements intended to slow or prevent COVID-19 and Delta variant transmission. Tents are allowed in parking areas, but must be open on two sides for ventilation, and combustible heaters are not permitted. 
  • “The Ohio Restaurant Association appreciates the ongoing partnership with the City of Columbus as their leadership continues to support the restaurant and foodservice industry,” said John Barker, President and CEO of the ORA. “Extending outside street dining helps our operators expand their restaurant footprint, welcome more guests and add to the ambiance of our great city. We thank Mayor Ginther and his administration. With this extension, we look forward to a prosperous fall season where outdoor dining helps our restaurants, bars and foodservice locations continue to rebound from a very challenging 2020. Our operators pledge to safely serve guests, and the expanded space helps keep restaurant workers employed.”
  • New applications are still being accepted. For more information about the program, and to submit an application, click here. .
  • All applications and/or questions to expand patios into parking lots or on private property shall submit a summary email to [email protected] for an initial review.
Mancy’s Steakhouse in Toledo is Celebrating
100 Year Anniversary

Mancy’s Steakhouse, founded in the Fall of 1921, will be celebrating their 100th Anniversary from October 18-22. Celebratory toasts and music will add to the Steakhouse ambiance as the Mancy family pays tribute to their founders and the community.
  • Fighting through the challenges all restaurants have faced in the wake of the pandemic, the family is grateful to their valued guests, employees, suppliers, friends and family for their loyalty and support throughout the years.
  • “This milestone is especially meaningful to our entire family. We take great pride in our family business, and we are so proud and blessed to be part of the Northwest Ohio community,” said Gus Mancy Jr., who is a Board member of the ORA. Mancy’s is a long-time member of the ORA.
  • Their restaurants include the iconic Mancy’s Steakhouse operated by Gus and Mike. Mancy’s Italian Grill (George), Mancy’s Bluewater Grill (John), Shorty’s True American Roadhouse and Mancy’s Ideal round out the restaurant group. A catering and event venue, The Back Forty is owned by Nick.
Following up on Columbus Business First’s coverage of the restaurants we've lost in 2021 and those still to open, Columbus Business First is now offering a look at what's joined the scene so far this year. One expansion is J’s Sweet Treats with locations on Parsons Avenue in Columbus and at Polaris.
J’s Sweet Treats was created in 2016 after a successful pop-up shop that catapulted its existence. What started out as a hobby to create amazing cakes and treats for family and friends, turned into a lifestyle. With zero culinary training, a keen eye and favor from above, Juana M. William’s took a leap of faith and retired from her successful 25-year Corporate Management Career to fulfill her dream of building a legacy her family could be proud of.
Lt. Gov Jon Husted last week posted on Twitter after visiting a local restaurant in Logan.
“Had an excellent burger and fries at Bush’s Restaurant in Logan and had the chance to chat with the owner, Lee! Thanks for the great food and hospitality yesterday.”
Ohio Vax-2-School to Award $2 Million in Scholarships
Ohio Department of Health and Ohio Lottery Share Announce Program Updates

  • Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Director Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA, and Ohio Lottery Commission Director Pat McDonald provided an update on the Ohio Vax-2-School program, announcing that the prize money has been doubled to a total of $2 million in scholarships.
  • Beginning October 4, Ohioans aged 12-25 can enter online at  or by phone at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634) to win one of 150, $10,000 scholarships, or one of five, $100,000 grand prize scholarships. The scholarships, awarded in Ohio 529 College Advantage plans, can be used at the Ohio college, university, technical/trade school, or career program of the winner’s choice. The Ohio Department of Health is using a portion of its Coronavirus Relief Funds to fund this innovative public outreach campaign and initiative.
  • In addition, the state hopes to expand the age group to include younger Ohioans.
  • “We are hearing promising news following the clinical trial and safety data submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by Pfizer for their COVID-19 vaccine for 5 to 11-year-olds,” explained Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff. “In anticipation of a COVID-19 vaccine being authorized for children as young as 5 in the near future, we have decided to broaden the Ohio Vax-2-School program to include this age group, should they become eligible for vaccines.”
  • Ohio Vax-2-School is an opt-in program, meaning that you must enter to be eligible for the prize drawings. Any Ohioan in the eligible age group, currently 12-25, with possible expansion from 5-25, can choose to enter, and are encouraged only to enter after having received at least one dose of the vaccine. Individuals who entered, but did not win, Ohio’s Vax-A-Million drawings are eligible, but they must enter the Ohio Vax-2-School program, as entries do not carry over from Ohio Vax-a-Million. There is no required time frame for which past vaccinations must have occurred.
  • “We had great success with Vax-a-Million, and we’re excited to assist the Department of Health again with this new initiative to help encourage younger Ohioans to get vaccinated,” Ohio Lottery Director Pat McDonald said.
  • “We are hopeful that the $2 million in scholarship prizes will provide an incentive, much like Vax-a-Million did, to help speed up the vaccination timeline for Ohioans,” explained Dr. Vanderhoff. “As you will recall, in the first week after Ohio Vax-A-Million was announced, there was a 44% increase compared to the base in vaccination rates for those 16 and older, and a 15% boost the following week. For all ages, there was a 106% increase compared to the base in the first week, and a 53% increase the second week.”
  • A deadline to enter and drawing dates have not yet been announced. The Ohio Department of Health and the Ohio Lottery Commission will share those details in the weeks ahead, allowing as much time as possible for an emergency use authorization (EUA) to be granted for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for those ages 5-11.
National News: Rent Delinquencies Soaring Again
For the first time in six months, more than half the nation’s restaurants were unable to scrape together enough revenue to cover their rents, according to an update from Alignable, an online network for small businesses.
  • The network’s research arm found that 51% of restaurants were delinquent on their September payment, compared to 35% of all small businesses.
  • The figures mark increases of six and five percentage points, respectively, from the nonpayment levels of a month earlier.
TikTok has a Big Influence on Users’ Dining Decisions
More than a third say they've visited a restaurant after seeing it on the app, a new study found.
  • 36% of TikTok users have ordered from a restaurant after seeing a video about it on the platform.
  • More than 65 million Americans actively use TikTok every month.
Important Events for Operators:
Employee Retention Tax Credit Webinar
NRA Employee Retention Tax Credit:
Restaurant Updates Webinar  
Wednesday, October 6, 2021 - 2 PM ET
 
