The Ohio Restaurant Promise

Click the Promise Pledge above to download and print.

Let us know your restaurant will commit to taking the Ohio Restaurant Promise Pledge.
click here to register your restaurant

What it's all about.

In partnership with the Ohio Restaurant
Association and health officials across the state, restaurant owners and operators make these commitments to safety and sanitization in order to earn this endorsement.

When customers see this endorsement, they can be comfortable that the restaurant is taking all necessary steps to protect their employees and customers and is committed to playing a leadership role in protecting & building our communities.

Questions?

Tod Bowen

Managing Director of External Affairs & Government Relations

tbowen@ohiorestaurant.org | 614.246.0109

Laura Morrison

Managing Director of Organization Growth & Foodservice Safety

lmorrison@ohiorestaurant.org | 614.246.0205

The Ohio Restaurant Association (ORA) invites you to be a part of a large community 
of restaurants that are signing up to participate in the #OhioRestaurantPromise. 
This commitment to safety is a form of hospitality by reassuring your employees and guests that you 
are taking action on behalf of their well-being, health and safety as they enter your business.

By posting the Ohio Restaurant Promise in your dining room and putting the window
cling seal on your door, you’re showing your customers and employees that you care.
Get your Ohio Restaurant Promise Tool Kit

Supporting Guidance

Updated April 2021

Section 1 – Introduction


WHAT IS THE OHIO RESTAURANT PROMISE?

The Ohio Restaurant Promise empowers restaurant owners, employees and customers to learn what they can do to help keep everyone safe. Restaurants, customers and local health officials working together can make the restaurant industry as vibrant as it was prior to the impact of COVID-19.


WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE OHIO RESTAURANT PROMISE?

Any restaurant or foodservice establishment that is reopening its dine in and/or outdoor seating areas. 


HOW LONG WILL THIS PROGRAM LAST?

Over time, these efforts can and will help customers gain trust and comfort dining in restaurants. 


Section 2 – Restaurant Responsibilities & Options


HOW DO RESTAURANTS PARTICIPATE IN THE OHIO RESTAURANT PROMISE?

• We will continue to be a leader in safe sanitation practices with all team members carefully following the high safety and sanitation standards required to operate a food service business in Ohio.

• We will provide ServSafe® or other approved COVID-19 education to all employees, and mandated employees will be up to date on all person in charge requirements and manager certification requirements.

• Employees will perform a daily symptom assessment and stay at home if they are symptomatic.

• We will post a list of COVID-19 symptoms in a conspicuous place.

• All indoor and outdoor seating options will comply with the appropriate social distancing and maximum party size guidelines; we will establish and post a maximum dining area capacity.

• We will utilize signage and/or floor markings to help customers understand and comply with social distance guidelines in common areas.

• Employees will wear facial coverings (except those exempted).

• Employees will regularly wash their hands.

• Hand sanitizer or hand cleaning materials will be available in common areas.

• We will clean and sanitize regularly, including all high touch areas at least every two hours.

• We will clean and sanitize tabletops and menus between each seating.

• We will post the Ohio Restaurant Promise at our entrances so everyone understands the steps we all must take to keep our communities safe.


WHAT ARE SOME BEST PRACTICES RESTAURANTS CAN, BUT ARE NOT SPECIFICALLY REQUIRED TO

FOLLOW, IN ORDER TO COMPLY WITH THE COMMITMENTS IN THE OHIO RESTAURANT PROMISE?

Importantly, restaurants are already held to high standards of safe food handling and sanitation. Many of the required practices go a long way toward fulfilling the commitments in The Ohio Restaurant Promise.


Different strategies will be appropriate for different restaurants at different times. The following are best practices that can be implemented as is or adapted to fit your restaurant’s needs:


• Designate a single employee per shift to oversee safety, sanitation and required operating compliance measures; ideally this employee will have a clearly identifiable uniform or badge that customers will easily recognize.

• Encourage and provide additional ServSafe® online training courses for your employees.

• Educate on proper use, disposal and maintenance of face coverings; enhance education on proper use of gloves, per code.

• When able, use physical barriers to separate tables, booths, and bar stools.

• For tables that are unable to be moved, physically block off, mark, and/or remove seats so they are clearly not in use.

• Encourage contactless payment options like credit cards or online ordering.

• Utilize a text messaging system wherever possible to communicate seating availability, carry out pick up being ready, etc.

• If possible, utilize a separate dedicated entrance door and exit door.

