Industry Buzz

Staff Highlights

It is with great enthusiasm that Destination DC welcomes J’Nay Penn to the team. She joins the marketing & communications department as our associate creative director. We’re excited to see where her talents will take the creative team.

 

Member Highlights 

Survey on Employee Retention & Support

The Hire Local DC Hospitality Sector Partnership, an industry-led collaborative focused on recruiting, hiring and retaining local talent, requests feedback from industry leaders on best practices for retaining talent and improving workforce development. Survey respondents will receive updates on the results and opportunities for next steps.

National Cake Day with Cake-wich Craft Bake Shop

Cake-wich Craft Bake Shop Owner Aleatra Dimitrijevski joined Fox 5 News on National Cake Day (Nov. 26) to share some dessert inspiration for Thanksgiving. The from-scratch bakery offers custom cakes for any occasion.

 

Mackenzie Loy, Founder & CEO of Homemade in DC, Wins 2024 PCMA Humanitarian Award

This prestigious recognition is a testament to Loy’s outstanding contributions and dedication to humanitarian efforts through her business. She has been invited to PCMA Convening Leaders in Jan. 2025, and to be a guest of Louisville Tourism during the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards held in the fall of 2025. 

 

Cambria Hotel Washington D.C. Navy Yard Riverfront hosted DC Hospitality Academies

“...Your dedication, along with your team’s, to these scholars and their development is truly admirable. We’re thankful for the chance to contribute to their journey and look forward to our continued partnership and supporting your outstanding programs in the future.” - Elif Sen, Area General Manager

Black Women in Food Awards 2025 Nominations

Join us in nominating Danielle Rozier, Lawson Street Group, for the prestigious Black Women in Food Awards in the "Culinarian" category.

Rozier, originally from Richmond, VA, honed her culinary skills under the guidance of her grandmother and mother. With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership while managing a dedicated team that consistently aims for excellence. Danielle holds degrees in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University and Hospitality Management from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Her extensive knowledge and expertise enable her to prioritize customer service and ensure satisfaction with outstanding trust and assurance. She named her company after the street where her grandparents raised their family in Richmond, VA.

 

2025 CRI Host Employer Registration

Shape the future industry workforce and enhance your organization's talent pipeline through the Career Ready Internship (CRI) program this summer – all at no cost to your organization. Help create memorable opportunities for high school juniors studying hospitality, culinary arts and media marketing as they gain firsthand experience in the industry. Register through Feb. 14, 2025.

 

• Duration: June 23 – Aug. 1, 2025
• Compensation: $17 per hour (no cost incurred by employers)
• Work Hours: Up to 25 hours per week, based on a mutually agreed schedule

 

Want to learn more? Contact [email protected]. We look forward to your partnership! Registration closes on Feb. 14, 2025.

 

For more details about DC’s career education programs, please visit https://careertechdc.org/programs. 

 

Stellina Pizzeria Recognized as One of the 50 Top World Artisan Pizza Chains 2024

London, UK – This prestigious award, announced on Nov. 27, celebrates the world’s finest pizzerias for their dedication to excellence, craftsmanship and innovation in the art of pizza making. The award highlights Stellina’s commitment to delivering authentic flavors, quality ingredients and a unique dining experience. Following the ceremony, Stellina Pizzeria’s leadership attended a celebratory reception at the Italian Embassy in London, joined by leaders in the global pizza community. 

 

 

New DDC Members

 

Convention Services

Alphagraphics
A printing and signage company specializing in meetings and convention services, including installation. Alphagraphics of Alexandria can print anything.

 

Gensler
Our standard is exceptional. Our events team channels everything about our client-centered ethos into designing unparalleled hospitality for clients, curating 
high-stakes, top-tier events.

 

Restaurants

Bantam King
Dedicated to chicken. From the partners behind Daikaya, find ramen with variations on a rich chicken stock and some of the city’s best fried chicken.

 

Bobby Van's Steakhouse
A short walk from the convention center. Specializing in Prime, dry aged steaks and the freshest seafood. Private dining available.

 

Daikaya Izakaya
Japanese tavern concept, Izakaya delivers a cozy dining experience, perfect for group gatherings, buyouts and corporate events in the heart of DC.

 

Fresh Baguette
Crafted to impress: Fresh Baguette Catering brings French-inspired sandwiches, pastry trays and “cro’gels” (a delicious combination of a croissant and a bagel) to elevate any business event.

 

Hen Quarter - PRIME (The Wharf) & Old Town locations
Welcome home. Southern fare: southern care with a hint of southern flare. Private and semi-private dining available. 

 

La Grande Boucherie
A perfect, Parisian-inspired spot—with a bar imported from France—for celebrations, business meetings, weddings, galas, charity events. We specialize in high-end formal gatherings.

 

Makers Union - Arlington & The Wharf locations
From birthdays to baby showers, corporate dinners to company happy hours, we have a menu and space for any occasion.

 

Match Box - Capitol Hill, Penn Quarter & Pentagon City locations
WE come together to bring YOU together. This pizza restaurant is where flavor and personal connection ignite.

 

Milk & Honey and Milk & Honey Express
Feed your starving crowd. Milk & Honey’s southern inspired kitchen offers six different family-style catering packages for large groups.

 

Sonny’s Pizza
A garden patio, speakeasy-style bar and intimate café spaces offer unique vibes while allowing for personalized events at Sonny’s Pizza.

 

Tonari
DC’s first and only wafu-Italian restaurant in DC. Tonari offers a Japanese take on Italian food, a cuisine originating in 1950s Tokyo.

 

Wiseguy Pizza - Chinatown & Navy Yard locations
Got a meet-up, gala or a special shindig? Don't stress—we cater!

 

 

American Experience Foundation

Check out AEF's recent newsletters for the latest updates and happenings. 

 

DDC Careers

Check out DDC's job openings and share with your networks and colleagues.

 

Industry Careers

Search or add your job openings to the DC travel, tourism and hospitality careers page. Email your company name, job title and link to [email protected]. Positions will be posted for 30 days. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]. Additionally, visit the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington's foodjobsdc.com for more hospitality jobs. 

 

Check out the full Destination DC Member News to learn more about what's going on this month.