2025 Honorary RAMMY Recipient: Linda Roth, Founder & CEO of LRA PR

The RAMMYS Honors: Linda Roth, Founder and CEO, LRA PR

One would be forgiven for thinking exclusively about food and drink when it comes to The RAMMYS. After all, the Gala celebrates culinary excellence in the best food town in the world. But what would our community be if nobody knew about it? 

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. Linda Roth, Founder and CEO of LRA PR, has made as much (if not even more) of an impact in our community as any chef, worker, or operator. We had the privilege of sitting down with Linda for an exploration of her unique approach to industry PR—and what lies ahead. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in public relations—and how did you become involved with the restaurant industry?
I got involved in the restaurant industry quite by chance. After moving to the DC area, I needed to find a job in the evening to support myself, while I could look during the day for my real career job in communications. One of the jobs I applied for was to be the manager of a disco, which I didn't get. 

But then the owner called me back, and said, “I see you have writing experience.” The owner was looking to build a newsletter and wanted to hire me as an editor and mentor me. That one job put me right in the entertainment part of the food and beverage industry, with a big emphasis on beverages, and it grew from there into restaurants.

What might you identify as a defining moment in your career so far?
I’ve had a deeply focused and active career. What really became a pivotal moment is when I promoted Anthony Hesselius as president of LRA, to guide it to the next level. I knew he could build from the base we had started. I think anybody that has a small business will tell you the big moment is your first hire. That's one you remember forever, and I still do, because that's the hardest. But when you have someone that you hire to take over what you’ve built, and grow it further, that is a defining moment.

What does receiving an Honorary RAMMY Award mean to you personally and professionally?
Although this wasn't a public vote, the fact that it was decided by peers makes you feel like what you’ve done over the years has been seen and appreciated. I think of who we are at LRA as the background people in the industry. To have that recognized by our peers is a big deal. And I get to add an award to the shelf that my husband sort of owns at home. 

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in a career in public relations within the restaurant industry?
Put yourself out there. It may not be the exact position you want, but you'll get there as you put yourself out there and learn. And don't second guess what you might put on a resume. A long time ago, I had put something on there about being a certified scuba diver, which I thought was maybe a little bit too much, but I made a connection with the person who was doing the interview. No matter what it is, it leads to more conversation, so it's always going to be a bonus. The more you're out there, the more opportunities will present themselves.

What’s the most important story that needs to be told about the restaurant industry?
The industry is more than chefs and restaurateurs. It’s a story we’ve been trying to tell for years. While they’re a very important part of it, there’s also the contractors that build the restaurants. There’s the bookkeepers, distributors, the drivers for the distributors, as well as suppliers, lawyers, and valet. There are so many people that make their living due to the restaurant industry, and I think that's what is not necessarily thought of when you're first thinking about it. 

The industry reaches so many other markets. It can't survive without them. And we have worked with distributors, we have worked with some restaurant industry contractors, and they all support each other, because they know you learn so much more when you connect with every aspect of our industry.

Who is your local culinary or hospitality hero?
I look to those who have been here before me and have paved the way. When I first started, there were several women I looked up to. Ris Lacoste was part of the old boys network when there was nobody else that was a woman in the DC chef network. 

Nora Pouillon, who basically started the organic food movement in this country and built the standards for it, as did Ann Yonkers with her fresh farm markets. 

They're the women that I look to and seek advice and mentorship from.

Join the Celebration
The RAMMYS Honors Cocktail Reception returns for its second year on Tuesday, July 1, at The Schuyler at the Hamilton Hotel in Washington, DC. This celebration will spotlight our Milestone Honorees and other individuals, like Linda Roth, who’ve made an impact on the District’s restaurant industry. 

Then, mark your calendar for the culinary event of the year: the 43rd Annual RAMMYS Awards & Gala on Sunday, August 3, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

Tickets, tables, and sponsorship opportunities are available now. Learn more about both events and join us in celebration.