• Communicate in every way possible to the dining public all that you are doing to further your commitment to employee and guest safety.

• Have each staff member complete a health survey prior to their shift.


WHAT TYPES OF QUESTIONS SHOULD A RESTAURANT ASK ITS EMPLOYEES TO PERFORM

HEALTH SCREENINGS BEFORE EACH SHIFT?

Verbal “Yes or “No” questions/statements like these can help strike the balance between obtaining the necessary health information and respecting privacy concerns. The recommendation is to have all employees complete a simple pre-shift screening that includes answering questions like


• Do you have any of these symptoms: fever, aches, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, headaches, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell?

• Have you come in contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19?

• Are you currently waiting for the results of a COVID-19 test?

• Have you traveled outside Ohio over the last 14 days?

• I understand my responsibility to not come to work if I have symptoms of COVID-19 or have recently come into contact with someone who has COVID-19.

• I understand my responsibility to comply with [the restaurant’s] health and sanitation standards.

Learn more on what to do when an employee tests COVID-19 positive? Or negative?



HOW SHOULD PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS COMMUNICATE THE COMMITMENTS OF THE OHIO

RESTAURANT PROMISE?

It is vital that restaurant operators communicate their commitment to exceeding operating requirements directly to their staff and to frequently assess compliance. Restaurants should also take steps to communicate their enrollment in the Ohio Restaurant Promise by posting the required notice at entrances, and if the restaurant uses a website or social media, through those channels as well.


Section 3 – Customer Responsibilities & Options


WHY ARE CUSTOMERS INCLUDED WITHIN THE OHIO RESTAURANT PROMISE?

Customers are included because we all have a responsibility to follow public health authority guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19. By partnering together, we can keep everyone safe.


WHAT COMMITMENTS DOES THE OHIO RESTAURANT PROMISE ASK CUSTOMERS TO MAKE TO

RESTAURANTS AND OTHER DINERS OR GUESTS?

• If you have been exposed to COVID-19 recently or have symptoms of COVID-19 (including a fever, cough, chills, muscle pains or shortness of breath), please help us keep everyone safe by using our delivery or carry-out options.

• If you have underlying heath conditions or are otherwise concerned about contracting COVID-19, please feel free to use our delivery or carry-out options.

• Willingly follow the social distancing and sanitary guidelines that have been put in place to protect you and our other customers and employees.

• If you have any questions about the Ohio Restaurant Promise, please ask for a manager who will be happy to assist you.


WHAT CAN RESTAURANTS DO TO HELP CUSTOMERS MEET THESE OBLIGATIONS?

Restaurants are encouraged to maximize the use of minimal contact delivery and carry-out options and advertise those flexible options to potential customers. Publicizing information about the Ohio Restaurant Promise should also increase customers’ compliance & confidence. 


Section 4 – Additional Resources & Next Steps


WHAT RESOURCES AND SUPPORT ARE AVAILABLE RELATED TO THE OHIO RESTAURANT PROMISE?

The Ohio Restaurant Association (ORA) will share information about the Ohio Restaurant Promise with elected officials, the public, allied groups, and the media to assure the public and policymakers that Ohio restaurants stand ready to reopen safely in keeping with these commitments. The ORA and your local health departments will also be available to help answer questions and provide support to restaurants as they reopen their dining and other full-service spaces.


The National Restaurant Association ServSafe® is your go-to for foodservice health and safety training courses, including: 

ServSafe® Food Handler Program and two SERVSAFE® COVID-19 specific courses

ServSafe® Food Handler

ServSafe® Takeout: COVID-19 Precautions

ServSafe® Delivery: COVID-19 Precautions

ServSuccess – Career Development Training

Full Document: Promise Pledge, Supporting Guidance, Hand Washing Guidelines + Industry Facts
Most recent COVID-19 Safe Operating Guidance from the National Restaurant Association - Dec 2020
Industry Facts at a Glance: Ohio
flyers + posters: Dine Safe
Hand washing guidelines: CDC
Supporting Guidance
Find PPE Supplies
The information contained in the Ohio Restaurant Promise document is provided for educational purposes only. No information, advice and/or opinion should be relied on, cited, or referenced as medical, financial and/or legal authority. These guidelines are not designed to, and do not substitute for professional medical, financial or legal advice, consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not disregard professional medical, financial or legal advice or fail to seek advice because of something you read in the Ohio Restaurant Promise document.