BC Restaurant & Foodservices Association

BCRFA PARTNERS WITH BC BASED FOOD DELIVERY BUSINESSES IN ADDITIONAL EFFORT TO SUPPORT THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY - https://mailchi.mp//august-11-2020-industry-updates-bcrfa-

- PARTNER SPOTLIGHT - Create a new revenue stream for your business by enabling delivery and pickup directly from your website powered by Uber Eats. Available for only 7.5% until March 31, 2021: https://restaurants.ubereats.com/ca/en/online-ordering/

January 13, 2021. Industry Updates - BCRFA - https://mailchi.mp//august-11-2020-industry-updates-bcrfa-

Info Session: Small & Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant Tuesday, January 26 - 10 am Does your BC owned restaurant employ up to 149 people? Did you experience a 70% drop immediately after restaurants were closed in March? Are you still 30% below 2019 revenue levels? The Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant is available for businesses needing investments to pivot to respond to COVID-19.... Join our info session on Tuesday, January 26 at 10 to have your questions answered about this important recovery program. The program offers grants of $10,000 to $30,000 and runs until March 31, 2021 or until the funds are fully allocated, whichever comes first. The program allows businesses to create and submit a recovery plan that identifies targeted investments that will help the business build back. Ideas of investments for consideration: funds to help with approved patio expansions; installing patio heaters, display coolers and freezers; constructing pick up windows; purchasing energy-efficient appliances. Register to attend here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/small-and-medium-sized-busines

Our President and CEO, Ian Tostenson, will be participating in the West Vancouver Chamber of Commerce Leader to Leader: WV Exchange- Hosted by Mayor Mary-Ann Booth. This free virtual event is taking place on January 12 from 3pm to 4:30pm. The discussion will focus on how restaurants have been impacted, are continuing to serve their customers during the pandemic, and ideas on what our community, governments and business groups can do now and as we move towards post-COVID recovery. If you wish to attend, please register online at: https://us02web.zoom.us//tZIsf-2upz4uGtxNTDuTvhK9thHFulBXF

In a year of a pandemic and increasing case counts, it’s time to create new hospitality experiences that we can offer for a new kind of winter. In our latest resource, The 2020 Holiday Idea Book for Restaurants, we have compiled a list of innovative ideas that we’ve found in a scan of the marketplace combined with brainstorming here in our office. Everything we plan for the coming winter will need to focus on the health and safety of our teams and our customers. Visit the resources page of our website to download the full guide: https://www.bcrfa.com/covid-resources

November 18, 2020. Industry Updates - BCRFA - https://mailchi.mp//august-11-2020-industry-updates-bcrfa-

-PARTNER SPOTLIGHT- Did you know? Eligible employers can apply for up to 100% reimbursement of the cost of go2HR SuperHost Customer Service Training programs under the BC Employer Training Grant - Foundational Stream? Apply now for training that starts before Dec 31, 2020 - https://bit.ly/3pkVAVx

NEW VERBAL Public Health Orders Released Today, Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister Dix announced province wide restrictions on gatherings in homes and banned outright all indoor and outdoor events except business, support group meetings and weddings, funerals and baptisms (no more than 10 people). Masks are now required in all indoor places including workplaces and restaurants. The new orders are in effect immediately through December 7, 2020. ... Restaurants, pubs and bars are open: The order does not specifically mention restaurants and bars. The order of October 9 is the guiding order and restaurants, pubs and bars can continue to operate as long as they have an updated COVID-19 Safety Plan and employee protocols in place. Three aspects of the new order do impact your staff teams but are entirely achievable. 1 MASKS FOR STAFF (Mandatory): All staff must wear masks if they are working in a shared space with another employee. Staff are only exempt if they are alone behind plexiglass. 2 MASKS FOR GUESTS (Mandatory): All guests must wear masks in indoor spaces. In restaurants, that means that guests must wear masks to and from the table and to and from the washroom. 3 HEALTH CHECKS (Mandatory): All staff must undergo a health check before they start their shift. This can be a process your company decides on or participation in an online self-check like the BC COVID-19 Support App: https://www.thrive.health/bc-covid19-app. Cancelling Events Unfortunately, this order does cancel all events except business meetings and support group meetings (think NA, AA). This will not be easy for operators and we understand that there will be a financial impact on your business. Please make an effort to contact all your customers that are impacted by the order banning events as soon as possible and try to rebook them. BCRFA is here for you. This is a difficult time as we know that many people will see this order as a reason to stay home more. We are working to make sure that the impact on our industry is shared with the highest levels of government. To that end, next week we will be working with our partners at ABLE and the BC Craft Brewers Association on a survey so we can aggregate the experience of operators and tell the whole picture. Please participate in the survey when it is available. Focus on Small and Take Away. We encourage everyone to capitalize on the positive messaging that Dr. Henry and Premier Horgan keep sharing about their confidence in our industry. Reach out to your trusted customers. Tell your story on social media. Encourage families, couples and colleagues to come in and support local. And finally, start working on enhanced take-out options as this will be something that many British Columbians are looking for in the next two weeks. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions or suggestions.

