Opinion
D.C. restaurants preparing for tsunami of Obama fans
By: Jeff Dufour
Editor at Large/Columnist, "Yeas & Nays"
01/08/09 12:05 AM EST
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Few are more excited for Barack Obama's inauguration than those in D.C.'s hospitality industry, as the city's top restaurants prepare for record crowds in what is otherwise a tough market.
"The inauguration has been AWESOME for our restaurant," writes Ellen Gray, manager of Equinox, in an e-mail to Yeas & Nays. "D.C. is finally getting its day in the spotlight — Obama has made politics fun, sexy and breathed some new life in to what can sometimes be a very dowdy town. Bring on the millions. Just make sure they pick up their trash when they go..."
“As an older person, baby boomer, the feeling of passion and commitment is apparent once again as in the 60’s," echoes Gus DiMillo, partner in Passion Food Hospitality, which owns Acadiana, DC Coast, Ceiba and TenPenh.
Of course, both are chock-a-block with private events to lift their spirits. Equinox was bought out for inauguration night four years ago, and has another full buyout that week, in addition to hefty reservations. And all of Passion Food's restaurants are expecting private parties, including a "closed doors and closed mouth" party at TenPenh.
So it is down Pennsylvania Avenue. 701 Restaurant is booked all day, said owner Ashok Bajaj.
Some restaurateurs, like Café Milano's Franco Nuschese, are throwing their own parties. He's hosting a "private invitational party on Friday January 16 in honor of Barack Obama, so we are taking no individual bookings that night. Cafe Milano is totally booked on Monday January 19 with individual reservations and a private party."
Some restaurants are even extending hours. "On Inauguration Day we are opening early at 9 a.m. and staying open throughout the day to accommodate guests who would like to eat earlier or later than normal," said Dan Festa, general manager of Morton's downtown. "I recommend people plan to eat at off times to guarantee seating here or anywhere."
Ditto The Source by Wolfgang Puck (which has seen reservations increase 50 percent already) and Blue Duck Tavern. Both are extending their hours well past normal.
Some suburban restaurants are marketing themselves as an alternative to the crush of people downtown. "We like to think we are a great escape for locals that want to avoid the craziness," said Jeff Black, owner of Black's in Bethesda. "We've had a couple people call and say they were reserving ... for that very reason!"
Still, some restaurants are exercising caution with their predictions. "I think it's going to be a good week, but not a be-all, end-all week," said Adam Williamowsky, general manager of BLT Steak, who said nonetheless that he's still got plenty of groups of 10-15 people on the books. "A lot of companies don't seem to want to deal with the security," he said. He added, however, that "there will be a rush in the last week of people who procrastinated."
One thing seems clear: As soon as the inauguration night parties conclude, business could dry up rather quickly for the rest of the week. "By Wednesday, people will be all partied out," said Bajaj, "and it will slow down until the weekend when people come out again."
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