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Contact: Dana Lancellotti New Jersey Restaurant & Hospitality Association dlancellotti@njrha.org
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Trenton, NJ (May 31, 2022) Students Serve Delicious Dishes, Healthy Competition at the New Jersey Hospitality & Tourism Culinary Student Showcase. Contact: Dana Lancellotti New Jersey Restaurant & Hospitality Association dlancellotti@njrha.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Trenton, NJ (Feb. 28, 2022) – The NJRHA is pleased to announce that Bhavesh Patel will serve for a second term as Chairman of Board of the NJ Restaurant and Hospitality Association for 2022. Mr. Patel has spent his life in the hotel industry and has been a Principal at ADM Hotels for 25 years. In 2018, he served as the Chairman of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), where he established a tremendous positive influence of support for the nation’s largest sector of hotel owners. Bhavesh has contributed the same dedication here at the NJRHA, elevating our presence in our newly adopted hotel and lodging sector, while supporting our industry’s challenging and critical rebound. His instrumental leadership through 2021 in support of advocacy and sustainability for the New Jersey restaurants and hotels has set the tone for a progressive year ahead. “Bhavesh fought hard for funding for hotels and affective future policies that will support the hospitality industry moving forward while he has also overseen the associations transition with a new President/CEO,” said Dana Lancellotti, current NJRHA President & CEO. “We look forward to continued guidance, leadership, and sustainability. We are grateful to work with him on our team at the NJRHA.” ###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Trenton, NJ (Jan.24, 2022) Omicron Variant Hit Restaurant Industry Hard; Replenishing the RRF Forecast to Save more than 45,000 New Jersey Jobs Restaurant Impact Survey- Jan. 2022 from the National Restaurant Association FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Trenton, NJ (Jan. 18, 2022) NJ Restaurant & Hospitality Association Statement on Governor Murphy Signing Assembly Bill 6246 Into Law New Jersey Restaurant Industry Financial Security in Danger of Being Wiped Out by Delta Variant8/24/2021 More than $1,334,011,000 in unfunded New Jersey Restaurant Revitalization Fund applications leave local small business owners in limbo Contact: Dana Lancellotti President & CEO dlancellotti@njrha.org For Immediate Release Trenton, New Jersey, August 24, 2021- Today the New Jersey Restaurant & Hospitality Association, the National Restaurant Association and 50 other state restaurant association partners sent a letter to Congressional leadership sharing new national consumer confidence survey finding and urging swift replenishment of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). New Jersey has more than 4700 pending applications that total more than $1,334,011,000 in stabilization funding that would be addressed by the $60 billion proposed replenishment bills. The letter urges Congress to complete the mission of the RRF and provide adequate funds to replenish the program and offer relief for the applications still pending. “There are thousands of New Jersey small business owners stuck in limbo waiting to find out if Congress will act to provide the stability they need to make it through this new pandemic threat and into the future,” said Dana Lancellotti, President, New Jersey Restaurant Association. “The rise of coronavirus variants like delta threaten to push these restaurants closer to permanently closing their doors. It’s time for Congress to step in and fulfill the promise of the RRF.” The National Restaurant Association survey found that nationally a majority of consumers have already changed their dining behavior, which is beginning to put acute pressure back on the restaurant industry. This faltering consumer confidence comes on top of restaurant labor costs at a 10-year high, increased food and supply prices, continued indoor capacity limits in 11 states, and crushing long-term debt loads for countless restaurant owners. Specifically, the survey found:
“For an industry that requires a ‘full house’ every evening to make a profit, this is a dangerous trend,” said Sean Kennedy, executive vice president of Public Affairs for the National Restaurant Association. “These changes indicate declining consumer confidence that will make it more difficult for most restaurant owners to maintain their delicate financial stability.” Read the full letter here. ###
