The Sarasota-Manatee Originals have formed strategic partnerships to help support our Member Restaurants. For more information on these partnerships and how they will benefit your restaurant, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Door Dash is offering delivery support to the Sarasota-Manatee Originals. Please click here to read the specifics of their offer.
Think Donson is providing a special rate (for Originals members only) to create an online ordering platform for your restaurant. View the details of this offer here.
ALSCO is offering Pay As You Go services for Originals members. Click here. ALSCO is also offering a 10% discount on services for FRLA members on cleaning products etc. (every Original member has a complimentary FRLA membership) Click here to learn more about this discount. ALSO is offering PPE in compliance with the latest guidelines (Click Here to View Products.)
Palm Printing is offering highly discounted pricing for disposable menus during the COVID-1 Pandemic and it’s aftermath. View their offer here.
Gorilla Kleen is offering an Originals discount and priority service on their "Fogging" sanitizing method, which can help you get your restaurant ready for reopening. Learn more about Fogging and their offer here.
Southwest Chemicals has bulk quantities of hand sanitizer and disinfectant spray available. Click here to learn more.
RCS Training is offering FRLA’s SafeStaff Sanitation & Safety Training Course FREE to FRLA members (every Original member has a complimentary FRLA membership). Contact Christy Crump at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to schedule.
Sun Coast Media Group has developed a low-cost solution for our restaurant customers to produce their menus in a disposable, recyclable format. View their offers here.
Rapid Testing Information: Ellenton Urgent Care on 301 near thr 224 exit off 75 offers rapid test results (15 – 30 minutes after testing). An Originals’ member was able to organize rapid testing at their restaurant by appearing in person at the Ellenton Urgent Care (after calling and leaving messages with no success). Ellenton was able to schedule a date for the following day at $60 per person (or at zero cost for those that have insurance).
For COVID-19 text updates from Sarasota County Government, text SRQCOVID19 to 888777. Text ManateeReady to 888777 for updates from Manatee County Government.
To receive daily COVID-19 updates from the National Restaurant Association, subscribe here.
*NEW* Visit Florida - Target Marketing Assistance Program
Reopening Guidance from the National Restaurant Association
Streamlined Approval for Outdoor Dining and Retail Display
CDC Guidelines for Cleaning & Disinfecting Your Business
Streetsense Pandemic Relaunch Toolkit for Restaurants & Bars
Safety First (Serving Food & Protecting People) by the James Beard Foundation
NEW* James Beard Foundation Industry Support Webinars
NEW* Recover Manatee - A collection of helpful resources & guidance to assist businesses
NEW* ServSafe Free Training Video: Reopening Guidance
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) contains a number of provisions specific to restaurants, foodservice establishments and their employees. Below are resources to help you determine how the act may help your restaurant.
Loan Forgiveness:
Resources for Applying:
Additional Resources:
24 Advisors/Pharus Funding is available as a resource to help you through the application process. Pharus Funding webinar
The Florida Department of Health rolled out a new COVID-19 data and surveillance dashboard with real time information about number of cases and tests issued. As a reminder, the Department of Health's 24-hour COVID-19 hotline is 866-779-6122.
According to the US Department of Labor, effective April 1, 2020, all businesses need to display a newly required informational poster where all employees can see it. Click here for a printable copy.
A current list of Executive Orders from the Governor can be found here.
The most recent Executive Order (2020-09) can be found here.
State of Florida Bridge Loan Program - NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
This bridge loan program, managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), will provide loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury from COVID-19. The application period runs through May 8, 2020. Loans will be interest-free for the loan term (1 year). The Interest rate will be 12% per annum on the unpaid balance thereafter, until the loan balance is repaid in full. Loan default is subject to a normal commercial collection process. Up to $50,000 is available per eligible small business.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans
Substantial economic injury means the business is unable to meet its obligations and to pay its ordinary and necessary operating expenses. EIDLs provide the necessary working capital to help small businesses survive until normal operations resume after a disaster. The SBA can provide up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred. Your loan amount will be based on your actual economic injury and your company's financial needs, regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage. Click here to view a helpful guide to the EIDL before applying.
