Coronavirus Update for Restaurants in Wisconsin

With the ongoing and increased uncertainty over the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), here at the WRA our primary focus is – and will continue to be – to educate and support our restaurant and supplier partners through this difficult and challenging time. We are taking proactive measures to advocate for and alert members to changing policies, guidelines and best practices.

WRA has put together helpful resources targeted for employers, employees and others in the industry. Please check back often as we will continue to update this website as new information comes available and new developments arise.

EMPLOYER RESOURCES

Check here for the latest government updates. You’ll also find helpful resources including a COVID-19 employer toolkit, how to get started with delivery services guide, ideas to support employees and an FAQ.

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EMPLOYEE RESOURCES

Important resources on unemployment benefits, supplemental food programs, health insurance, temporary job listings and mental health resources.

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Wisconsin Eats – Takeout, Delivery, Drive-Through and Curbside

A listing of restaurants who are offering takeout, curbside and delivery services. Restaurants are encouraged to fill out an online form so we can promote their current services.

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WHAT’S GOOD IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

All around our communities people are pulling together, helping each other, adapting and thinking outside the box.  Take a moment to hear some feel good stories and innovative strategies that restaurant businesses are implementing to keep their business going and to be there for their communities.

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Breaking

PRESIDENT SIGNS CARES ACT CORONOVIRUS RELIEF BILL

On Friday (3/27) Congress passed and the President signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

The $2 trillion Coronavirus relief package includes a dramatic expansion of unemployment insurance, a rescue fund for state and local governments, immediate cash for hospitals, tax benefits and a huge pool of grants and loans for small businesses. The bill offers help for small businesses including independent restaurants and franchisees with many provisions that were specifically lobbied for by the National Restaurant Association and the Wisconsin Restaurant Association. 

WRA will keep restaurant operators posted as more details are available on exactly what this means for restaurant businesses.

CARES Act Benefits for Restaurant Operators and Their Employees

Paycheck Protection Program Info 

Phase Three CARES Act FAQ

Safer at Home Order EFFECTIVE MARCH 25TH

On March 24th, Governor Tony Evers directed Department of Health Services (DHS) to issue a Safer at Home order that prohibits all nonessential travel, with some exceptions.

We are pleased the Governor took WRA’s guidance to allow restaurants that remain open for delivery, takeout, drive-through and curbside services to continue operating as they have been for the last seven days.

The order is effective at 8 am on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 and will remain in effect until 8 am April 24, 2020, or until a superseding order is issued.

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Our Purpose

We Provide the Services and Tools for Members to be Successful

WRA membership includes thousands of foodservice businesses representing virtually every size and style of establishment in the state. Restaurateur members include fine dining establishments, mom-and-pop supper clubs, small cafes, fast food outlets, corporate chain restaurants, institutional foodservice operations, catering businesses and hotel and motel foodservices, to name a few. In addition to restaurateur and foodservice operators, WRA has hundreds of Supplier Associate Members that provide goods and services to the restaurant industry.

By uniting in an association, members gain access to information and services to help them better run and promote their businesses. And, a strong membership gives WRA powerful support in pursuing its mission to provide members the services and tools to be successful through advocacy, education and communication.