A survey by the Restaurant Affiliation of Metropolitan Washington says D.C. eating places are declining at a fee quicker than these within the suburbs.
Forty p.c of these surveyed expressed concern they may have to shut in 2025. Seventy-three eating places closed within the District final 12 months, based on the Restaurant Affiliation of Metropolitan Washington, a report excessive and almost double the 12 months earlier than.
“Do not be alarmed by the highest strains of this survey,” mentioned Shawn Townsend, the president and CEO of Restaurant Affiliation of Metropolitan Washington.
Townsend mentioned the survey of about 200 member eating places, most of them regionally owned and operated, confirmed there may be concern about increased meals prices, increased lease and better labor prices.
“We would like each employee to have a good and first rate dwelling wage on this metropolis and on this area we
assume that that’s the solely means that we will thrive and prosper collectively throughout the board,” he mentioned. “Nonetheless, I do assume this is a chance to take a pause, check out the influence of Initiative 82 on the rise in labor to make sure that we’re taking place the proper path.”
In a press release to News4, a spokesperson for Unite Right here Native 25, a union that represents hospitality employees in D.C., Maryland and Virginia mentioned, “Employees are the beating coronary heart of the restaurant trade and the important thing to its potential to navigate its challenges, current and future. They should have a seat on the desk and be a part of the answer. Meaning being handled respectfully and having a voice on the job.”
The union is amongst those that lobbied for the passage of Initiative 82, which phases out the particular minimal wage for tipped staff within the District.