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January 27, 2021 Marilou Halvorsen, President (732) 779-4090 NJRHA and DoorDash Partner to Distribute $500,000 to New Jersey restaurants Grants dedicated to helping restaurants amidst cold weather and ongoing COVID-related challenges New Jersey Restaurant & Hospitality Association is excited to announce a new grant program, funded by DoorDash and administered by the New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association. DoorDash is generously donating $500,000 to the NJRHA to award grants to restaurants to help them offset costs amidst cold weather and ongoing COVID-related challenges. Restaurants will be able to apply for $2,500 or $5,000 in funding which can be used to pay rent, purchase cold-weather equipment, PPE, and more. This grant is part of DoorDash’s five-year $200 million dollar Main Street Strong Pledge, which includes $10M in grants for restaurants in cities and states around the country. (GOVERNOR’S OFFICE COMMENT) “We are thankful to have partners like DoorDash who recognize the dire situation our hospitality industry is in,” said Marilou Halvorsen, NJRHA President and CEO. “New Jersey’s hospitality industry is one of the hardest hit in the country. Having grants like this available for our independent restaurant community will assist in being able to sustain their operations.” The grant application will be available on the NJRHA grant, www.njrha.org by February 1, 2021. The grants will be awarded to independent restaurants who have five or fewer locations and can show a loss of at least 30% from 2019. The criteria is outlined on the application on the NJRHA website. Applicants do not have to be a DoorDash partner or NJRHA member. “DoorDash was founded to empower local economies, and we know New Jersey’s restaurants are core to so many communities throughout the state,” said David London, Director of Government Relations, U.S. East, for DoorDash. “We’re proud to fund these grants, and partner with the New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association to ensure we can support restaurants who need it most. We know these are challenging times for restaurant owners, and we’re committed to doing our part to help.” According to DoorDash’s Economic Impact Report:
Additionally, the odds of staying open during COVID-19 are 6x more likely for restaurants on DoorDash. For more information on DoorDash’s efforts, visit the DoorDash blog. For more information on the New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association, visit https://www.njrha.org. About NJRHA NJRHA was founding in 1942 to support and advocate on behalf of the hospitality industry. Representing over 25,000 foodservice establishments and 350,000 employees, the NJRHA represents the states largest private-sector employer and generates 18.1 billion dollars in tax revenue to the state. About DoorDash DoorDash is a technology company that connects customers with their favorite local and national businesses in more than 4,000 cities and all 50 states across the United States, Canada, and Australia. Founded in 2013, DoorDash empowers merchants to grow their businesses by helping to solve mission-critical challenges, such as customer acquisition, on-demand delivery, insights and analytics, merchandising, payment processing, and customer support. By building the last-mile delivery logistics platform for local cities, DoorDash is bringing communities closer, one doorstep at a time. Read more on the DoorDash blog or at www.doordash.com. Contact: Karen Geisel, NJRHA
(518) 421-3435 TRENTON, NJ – Representatives from New Jersey’s largest venue and restaurant owners, and the NJ Restaurant & Hospitality Association (NJRHA) spoke out today about how the COVID-19 pandemic is shattering the state’s largest private-sector employer. The group presented a new safe dining plan with enhanced sanitation protocols, discussed the challenges of outdoor dining, fall predictions, and highlighted their Industry’s economic and community impact which will be presented through a 30-day #IServeJersey social media campaign. “Sadly, current estimates suggest 30 percent of restaurants that make up the culture and personality of our state will close,” said Marilou Halvorsen, president of NJRHA, “Hit even harder, are our state’s largest wedding venues. Their complete closure has led to a ripple effect in the industry, where professionals like photographers, videographers, florists, and musicians, to name a few, are all out of work,” she added. Late June, the governor indefinitely reversed the opening of indoor dining a few days before it was to happen. This surprising shift has resulted in heightened emotional and financial hardships for all, especially now that the midway point of summer has passed – this industry’s most robust time for partial economic recovery. Meanwhile, the industry quickly responded and tightened their safe dining plan to include more enhanced sanitation efforts for less people with more social distancing, in hopes of cracking the door on reopening indoor dining and activities soon, to no avail. Recently an uptick in COVID-19 cases, the highest since early June has been attributed by the governor as a result of indoor house parties and other unruly gatherings hosted by young people, where masks or social distancing were not adhered. WHO:
