RAMW Blog

In a region with a dining culture as storied as any around the globe, Ruth Gresser—a culinary pioneer, community advocate, and champion of local flavor—stands as the bustling center with the most essential of culinary building blocks: pizza.

This year, The RAMMYS Honors is proud to recognize a true champion of our food scene—someone who has worked tirelessly and with enthusiasm to make sure that our restaurants’ stories are told to millions.

Restaurants that stand the test of time—weathering challenges, serving generations, and becoming cornerstones of their communities—form the heart of our region’s vibrant culinary landscape.

Kitchen fires are one of the most common—and most preventable—causes of loss in restaurants. While unattended cooking is the top culprit, risks like grease build-up, faulty fuel connections, and cluttered counters can quickly turn a busy service into a dangerous situation.

Washington, D.C.’s restaurant scene is the beating heart of our city. It fuels the local economy, builds community and gives our neighborhoods their unique character. But that heart is under serious strain —and we’re dangerously close to flatlining.

Our latest industry survey found that 44% of full-service casual restaurants in D.C. expect to close by the end of 2025. That’s not just a statistic — it’s a flashing red warning sign.

Restaurants are particularly vulnerable to robbery, burglary, and theft—especially those with late-night hours, easy access points, and high cash volume. Whether you’re a restaurant owner or employee, preparation is key to staying calm and responding effectively if a crime occurs.

Over the past week, several restaurants in DC were visited by federal agents. These visits were not raids, and, to my knowledge, no employees were detained or arrested inside of a restaurant. Rather, they were formal Notice of Inspection (NOI) visits, part of a nationwide relaunch of federal worksite enforcement efforts.

The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington thanks Mayor Bowser for standing with restaurant operators, workers, and diners by supporting the repeal of Initiative 82.

The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) proudly supports Mayor Muriel Bowser, the District of Columbia government, and the Washington Commanders in their collaborative effort to redevelop the historic RFK Stadium site. This transformative project represents a significant opportunity for the restaurant and hospitality industry in Washington, D.C.

On behalf of the restaurant industry in the District of Columbia, I am writing to ask you to move quickly and pass S.1077, District of Columbia Local Funds Act, to enable the District’s government to spend already approved local funds to ensure a safe, clean, and functioning business environment for operators across the city.