It was supposed to be the high season but then COVID-19 hit. No one thought the shutdown would go on longer than a few weeks, and as a result, the restaurant industry has taken a massive hit. To help struggling restaurateurs, the federal government has introduced programs such as PPP. While this has helped some, it has not been adequate to help all restaurants.

This week on Order Up, Sean Kennedy, Executive Vice President of the National Restaurant Association, discusses the various government programs available as well as their pros and cons. He also talks at length at how the National Restaurant Association is advocating for restaurants and what upcoming legislation to expect.

We also hear from Nick Vojnovic of Little Greek Fresh Grill, and Grace Shea of Lebanese Taverna Group. Nick and Grace share their experiences navigating COVID-19 aid. 

• [00:43] - Interview with Sean Kennedy
• [00:55] - Reacting to the outbreak
• [02:45] - Paycheck Protection Program
• [05:09] - Operator challenges
• [06:19] - Legislation in limbo
• [08:05] - How the PPP has helped Little Greek stay afloat with Nick Vojnovic
• [09:53] - Second stimulus package
• [10:47] - Restaurants Act
• [11:38] - Practical support & advocacy with state associations
• [13:34] - Challenges for different business models
• [15:28] - Understanding margins
• [17:08] - How COVID-19 affected Lebanese Taverna with Grace Shea
• [22:22] - Comparison to the airline industry
• [25:05] - Passion and scrappiness
• [26:36] - Running a winning campaign in Washington
• [29:14] - Pushing for change

The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the interviewee and do not represent the opinions of the National Restaurant Association and its affiliates.  This podcast is not intended to provide medical or legal advice but is meant to present suggested practices for restauranteurs to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 viral disease.  Adherence to any suggestions cannot ensure prevention of infection and should not be interpreted as setting the standard of care or be deemed inclusive of all proper methods or practices.  Podcast listeners are urged to follow the requirements and recommendations of federal, state and local health authorities.  Pursuant to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, COVID-19 is generally considered to be spread from person to person by respiratory droplets, and not generally by food or packaging. Given the rapidly evolving nature of the pandemic, guidance may change as our understanding of unique challenges that COVID-19 poses within each country, state, and locality.  

Podcast listeners who develop policies and procedures based upon the views in this podcast are urged to obtain the advice and guidance of legal counsel with respect to their practices and local laws.

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This podcast episode was produced by Dante32.