Restaurant Association of Maryland leading statewide initiative to help support the Maryland restaurant and foodservice industry
The Restaurant Association of Maryland (RAM), the only trade association that represents every segment of the foodservice industry in Maryland, is leading the efforts for the first-ever Maryland Restaurant Week, September 18-27. In partnership with Visit Maryland, the statewide initiative was created to help support the thousands of restaurants who have been impacted by the economic setbacks presented during the current pandemic. Despite the Governor’s Phase 3 reopening announcement, Maryland restaurants are still restricted to operating at 50 percent indoor dining capacity.
“Restaurants continue to struggle as people are not dining out as frequently as they used to,” said Marshall Weston Jr., RAM President & CEO. “Maryland Restaurant Week will encourage people to dine out, carryout and see for themselves that restaurants are operating safely and are ready to serve.”
Since the start of the pandemic, Maryland’s restaurant and foodservice industry has lost approximately $1.4 billion in sales and has seen as many as 150,000 restaurant employees laid off or furloughed. RAM projects that 40 percent of all of the restaurants in the state of Maryland could close permanently unless restrictions are lifted and customers begin supporting restaurants regularly again.
All segments of the restaurant and foodservice industry will be participating. Diners, family restaurants, fine dining, quick service, fast casual and all types of restaurants will be represented and offering some kind of promotion, feature or special.
Maryland restaurants interested in participating can sign up at www.marylandrestaurantweek.com
About Restaurant Association of Maryland (RAM)
The Restaurant Association of Maryland (RAM) exists to promote, protect and improve Maryland's foodservice and hospitality industry. RAM leads by showcasing restaurants, offering programs that reduce operating costs and advocating for the interests of foodservice businesses. RAM for all foodservice and hospitality businesses including restaurants, caterers, bars & taverns, food trucks, grocery stores, hotels and other businesses that serve food.