Florida’s Business Damage Assessment/Survey
Providing information through this survey helps the state to determine damage related to disaster impacts in Florida. After filling out the survey, federal, state or local agencies may reach out to you through the contact information provided if you indicate your interest.
Families First Coronavirus Response Act
This bill responds to the coronavirus outbreak by providing paid sick leave and free coronavirus testing, expanding food assistance and unemployment benefits. More information about this Act can be found here. An overview document from the NRA about the Families First Act can be found here.
Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation FAQ for Restaurants
Attached is a compilation of Frequently Asked Questions related to Restaurants, Bar and Nightclubs persuant to Executive Order 20-68 (issued on March 17.)
The IRS has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus.
Guide to the Employee Retention Tax Credit
The CARES Act created a new employee tax credit for employers who are closed, partially closed, or experiencing significant revenue losses due to COVID-19.
Bartender Emergency Assistance Program
The USBG is offering a grant program to provide financial assistance to those suffering lost revenue due to COVID-19. This grant is meant only for individuals (not businesses) and servers may apply if your place of work holds a full liquor license and you serve alcoholic beverages as part of your job. Grants are typically awarded in 4 to 6 weeks. Applications can be submitted online (only) and can be found at the link above.
Southern Smoke Foundation provides funding to individuals in the food and beverage industry who are in crisis. Southern Smoke is accepting grant applications from restaurant owners and service industry workers who are dealing with closed businesses or significant declines in revenue due to COVID-19.
OFW is providing assistance to restaurant workers, delivery drivers and other tipped workers and service workers — who are seeing their income decline during this disaster, or aren’t able to work because of quarantines or other health concerns. Upon completing the online form, an organizer from One Fair Wage will reach out to you within 7-10 days.
Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation Crisis Relief Fund
The formal application process for crisis relief through the Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation is administrated by Southern Smoke (see above.) Please visit the Southern Smoke website to apply for assistance.
Florida Reemployment Assistance
If your employment has been negatively impacted because of mitigation efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, you may be eligible to receive Reemployment Assistance (formerly known as unemployment compensation.)
This fund is specifically dedicated for restaurant sommeliers who have lost wages due to COVID-19 in the United States. If selected, they will call you for a 5-10 minute interview. Applicants are eligible for grants of $250, $500, and $1,000 that will be awarded to those determined by the board to be of the greatest need.
All Faiths Food Bank’s mobile pantry program continues as scheduled. Find a food program at the link above. AFFB has partnered with Sarasota County Food and Nutrition Services to provide meals to children and families affected by the temporary school closures. Visit the link above to view food pick up locations.
Access 2-1-1 Human Services by phone, email, chat or text (just text your zip code to 898-211). Reaching out will get you connected to a multilingual 2-1-1 specialist in your area who can put you in touch with local organizations providing critical services. The Season of Sharing Campaign helps individuals and families on the verge of homelessness and 2-1-1 is the starting point for this service.
Children of Restaurant Employees (C.O.R.E.)
CORE offers assistance to hospitality industry families that have been diagnosed with COVID-19. If a family qualifies for CORE support, they may receive a grant to cover medical bills for children, gas cards, groceries, clothing, medical supplies and therapies, utilities, rent and mortgage, and other essential needs a family might need to navigate their specific circumstance. Apply online at the link above.
NEW* City of Sarasota Small Business and Safety Assistance Grant Program
In response to the COVID-19 impact on local businesses, the City of Sarasota is preparing emergency stabilization grant applications in the amount of $5,000 to eligible City of Sarasota independently owned and operated small businesses, that were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic resulting from governmental orders to close or limit operations. The City’s goal is to provide critical support to restaurants, bars, retail, and service-based businesses across our City.
Manatee County Job Board & Sarasota County Job Board
View the list of open positions at the links above. Many corporate retailers (food service) are seeking part time workers.
Major Retailers Urgently Hiring
JobFocus.com has job openings in the Manatee-Sarasota area to help residents who are no longer employed find work.
CareerSource Suncoast serves Manatee and Sarasota Counties and offers resources for job seekers and employers. CareerSource's COVID Dislocated Worker Program provides temporary employment for up to 3 months.
