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NJ Restaurant & Hospitality Association

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  • About
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  • Foundation
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Bhavesh Patel Holds Position as NJRHA Chairman for 2022

3/2/2022

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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.”
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Omicron Variant Hit Restaurant Industry Hard; Replenishing the RRF Forecast to Save More Than 45,000 New Jersey Jobs

1/24/2022

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​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
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NJ Restaurant & Hospitality Association Statement on Governor Murphy Signing Assembly Bill 6246 Into Law

1/18/2022

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Trenton, NJ (Jan. 18, 2022)
​NJ Restaurant & Hospitality Association Statement on Governor Murphy Signing Assembly Bill 6246 Into Law
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New Jersey Restaurant Industry Financial Security in Danger of Being Wiped Out by Delta Variant

8/24/2021

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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:

  • 6 in 10 adults changed their restaurant use due to the rise in the delta variant
  • 19% of adults have stopped going out to restaurants 
  • 9% have cancelled existing plans to go out to a restaurant in recent weeks 
  • 37% have ordered takeout or delivery instead of going out to a restaurant 
  • 19% have chosen to sit outside instead of inside when going out to a restaurant
 
“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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NJRHA and DoorDash Partner to Distribute $500,000 to New Jersey restaurants

1/26/2021

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                   Contact
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: 
  • Nearly ⅔ of restaurants say they were able to increase their profits during COVID-19 because of DoorDash
  • 75% of restaurants agree that DoorDash has allowed them to reach new customers
  • 69% of restaurants say they have acquired new dine-in customers through DoorDash
 
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.
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NJ RESTAURANT & VENUE OWNERS PROPOSE NEW SAFE DINING PLAN:STATE’S PANDEMIC RESTRICTIONS CONTINUE TO DECIMATE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

8/3/2020

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                                                                                                                                                    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.
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​MEDIA ADVISORY VIRTUAL PRESS CONFERENCE

8/3/2020

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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.

                                                                                            # # #
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Gopal, Houghtaling & Downey Announce COVID-19 Economic Recovery Advisory Council

5/8/2020

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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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NEW JERSEY’S BEVERAGE & HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY LAUNCHES RELIEF FUNDTO HELP DISPLACED EMPLOYEES HURT MOST BY SHUTDOWN

3/20/2020

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​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                                                                                                Contact: Karen Geisel
                                                                                                                                                                                 Call 518-421-3435


Trenton, NJ – Thousands of New Jersey’s beverage and hospitality industry employees have lost jobs due to the COVID-19 shutdown. Many are tipped-wage employees or commission-based sales reps that rely on that income to make ends meet. Allied Beverage Group, LLC, the New Jersey Restaurant Educational Foundation (NJREF) and New Jersey Restaurant & Hospitality Association (NJRHA) have partnered to create The Beverage and Food Employee Crisis Support Fund (BFECS) to help these displaced workers. Industry leaders and the general public are encouraged to donate on the fund’s website: www.nfecs.org
 
“We can’t wait for state aid for this group of people,” said Marilou Halvorsen, president of the NJRHA. “They have to feed their kids, buy food and survive through this crisis like the rest of us. This is no different than a hurricane relief fund. Their livelihood has been wiped out,” she added.
 
The NJREF is the sole owner of the BFECS. and is a non-profit 501c3 with a mission to support the workforce of the foodservice industry through workforce development, grants and scholarships, and education. BFECS applicants will be thoroughly vetted and given funds based solely on need. No person is allowed to apply for the fund twice and must supply paystubs showing proof of employment and a short description of their need. 
 
For more information on the BFECS, please contact Leslie Steele, NJREF Vice President at leslies@njrha.org. 
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​MARILYN SCHLOSSBACH NAMED CHAIRWOMAN OF                   NEW JERSEY RESTAURANT & HOSPITALITY ASSOCIATION

1/24/2020

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Trenton, NJ – Humanitarian and Asbury Park native, Marilyn Schlossbach will be sworn in and honored on January 27th as the new chairwoman of the New Jersey Restaurant & Hospitality Association (NJRHA). Schlossbach is the owner of Langosta Lounge. 
​
“Marilyn is an exciting chef that brings her flair of international cuisine to New Jersey, whose goal is to bring new and diverse chefs and owners into our association,” said Marilou Halvorsen, president of the NJRHA.
Schlossbach is well known for her local and national humanitarian efforts. She attempts to achieve unforgettable culinary experiences for diners while inspiring support for local and national causes. Her community work includes a collaboration with Interfaith Neighbors on Asbury Park’s Kula Café and Urban Farm, community gardening and surf lessons with the Boys and Girls Club of Asbury Park, and unwavering support of environmental organizations like Clean Ocean Action, Surfrider Foundation, American Littoral Society and Waves For Water that work to protect coastlines and marine environments.  

In addition, Schlossbach is the founder of the not-for-profit Food for Thought by The Sea, and sits on the board of the newly launched College Achieve Greater Asbury Park Charter School. She lives in Asbury Park with her twin girls, Hari Mar and Rubi Dee, and artist husband Scott Szegeski.    #  #  #
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