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.