Visit EmployFlorida.com to view open positions.
The U.S. Census Bureau will be conducting field operations after the pandemic danger has passed. Work will last about 8 weeks and will pay $18 per hour plus mileage of $0.57.5 for official miles driven. Census workers can work flexible hours from 20 to 40 hours per week. Some of the work will be nights and weekends, so almost any schedule can be accommodated. Applications can be submitted at 2020Census.gov/jobs.
NEW* Independent Restaurant Coalition Revitalization Fund Proposal & Report
NEW* FRLA Minimum Wage Increase Petition & Information
Visit Floria Tourism Impact Dashboard
Is Coronavirus Covered by Business Interruption Insurance?
CMS Individual and Small Group Market Insurance Coverage Fact Sheet
Open Table's State of the Industry
James Beard Foundation - How the Restaurant Industry is Responding to COVID-19
Restaurant Lease Questions, Concerns & Approaches
Best Practices for Restaurants During the Pandemic
ServSafe Free Courses & Training
National Restaurant Association’s Fact Sheet (in English and Spanish)
The Originals are actively engaged with each of these groups and initiatives on behalf of the organization. We recommend individually engaging as well, for maximum community awareness.
NEW* Nextdoor App Local Business Listing
Nextdoor is the neighborhood hub for connecting and exchanging local information, goods, and services. It's where neighbors go to stay informed, share recommendations, and help each other in their everyday lives. During a challenging time for many local businesses, communities have joined together to ask how they can offer support. Claim your FREE business listing on the Nextdoor App where you can promote your latest dining offerings.
NEW* Submit your Virtual Events to Visit Florida
Visit Florida is currently accepting information about virtual events taking place across the state for inclusion in its monthly events calendar seen by Florida residents and visitors. If you have a virtual event you would like to be considered, you can complete and submit the form linked above. This is a great resource for your restaurant if you're live streaming entertainment, cooking demonstrations, sunsets, wine tastings etc.
*NEW Submit your Virtual Events to the BACVB
You can add all scheduled events to the BACVB’s Calendar of Events. You can do so by logging in here. We’ve created a guide with step-by-step instructions for your reference linked above. If you have any questions at all, please contact Emily Knight at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
This page was created to provide local restaurants a platform to share their altered offerings for take out.
This is the Bradenton Herald's Facebook Group where users can discuss dining and restaurants in Manatee and Sarasota counties. Users are welcome to post food photos, dining experiences, news tips and more.
SRQ Food is the destination for information on Sarasota restaurants, dining specials, and recommendations on where and what to taste in Sarasota.
ManateeStrong is a public group for businesses and residents in Manatee County and surrounding areas brought to you by the Manatee Chamber of Commerce. Please use this group to share how you are helping our community, requests for resources, messages of support, or other information important for the community at this time. We especially want to hear good stories about how our community is pulling together to help one another during this healthcare crisis.
COVID-19 is challenging how individuals, families, businesses and societies operate. We will come out of this. In the meantime, Feed the Need is polling interest and ability among restaurant operators to prepare meals for delivery to those in need. This would be a paid opportunity, not a donation. This is a statewide project, and they are looking for interest to produce meals for 1) elders that have specific nutrition needs, 2) out-of-school students, and 3) those in need in the general population. If your restaurant is interested in participating please fill out the below survey. If you start this process and need more time to gather information, there is an option at the bottom of the page to "Save and Continue Later."
As the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season begins, we have assembled a catalog of resources to help you prepare an emergency plan and guide your decision-making process should the Sun Coast face a severe weather threat:
Webinar Recording - 2019 Crisis Management for Tropical Storms and Hurricanes
Includes information on VISIT FLORIDA’s latest pre- and post-storm action plans, the Expedia emergency accommodations tool, roles of the Florida Division of Emergency Management and Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, and action items for tourism businesses.
Crisis Communication Tips
Guidelines and best practices for messaging and media relations.
Hurricane Season and COVID-19
Updated guidance from FEMA for evacuation procedures and supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Get a Plan! FloridaDisaster.org
Emergency planning guidance from the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
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Sarasota-Manatee Originals
1215D S Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34239
941-365-2800