Covid-19 Insight Resources

Stimulus Updates & Resources

Local, state and federal governments are stepping in with emergency fiscal stimulus packages to help businesses during these critical times. Stay on top of specific assistance that might be offered:

• NRA’s grassroots education & engagement information – Restaurants Act
• Federal restaurant relief details – Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
• Find your local Chamber of Commerce
• National Restaurant Association – Coronavirus Resources and Information
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
• National Association of Convenience Stores – Coronavirus Resources

Restaurant & C-Store Actions

See how restaurants and c-stores are addressing COVID-19 in public forums.

• McDonald’s announced that it will be partnering with Travis Scott for its first celebrity-branded meal since 1992.
• Bloomin’ Brands is debuting a virtual chicken brand called Tender Shack, exclusively available on DoorDash.
• Taco Bell announced that it will be removing an additional 5 items from its menu as they continue to streamline their available selections.
  With NFL stadiums closed to fans due to the pandemic, Buffalo Wild Wings is offering a “Season Ticket” package to encourage consumers to watch football games from their restaurant units.

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Industry News

Read daily coverage on the impact COVID-19 is having on restaurants and c-stores.

SUMMARY: New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that malls in the Empire State that have proper air filtration systems may begin opening on September 9th at 50% capacity. The same day, New York casinos may also open at 25% capacity. This comes as a bit of a surprise considering that the Governor has yet to give the green light on indoor dining, leaving restaurant owners in continued frustration as they continue to struggle with the pandemic’s impact on business.

Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, appeared on CNBC’s Squawk Box to talk about the latest on negotiations over a COVID-19 relief package. In his interview, he mentioned that many Republicans are close to reaching an agreement, which would be a modest bill that would focus on extending the Paycheck Protection Program for a more specific group of small businesses in need. Senator Cramer also mentioned that he would like to make sure that PPP loan forgiveness policies are streamlined so they don’t force small businesses to “pay an extra couple thousand dollars in compliance costs.”

• CNBC – Taco Bell removes Mexican Pizza and other items as it finishes menu streamlining LINK
• CNBC – Gov. Cuomo gives New York City malls green light to reopen but holds back on indoor dining LINK
• CNBC – The Next Virus Aid Package: Vote Next Week? LINK
• Forbes – Doubling Up CARES Business Stimulus: PPP, NOL, And Other Planning Opportunities LINK
• NBC News – First-time jobless claims hit 881,000, marking lowest weekly total since pandemic began LINK
• Nation’s Restaurant News – The Travis Scott Meal by McDonald’s is first celebrity-branded meal since Michael Jordan LINK
• Nation’s Restaurant News – Outback Steakhouse parent Bloomin’ Brands debuts virtual Tender Shack brand on DoorDash LINK
• Nation’s Restaurant News – Focus Brands promotes Kristen Hartman to president of specialty brands, Erik Hess to president of restaurant brands LINK
• Restaurant Business – Buffalo Wild Wings is selling a ‘season ticket’ package for football fans LINK
• Restaurant Business – A look inside Burger King’s new post-COVID restaurant design LINK
• Modern Restaurant Management – What Restaurant Relief is Ahead? LINK
• Convenience Store News – 7-Eleven’s Latest Pact Brings Instacart to Value-Added Offerings LINK
• NACS – Curbside Pickup Drives Customer Satisfaction LINK
• NACS – Checkout-Free Service Debuts at GetGo Café+Market Store LINK

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