Marilou Halvorsen, President/CEO, NJ Restaurant & Hospitality Association (NJRHA) Marilyn Schlossbach, 2020 NJRHA Chairwoman & owner Langosta Lounge, Asbury Park Jeanne Cretella, Landmark Hospitality Bob Wagner, Ott’s Tavern and Braddock’s Tom Daidone, The Estate at Florentine Gardens TOPICS: Safe Dining Plan and sanitation protocols Industry contributions to community & economy Financial impact Predictions for fall #IServeJersey Campaign WHERE: “Virtual” Press Conference (media only) Register in advance at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_G40U4SQBTkmyC6huIlRwqw Note: All other individuals may participate via NJRHA Facebook Live WHEN: Monday, August 3rd 10:00am – 11:00am WHY: The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated New Jersey’s hospitality industry, our state’s largest private sector employer. As of now, current estimates suggest 30% of restaurants that make up the culture and personality of our state will close. Hit even harder, are the state’s largest wedding venues. Their closure has led to a ripple effect in the industry, where professionals like photographers, videographers, florists, and musicians, to name a few, are all out of work. The governor’s indefinite reversal of indoor dining in late June has resulted in more economic and emotional hardships as we pass the midway point of summer – this industry’s most robust time for partial economic recovery. The NJRHA president and chairwoman, along with several large venue and restaurant owners from around the state will discuss the latest indoor dining proposal (with new restrictions), the battles of outdoor dining and celebrations, fall predictions, economic fears and the launch of a #IServeJersey 30-day social media campaign to highlight those struggling in the industry. # # # Council members will provide insight, expertise, and on-the-ground knowledge as legislators work toward COVID-19 recovery and local re-opening measures. Council members will provide insight, expertise, and on-the-ground knowledge as legislators
work toward COVID-19 recovery and local re-opening measures. OCEAN TOWNSHIP - Monmouth County legislators Senator Vin Gopal and Assembly Members Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey announced today the formation of a new 11th Legislative District COVID-19 Economic Recovery Advisory Council, which will bring together representatives from a diverse array of industries and communities to advance efforts to re-open New Jersey’s economy, improve public health outcomes, and expand access to resources for municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and local small businesses. “Local small business owners, community leaders, and nonprofit organizations are already working to help families across our district get through this crisis,” said Senator Gopal (D-Long Branch). “We need their expertise and insight, and they need to have a seat at the table as we work toward a statewide re-opening.” “As legislators, it’s our job to listen to the people working on the ground to make sure that we’re putting resources in the right places,” said Assemblyman Houghtaling (D-Neptune). “Their expertise will help us make the best decisions on policy, legislation, and our plan for recoveryrecovery.” “Every community - no matter what town you live in, your ethnicity, your faith, or your orientation - has been hit hard by this pandemic,” said Assemblywoman Downey (D-Freehold). “It’s important to us that this council represent the entirety of our diverse 11th Legislative District, and we promise to listen to all voices as we work toward a comprehensive plan for recovery.” The Economic Recovery Advisory Council will be co-chaired by Ken DeRoberts, CEO of Government Strategy Group; Jackeline Mejias-Fuertes, Regional Director for the New Jersey Small Business Development Center at Brookdale Community College; Marilou Halverson, President of the New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association; and Jeremy Grunin, President of the Grunin Foundation. “We are facing the most challenging economy of our lifetime,” said DeRoberts. “Working smartly together we need to marshall as many resources as possible to help our business community. I commend our legislative team for their insightful leadership and look forward to being part of the team.” “As a