"The President's first dinner out in Washington, D.C. shouldn't be his last. It's never been more important for the Administration to recognize the important role restaurants and bars play in communities across the country.  The reality on the ground is tough. Reservations are down nationwide, costs remain high, and too many independent restaurants are operating on razor-thin margins. That’s why we're working with the administration to ensure the new No Tax on Tips policy is implemented fairly and includes tax relief for everyone, including back-of-house employees and those who are compensated by service charges. 

Independent restaurants and bars are one of America's largest employers and sustain thousands more jobs in farms, wineries, linen companies, florists, and supply distributors nationwide. There is more work to do, and we hope the Administration continues to listen to independent restaurants and bars as they enact policies to ensure people are working, paid fairly, and can grow their businesses."

Erika Polmar, Executive Director of the Independent Restaurant Coalition