Saving Seafood

Biden signs American Rescue Plan, providing aid for restaurants, seafood industry

March 11, 2021 — U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday, 11 March, signed the USD 1.9 trillion (EUR 1.59 trillion) American Rescue Plan Act into law, opening the door for billions in aid to go to businesses – including nearly USD 29 billion (EUR 24.2 billion) for a restaurant industry that’s been battered by closures and other restrictions over the past year due to COVID-19.

On Thursday, the National Restaurant Association lauded the bill’s Restaurant Revitalization Fund, which association president and CEO Tom Bene said will help save jobs across the country.

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Restaurant industry begs for help as second wave forces new shutdowns

December 8, 2020 — U.S. restaurant groups are urging Congress to provide immediate financial help for the hard-hit industry, as new dining restrictions are expected to increase financial burdens and cause more restaurants to close.

An estimated 110,000 restaurants have already closed their doors since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the National Restaurant Association. In November alone, food and beverage establishments lost 17,400 jobs – the first month since April the industry has lost jobs, according to new U.S. Department of Labor data.

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Reaction to COVID-19 relief bill mixed as restaurants close doors

December 3, 2020 — Restaurant organizations are reacting both positively and negatively to a new USD 908 billion (EUR 751 billion) COVID-19 relief bill proposed by a group of U.S. legislators.

Due to renewed indoor dining restrictions in several U.S. cities and states, many restaurants are temporarily – or permanently – shutting their doors, and many others are struggling to stay afloat. Seafood suppliers, distributors, and wholesalers are, in turn, taking a hit from the widespread closures.

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US election results could have big impact on the restaurant industry

November 10, 2020 — The results of the recent U.S. election is expected to both positively and negatively impact restaurants, which are already struggling to remain open due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The National Restaurant Association has applauded the election of President-elect Joe Biden – who beat out current U.S. President Donald Trump, who was seeking a second term – but the organization stressed the urgency of Washington delivering financial help to the foodservice industry.

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NRA: 100,000 US restaurants forced to close due to COVID-19

September 15, 2020 — Six months after the first shutdown of restaurants for the coronavirus pandemic, at least 100,000 U.S. restaurants have permanently closed or will do so by the end of this year, according to a new survey.

In addition, the industry is on track to lose USD 240 billion (EUR 2020 billion) in sales by the end of this year, the National Restaurant Association said in a press release.

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US restaurant group launches national campaign as operators struggle to survive

September 1, 2020 — The National Restaurant Association is launching a nationwide consumer advertising campaign to encourage diners to come back to eat at restaurants, as they continue to feel significant financial impact from dining room closures due to COVID-19.

The multimedia Restaurant Revival campaign taps into the sights and sounds associated with dining out and asks diners, “Doesn’t dining out sound good?” the NRA said in a press release.

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US restaurants seek more help as COVID-19 struggles continue

July 17, 2020 — The United States government needs to take immediate action to stabilize restaurants, an industry group said, even as seafood restaurants shut down or stop paying rent.

On 15 July, the National Restaurant Association (NRA) sent its “Blueprint for Restaurant Revival” to Congress. The comprehensive policy and legislative plan outlines “specific and immediate action the federal government should take to stabilize the industry in the short-term and set the foundation for long-term rebuilding,” the NRA said in a press release.

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NFI: Food workers should receive COVID-19 vaccine early on

June 25, 2020 — The National Fisheries Institute and other food industry groups are urging U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to prioritize food, agriculture, and retail workers for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Scientists have advised that COVID-19 will remain a continuous public health concern, so the importance of a vaccine cannot be overstated. A vaccine targeting COVID-19 is likely the only way to generate immunity across a population,” NFI, FMI – the Food Industry Association, the National Restaurant Association, and other groups said in a letter to Trump.

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US restaurants, distributors press for government funding relief

April 21, 2020 — Restaurants and foodservice distributors continue to push the U.S. government for funding relief to help their businesses survive in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The restaurant industry is expected to realize losses of more than USD 240 billion (EUR 221 billion) nationwide by the end of the year, after losing USD 30 billion (EUR 28 billion) in March and USD 50 billion (EUR 46 billion) in April, the National Restaurant Association said in a press release.

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