longtime Monmouth County resident and Regional NJSBDC director serving Monmouth/ Ocean Counties, the response, recovery, and resiliency of local businesses are personal to me,” said Mejias-Fuertes. “I'm honored and privileged to co-chair this committee whose sole purpose is helping our devastated communities, businesses, and economy recover.” “As a life-long resident of New Jersey and living in District 11, I am honored to be co-chairing this committee,” said Halverson. “Hospitality, retail and other main street businesses have been devastated by the pandemic and closure of the state. I want to assist in providing support, guidance and resources to them so we can get our community back up and running.” "This crisis demands expertise, action, and collaboration, and I'm confident that, by working together, this board will be able to provide all three,” said Grunin. “I'm honored to be a co-chair of this advisory council, and I look forward to working with its members to help our communities recover from this crisis." The District 11 Economic Recovery Advisory Council will work to assist different industries in re-opening, making recommendations regarding policy, and working with all sectors of our economy to make sure that each sector opens in a responsible way. Gopal, Houghtaling, and Downey expect this Council to continue operating until all sectors of our local economy are fully operational. Residents of New Jersey’s 11th Legislative District who would like to bring items to the attention of the Advisory Council can send an email to info@senatorgopal.com. A full list of members for the 11th Legislative District Economic Recovery Advisory Council is as follows: Co-Chairs Ken DeRoberts, CEO, Government Strategy Group Jeremy Grunin, President, The Grunin Foundation Marilou Halvorsen, President, New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association Jackeline Mejias-Fuertes, Regional Director, New Jersey Small Business Development Center at Brookdale Community College Small Business Committee Adanech Asghedom, Adda Gojjo Restaurant Bianca Bertoli, Lock & Shade Bob Clark, Fir Farm Gino Dellomo, Shrewsbury Volkswagen Mary Ellen Landolfi, World Spiral Media & Independent Contractor Robin Kampf, Independent Contractor Nicole Lerario, A Kneaded Vacation Kevin McHugh, Atlantic Club Mikaela Milano, 26 West Teena Patel, LightBridge Academy of Eatontown & Edible Arrangements of Ocean Township Alpha Reynolds-Lewis, Reynolds Appraisal Group Ritesh Shah, CEO of Legacy Pharmacy Group Ayca User, Antoinette Boulangerie French Bakery Non-Profit Recovery Committee Laurie Goganzer, Community YMCA Gwen Love, Executive Director, Lunch Break Brian McGillivray, New Jersey Reentry Corporation Beatriz Osterheld, CARC Arthur Schlossbach, SCORE Small Business Mentoring Shore Economy Committee Brian Cherpeka, iStar Tom DeBartolo, President, Monmouth County Building Trades Paul Dement, Director of Government Affairs, Monmouth University Dennis Drazin, Blue Grotto Restaurant at Monmouth Park Jennifer Eckoff, Executive Director, Eastern Monmouth Chamber of Commerce Grace Hanlon, Former Executive Director, New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism Victor Kuo, Temple Restaurant Russell Lewis, Watermark Gary Mattola, Madison Marquette Bob McCaid, iPlay America Tim McCloone, Mcloone's Restaurants Kirk Ruoff, Turning Point Restaurants Robert Schimko, Business Manager, IBEW 400 Marilyn Schlossbach, Langosta Lounge and White Chapel Project Sylvia Sylvia, Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce Governments Subcommittee Erik Anderson, Mayor, Shrewsbury Borough & Small Business Owner Donna Campagna, Business Administrator, Allenhurst Margie Donlon, M.D., Physician & Councilwoman, Ocean Township Paul Fernicola, Mayor, Loch Arbour; Attorney, Deal Township; Small Business Owner Sue Fitzpatrick, Committeewoman, Colts Neck Township; Small Business Owner; Past Colts Neck Business Association President Vito Gadaleta, Business Administrator, Neptune Township Steve Gallo, Business Administrator, Freehold Borough George Jackson, Business Administrator, Long Branch Carl Jennings, Long Branch Housing Authority Bill Lucia, Business Administrator and Police Chief, Eatontown Borough Matt Montekio, District Director, Rep. Frank Pallone (CD-6) Mike Nesci, Councilman, Tinton Falls & Small Business Owner Mike Nohilly, Mayor, Interlaken Amy Quinn, Deputy Mayor, Asbury Park Ziad Shehady, Business Administrator, Red Bank Representative from Office of Congressman Chris Smith (CD-4) Amanda Stone, Director of Tourism, Monmouth County Government Janet Tucci, Mayor, West Long Branch Pete Valesi, Business Administrator, Freehold Township Andrew Wardell, Mayor, Neptune City |
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