Restoring Confidence Spotlight It's always a good sign when you're a favourite among the locals! Orrange Kitchen + Bar in Port Coquitlam has demonstrated their commitment to the community by joining the #RestoringConfidence program.They are making guests feel safe by following health and safety protocols which includes a maximum table size of 6 people and physical distancing. If you are in the Port Coquitlam area we recommend checking out Orrange Kitchen + Bar for dine-in or take-out #PortCoquitlam #TriCities #Foodie #CustomerConfidence #SafetyFirst #BCRestaurants City of Port Coquitlam

If you are a restaurant operating in BC, join the Restoring Confidence Program to help customers build their confidence and help government see that restaurants are making a huge effort to do business safely in the COVID-19 era. >> It creates custom local business posters for operators who register to put in their business window. >> It serves as a uniform symbol for customers that a business has committed to creating and sharing their COVID-19 Safety Plan. >> It highlights... each business’ core commitments to ensuring the safety of their guests and employees and to following the Public Health Orders (PHO). You can learn more here: https://bit.ly/35eap2H It's free. Register your restaurant here: https://covid19localbusinessposter.gov.bc.ca/ #BCRestaurants #Restaurant #SafetyFirst #HealthandSafety #CovidCompliant

Hillside Winery & Bistro has extended the season for the Bistro until December 20, 2020! As #RestoringConfidence members, you can dine at Hillside Bistro knowing that their team is taking every precaution to ensure the comfort and safety of guests and staff. We recommend the candied Salmon Salad paired with a glass of Hillside Unoaked Pinot Gris #BCWine #Okanagan #CustomerConfidence #BCRestaurants #Foodie

Now is the best time to market your restaurant. As counterintuitive as it sounds, now is the best time to advertise. Online promotions are fairly cost effective. Your customers are spending more time at home and on their devices - boosted posts on Facebook and Instagram meet people where they are. Programs like Buy BC: Eat Drink Local and Dine Around offer you real opportunities to connect with customers. Street level marketing through A-boards and window writing connect you... with people who are in your neighbourhood. The Sandwich Company By Relvas Catering in Kelowna has done a great job with the sandwich board featured here! Re-think who you are marketing to - but don't quit marketing. Maintaining your marketing spend in these trying times will serve you in the long-term. Check out our COVID-19 Restaurant Marketing guide for lots of free tips that will help you orient yourself to the next phase of rebuilding business: https://bit.ly/2IMKKGY

-PARTNER SPOTLIGHT- Granville Island Brewing has two brews that are perfect for the season! Lions Winter Ale is packed with vanilla, chocolate and caramel tastes. Cranberry Orange Wheat Ale is bursting with flavours of juicy orange and cranberry. Enjoy free delivery right from the brewery at orders.gib.ca! #VancouverCraftBeer #GranvilleBeer #myGIB

"Our guests have put their trust in us for more than 65 years. Throughout the challenges of 2020, we are pleased to offer guests a refuge a place to have a wonderful evening, confident that our focus on health and safety has never wavered". - Chris Langridge, General Manager, Hy’s Vancouver We thank #RestoringConfidence members Hy's Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar for providing a safe and welcoming environment for guests Hy’s is currently offering dine-in, take-out and Hy’s at Home meals with Chef demonstration videos. Visit https://hyssteakhouse.com/order to learn more #Vancouver #Whistler #Foodie #CustomerConfidence #SafetyFirst #BCRestaurants