The IRS provided much-needed guidance on aspects of the Employee Retention Credit that help restaurant owners seeking to qualify for the credit. Join Randy Crabtree, co-founder and partner of Tri-Merit Specialty Tax Professionals, as he shares these updates as well as discuss other tax incentives that are available to taxpayers, but that are often under-utilized within the Restaurant Industry.

This includes Cost Segregation, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), and the 179D Commercial Building Energy-Efficiency Tax Deduction.
 
Three Key Takeaways:
  • How wages paid to majority owners are treated for ERTC
  • When adjustments must be made for income tax purposes
  • How tips are used in ERTC calculations and whether the tip credit affects this
 
Prepare Employees for Potential Pushback on
Vaccine/Mask Mandates
ServSafe® has resources operators can use to train employees tasked with enforcing indoor mask/vaccination mandates.

 
  • ServSafe Conflict De-escalation COVID-19 Precautions (free) and Unconscious Bias courses help prepare teams for the types of behaviors they may encounter and provide the means to recognize and work through them without allowing charged emotions to spin out of control.
  • Part of implementing mandates includes providing upfront notice (through signage, website popups, social media, and order apps), having good service alternatives to offer the unvaccinated/unmasked, and learning to recognize when situations heat up and require formal action.
  • Get the ServSafe Compliance team’s mask/vaccine mandate state-by-state tracker. Read about your legal rights when enforcing mandates.
Restaurant owners have had to pivot their business operations throughout this fast-paced, ever-changing economic environment. With so many issues facing the restaurant industry, staying up to date on the latest legislature and requirements can be a daunting challenge. Let us be your host for a CPE-qualified event bringing together restaurant operators with the finest restaurant advisors and advocates exploring the pressing matters you’re facing.
 
At GBQ, we’re always counting. Now we’re making your time count with this complimentary seminar designed to provide you with a wealth of knowledge to better operate your business. We invite all C-level restaurant industry executives and their finance and accounting professionals to join us in person on October 13th as we discuss a multitude of topics, including:
 
  • Restaurant Industry’s Ongoing Response Amid the Pandemic
  • Pending Tax Law Changes and Year-End Tax Planning Considerations
  • ASC 842 and Lease Accounting Implementation
  • Understanding the Impact of COVID on Your Recipe Costing
  • Navigating Key Lease Provisions and Legal Considerations
  • TableTalk Live Roundtable Discussion
 
Hungry for growth? Click here to view the agenda.
Important Information for Operators:
New ServSafe OPS Mobile App
NSpecial Offer for
ORA Restaurant Members Only!
 
Get the new ServSafe® OPS mobile app at no cost to you as a member of the Ohio Restaurant Association.

You can sign up to get the new
ServSafe® Operations mobile app free for six months. Yes, free!
The ORA Offers Exclusive Products & Services Maximizing Membership
Then, now & always.

Since 1920, the ORA has served as a tireless advocate for the restaurant industry, promoting ideas and legislation that help protect you, your business and employees, while ensuring you’re up-to-date in every area of your buisness.

NOT A MEMBER? Join online today at ohiorestaurant.org/join. 
Join the conversation in real time with your peers in the CONNECT online community. It's easy to join this private Facebook group exclusively for ORA members. Click here or the logo to go there now.

CONNECT is the place for ORA members to converse and share ideas, stories and support each other. Follow and tag the ORA on our other social media channels to share business hours, menus and specials for public viewing.
Follow us and share updates
with your fellow restaurateurs. 
For additional questions, please contact the following ORA staff:

 
JOHN BARKER
President & CEO
 
LAURA MORRISON
Managing Director of Membership & Employer/Food Safety
614.246.0205

TOD BOWEN
Managing Director of External Affairs & Government Relations
614.296.2310


FOR MEDIA REQUESTS:

DIANE HURD
Inspire PR Group
937.205.9621