Working Lunch: Independent Restaurant Coalition gives a voice to smaller businessesWorking Lunch: Independent Restaurant Coalition gives a voice to smaller businesses

This week, the Align Public Strategies team talks about the Independent Restaurant Coalition, an activist organization designed to advocate for the needs of small restaurant businesses during and after the coronavirus pandemic to local, state and federal governments. The Working Lunch hosts discuss how and why the group got started, how effective they’ve been, and whether they are in it for the long haul.

There’s growing bi-partisan consensus on the changes that need to be made to the Paycheck Protection Program, especially with regard to loan forgiveness. The team takes a look at that.

COVID-19 has turned the traditional politics of alcohol upside-down, presenting new opportunities for the industry – especially when it comes to off-premise sales and home delivery. Working Lunch talks about how the industry needs to engage in this important space, and the podcast wraps up with the weekly legislative scorecard.

Working Lunch · Episode 166: Independent Restaurant Coalition Makes Political Waves

Align Public Strategies is a full-service public affairs and creative firm that helps corporate brands, governments and nonprofits navigate the outside world and inform their internal decision-making. This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of Nation's Restaurant News or Restaurant Hospitality.

Related:Lawmakers debate improvements to federal Paycheck Protection Program loans