WTOP news
Jeff Clabaugh - jclabaugh@wtop.com
March 19, 2025, 1:19 PM
D.C. restaurants continue to struggle since the pandemic, with a record 73 restaurants closing in 2024, and a survey of restaurant operators by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington paints a bleak outlook for 2025.
By Homa Bash - Updated March 21, 2025 4:59pm EDT - FOX 5 DC
The Brief
Two out of five full-service casual restaurants in D.C. say they are likely to close in the coming year, a recent survey says.
Restaurants blame rising costs, fewer people dining out and federal worker layoffs as part of the problem.
The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) proudly celebrates the outstanding achievements of Washington, D.C.'s culinary professionals who have been named finalists for the 2025 James Beard Foundation Awards
During the 2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival Cherry Picks dining program—a collaboration between the
Festival, Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, and our city's finest eateries – we're featuring more restaurants, more menus, and more incredible food! From March 20 to April 13, over 50 participating restaurants are showcasing springtime menus featuring creative dishes and cherry blossom-inspired cocktails that’ll have you celebrating the season with every bite.