The National Restaurant Association is asking members of Congress to refill the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) as Omicron variant coronavirus ravages restaurant attendance across the country. The push follows a survey by the association that showed the fund's impact and the possible consequences without more funding.
"The RRF was a critical lifeline to many, but far more remain on the sidelines, desperately looking for support amidst continued economic uncertainty. The decisions you make in the coming weeks will be critical toward the future of the restaurants that are so proud to serve your communities," Vice President of Public Affairs Sean Kennedy wrote in a press release. "The new data show that restaurant recovery is paralyzed and nowhere near complete. The restaurant industry is at an inflection point, and we need your leadership now more than ever."
The Restaurant Revitalization Fund was rolled out by the Small Business Administration (SBA) last year, funded by the mammoth $1.9 trillion rescue package authorized by Congress. According to the association's survey, 96% of restaurateurs that received funding were able to stave off closing, saving just under 1 million jobs across the country.
Of restaurateurs that did not receive funding, the National Restaurant Association found that nearly half feel they may not be able to remain in business without assistance. Most of those that did not receive funding commented that future funding would help them maintain their current workforce and even take on new employees. With wages increasing to keep pace with workers lessened tolerance for low-pay, high-stress jobs, many restaurants are locked in wage wars to attract and retain workers.
The National Restaurant Association has some sympathetic ears among lawmakers, with a few members of Congress having proposed bills to replenish the RRF. However, none have gained any traction in either the House or Senate. The Biden administration's preoccupation with other matters such as inflation, or the escalating crisis in Ukraine, means that the association might not be able to reach President Joe Biden anytime soon.