The RAMMY Awards Gala Announces New Activations & Partners in 2017

35th Annual Event Returns to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center July 30

Washington, DC (July 25, 2017)—On Sunday, July 30 the 35th Annual RAMMY Awards return to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, bringing together tastemakers from across the region’s foodservice industry for a black-tie gala like no other. A centerpiece of the summer season, the awards are an enduring celebration of the region’s world renowned culinary scene, hosted by Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) in partnership with its sponsor Events DC.

“In 2016, Washington, DC was named Bon Appétit’s ‘Restaurant City of the Year’ and ZAGAT called us the ‘Hottest Food City’ in America. Our outstanding chef community earned the attention of Michelin, which published its first guide to Washington, and the well-deserved attention keeps coming,” said RAMW President & CEO Kathy E. Hollinger. “This year the RAMMYS will celebrate these shared accolades, while we honor the business owners and talented stars who are making DC and the region’s scene so hot.”  

This summer, Events DC, the District’s official convention and sports authority, unveiled a new promotional campaign called “We Make DC Happen” and the individuals from the local hospitality and business industry honored at RAMMYS exemplify this message. Events DC has been a pioneer in developing and driving unforgettable and innovative events and projects with organizations across the city that include the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Embassy Chef Challenge, and the future Entertainment and Sports Arena and 190-acre RFK Campus future project. Holding the region’s top restaurant honors at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center connects the message of excellence to an industry that is both an impactful economic driver in the city, and is making waves globally, by putting DC at the forefront of the culinary arts.

“For a fourth year, we have the honor of hosting the RAMMYS, and it promises to be the best yet,” said Gregory A. O’Dell, President & Chief Executive Officer of Events DC. “Our restaurants are among the best in the world, and this year we worked with RAMW to elevate the RAMMYS experience to highlight excellence across communities. This year we are giving guests the chance to mingle with both the best chefs and some of the best athletes in the world too. The timing of the gala worked perfectly to welcome longtime partner, the Citi Open tennis tournament, and its annual Player Party, to the RAMMYS, so the event will be filled with talent from the kitchen to the court.”

The Player Party will be a two-level activation inside the ballroom where world class chefs and restaurateurs will mingle with renowned athletes from around the world. RAMW will also bring international flavors to the menu for the evening. In coordination with Events DC’s culinary team, towering pavilions sponsored by Argentina, Chile, Peru, and the Republic of Korea will delight guests with food, wine, and spirits from around the globe.

Additional displays from Heineken,  ProFish, Congressional Seafood, Pepsi 1893, Distillery 209, and Republic National Distributing Company round out the menu for the expected sold out crowd of 2,000.

Limited tickets are available through July 26, and can be purchased by visiting www.therammys.org. For more information about the RAMMYS or to join sponsors like the D.C. Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME), or Open Table, email therammys@ramw.org or call 202-331-5990.

The RAMMYS

Presented by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), The RAMMY Awards Gala honors the exceptional ability and accomplishments of the hard-working individuals and organizations of the region’s restaurants and foodservice community. Named the #1 Food & Restaurant event by BIZBASH Magazine since 2009, The RAMMYS celebrate one of Metropolitan Washington’s greatest assets: Its restaurants.

Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW)

The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) is the regional trade association representing restaurants and the foodservice industry in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area. Established in 1920, RAMW is an advocate, resource and community for its members. The Association works to promote and sustain the growth and development of the industry while providing its members legislative and regulatory representation, marketing and small business support, programming and events. RAMW strives to serve its members with professionalism and integrity, and provide them the training, education and support they need to grow a successful business.

Events DC

Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, delivers premier event services and flexible venues across the nation’s capital. Leveraging the power of a world-class destination and creating amazing attendee experiences, Events DC generates economic and community benefits through the attraction and promotion of business, athletic, entertainment and cultural activities. Events DC oversees the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an anchor of the District’s hospitality and tourism economy that generates over $400 million annually in total economic impact, and the historic Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square. Events DC manages the Stadium-Armory campus, which includes Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium and surrounding Festival Grounds, the non-military functions of the DC Armory and Maloof Skate Park at RFK Stadium. Events DC also built and now serves as landlord for Nationals Park, the first LEED-certified major professional sports stadium in the United States. The most recent addition is Gateway DC, an innovative and versatile space featuring a covered and open-air pavilion in the center of a 1-acre park, conveniently located in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Washington, DC. For more information, please visit www.eventsdc.com and find us on social media – Facebook (Events DC), Twitter (@TheEventsDC) and Instagram (@EventsDC).