Security measures will put Washington’s elite on equal footing with inaugural parade spectators.
While only the city’s bigwigs will be attending ritzy private parties along the parade route, all attendants of the Jan. 20 celebration downtown will have limited access to transportation that threatens to interfere with plans.
“Everyone, even our CEO will be taking the Metro and walking,” Heather Greenfield, director of media relations for Computer and Communications Industry Association, a D.C.-based lobbying firm that will hold a private parade-watching party at the Occidental Restaurant at 1475 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, said. “Security will be an issue. Really, this is unprecedented.”
Building closures are also spoiling high-profile, celebrity inauguration events, like that of a company represented by Qorvis Communications, which was canceled after the Evening Star Building at 1101 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, decided to close for the day.
Checkpoints inside the security perimeter will also limit mobility once the parade has started.
“It’s going to be a much more sequestered parade from the standpoint that once someone gets somewhere, they’re there for the day,” said Patrick Murphy, senior vice president of M Capital Management, a firm that will host a private party at the Capital Grille at 601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. “I get the sense that there’s going to be no ability to go from spot to spot.”
The restaurants and caterers that will host these private parties also face the challenge of getting employees into work, as well as necessary shipments.
The catering director for restaurant Monocle on Capitol Hill, which will host the private Pre-Inaugural Parade Brunch of the New York State Society, said, “The biggest concern in the restaurant business right now is ‘how are you getting your staff to work?”
“Making deliveries won’t be an option,” said Jim Doherty, owner of Washington Delicatessen Catering at 1990 K St. NW, who has yet to make a decision regarding closure for Inauguration Day. “Most of our people will take the Metro, as long as they can get on it.”