Help us acknowledge our hardworking industry workers by nominating them to be recognized! Nominees will be featured on our social media channels and will be entered to win a weekly prize. Visit http://bcrfa.com to learn more #StandUpForService #BCRestaurants #Appreciation #ThankYou Rising Tide Consultants Ltd. Sumac Ridge Estate Winery

New Public Health Office Province Wide Restrictions: November 19, 2020. Industry Updates - BCRFA - https://mailchi.mp//august-11-2020-industry-updates-bcrfa-

Say hello to the Gates family! Liz and Darren Gates (pictured here with daughter Grace) are the owners of Mario's Kitchen and Gracie's Next Door. Liz and Darren are proud members of the Tsawassen community and love providing a safe and welcoming dining experience at their restaurants. They are showing their commitment to health and safety by joining the #RestoringConfidence program. Restaurants across BC are joining the Restoring Confidence campaign to showcase their COVID-19 safety plans. Register your business for free here: https://www.bcrfa.com/restoring-confidence #SafetyFirst #CustomerConfidence #HospitalityIndustry #WeLoveDelta #YVRFoodie Sunny Tsawwassen

At Hart House Restaurant Restaurant in Burnaby, Executive Chef Mike Genest and Chef Raul Copete Vazquez are proud to be part of the #RestoringConfidence program! This fall and winter, Hart House is offering a cozy dine-in experience with plenty of physical distance in place. If you prefer take-out, they have that too! The Hart House team also has a sweet offer for you - head to their Facebook page and leave a comment tagging two friends to receive a complimentary order of donuts with chocolate sauce with your lunch order. This offer is available until November 30 #Foodie #Burnaby #CustomerConfidence #SafetyFirst #BCRestaurants #HartHouseRestaurant Explore Burnaby

October 28, 2020. Industry Updates - BCRFA - https://mailchi.mp//august-11-2020-industry-updates-bcrfa-

Miyu Okamoto Stem Japanese Eatery in Burnaby is our #StandUpForService winner this week! Guests tell us that Miyu is making them feel safe and ready to come back for more great authentic locally inspired Japanese favourites. Her knowledge of BC Wine and local foods puts her service over the top. Thank you and keep up the good work Miyu! You will be receiving a $25 gift card from Tap & Barrel and 2 bottles of Sumac Ridge Estate Winery wine to enjoy. Stem's friendly and atten...tive service is COVID-conscious. They sanitize each table, the entrance door, credit card machine every time AND staff are wearing masks. That's COVID protocols in action. Making guests feel safe and welcome is key to dining success. Make sure you make a reservation if you want to dine in. Pre-order take out at [email protected] #BurnabyEats #BurnabySouth #EatDrinkLocal #BuyBC See more

Restoring Confidence Spotlight Looking for delicious #TakeOut options in Victoria? Nohra Thai Kitchen specializes in classic Thai cuisine in the heart of Oak Bay’s Estevan Village. As members of the Restoring Confidence program, you can dine at Nohra Thai Kitchen knowing that they are following the highest health and safety standards #StandupforService, #StayStafe #BuildBackBetter #SafetyFirst #BCRestaurants #YYJ #Foodie

Have you entered the Wines of British Columbia Sips & Trips contest? You could win one of nine, three-day, two-night, #BCWine getaways for two to explore a beautiful BC wine region. Contest ends on October 31. Visit winebc.com/sips-and-trips/ to enter #BCSips&Trips #BCHarvest #ExploreBC #Cheers #Fall #Vineyard #Contest

Are you looking for a commissary kitchen space? The Lazy Gourmet and Commissary Connect have joined forces to create The Commissary Gourmet. This new commissary kitchen in the heart of Kitsilano will act as a business accelerator for local entrepreneurs ready to scale their Vancouver-based food businesses. Susan Mendelson of the Lazy Gourmet will also be an active mentor. Applications are now being accepted and successful applicants will be able to move into the facility mid-November 2020. To learn more and to apply visit: https://thecommissarygourmet.ca/ #CommissaryGourmet #LGCaters #CommissaryKitchen #Entrepreneurs #YVR #Foodie

The BC Hospitality Foundation’s annual online lottery is back! This year the BC Hospitality Foundation lottery is focusing on supporting local hotels, wineries, breweries, restaurants, tourist attractions, and of course, their staff the heart and soul of our hospitality industry. Featuring prizes from some of BC’s most remarkable destinations, they aim to fill your 2021 with safe and local explorations of our own, beautiful BC backyard. Sales close midnight November 1st. Winners will be drawn the following day, Nov 2nd, at noon PST. https://darelle.com/pp/bdsr1g/

The City of Langford is behind a local initiative designed to encourage Langford residents to support local restaurants and businesses when #iamlangford more than ever. Look for special offers and promotions from your favourite Langford restaurants and businesses from October 1st- December 21st, 2020. Eat. Drink. Support Local: https://iamlangford.com/taste-of-langford/ #tasteoflangford #iamlangford #langfordactsofkindness #thisislangford #explorelangford

Today, Vancouver launched an online application for businesses to extend their temporary patios through the winter. Any business that would like to extend their existing patio location on City (public) property can do so for free by visiting: vancouver.ca/temporary-patio. Permit applications for these patios to operate in the summer will open in Spring 2021. Businesses with patios on private property will automatically have their temporary permits extended until October 31, 2021. City of Vancouver - Local Government #DineOutside #BCRestaurants #RestoringConfidence #SupportSmallBusiness

Looking at winterizing your patios? We've just posted 2 new free tools for restaurant operators wanting to winterize patios to take advantage of outdoor space even in the crummy weather. The Frequently Asked Questions document (https://bit.ly/3koPD73) covers jurisdiction questions and important considerations around whether you have the right location to winterize. The 10 Tips for Successful Winter Patios (https://bit.ly/34oZ6FS) does a scan of best practices gathered from ac...ross North America - coupled with a few in-house tips - for how to make guests feel welcome and ready to enjoy a new experience in your winter space. Ideas cover connecting customers with patio menus, creating a captivating look and feel, making sure street-side patios have high visibility in poor weather and ways for warming up your space. Check out these free tools if you are looking at making any winter patio applications. Patios have dual jurisdiction: municipal for structures and footprints; LCRB for service areas. Don't forget to apply for both levels of renewals. LCRB Temporary Expanded Service Areas (TESA) renewals should be filed before the current program expires on October 31, 2020. If your municipality allows you to extend your patio, TESAs can be extended up to an additional year. Planning to build walls or a structure or add heat and light? You'll need city permits. Rising Tide Consultants Ltd. can help you with your municipal and LCRB filings.

- PARTNER SPOTLIGHT- How can digital payments help your business? Kubera Payments shares "7 Advantages of Digital Payments During COVID": https://kuberapayments.com/7-advantages-of-digital-payment/ #FinTech #MobilePayments #BCRFA #ECommerce

This week, we want to recognize a tremendous server and a woman extremely passionate about food and wine. We had the pleasure of having Tara McIntyre serve our BCRFA program manager at Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar last month. She had the COVID-19 protocols down pat and she made us, the people that wrote the BC restaurant restart guide, feel proud. We did a Chef's Tasting menu and Tara picked the courses and the wine pairing for us. She focused on local wines which we loved beca...use BC Tastes Better we know it's all about #buyinglocal #drinkinglocal. The courses were unique and delicious - we especially liked the #bcsablefish. Tara's knowledge was unparalleled and Toptable Group should be so proud of her dedication and superior service. #StandUpForService was made for people like Tara. We look forward to bringing her a $25 gift card to Tap & Barrel and 2 bottles of Sumac Ridge Estate Winery wine.

October 21, 2020. Industry Updates - BCRFA - https://mailchi.mp//august-11-2020-industry-updates-bcrfa-

Standing up for service means finding unique ways to make guests feel comfortable in your space. Today we are sharing 10 Tips for Executing a Successful Expanded Winter Patio. Getting the most out of your outdoor space can increase revenue, create distance between parties and offer your customers a unique experience. Head to www.bcrfa.com to get inspired! The Bean Around the World Coffees on 5th and Chesterfield in North Vancouver has done a great job of extending their patio for use through the fall and winter. They are making use of umbrellas and tents, they have clear signage for COVID protocols and they have made the space warm and inviting with seasonal decor. Well done Bean on 5th! #StandUpForService #Patio #Winter #BCRestaurants #StayStafe and #SafetyFirst #CovidCompliant