Industry Buzz

Member Highlights 

Redefining Afrofuturism 

Washington, DC, July 31 – Amanda Stephenson, AGOA advisor, owner of the Fresh Food Factory Market and member of the Global Chamber, extends an invitation to the public to join us for the inaugural "Redefining AFROFUTURISM" Expo. Set to take place on Friday, Sept. 6 at 5 p.m., this transformative event will be hosted at the state-of-the-art and environmentally sustainable Sycamore & Oak complex, located at 1110 Oak Drive SE, across from the DC Sports & Entertainment Arena.

Please confirm your attendance at your earliest convenience so we can ensure the best arrangements for your visit. For more information, please contact Amanda Stephenson at 202-744-1873 or [email protected]. 

 

Homemade in DC (DDC Member) Provides Gifts for NATO Summit  

“Mackenzie Loy, the founder of the online marketplace Homemade in DC, was a key force behind the bag handout. The 2024 RealLIST Startups honorable mention offers corporate catering and custom gifting that prioritizes women- and minority-owned businesses. Loy worked with the State Department, as well as the District-promoting tourism nonprofit Destination DC, to put the bags together for the NATO Summit.”

 

Electric Vehicle Chargers

The Department of Energy and Environment, constantly seeking to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the District, wants your help finding locations for electric vehicle chargers. Your input will be used to compile a database of potential electric vehicle charger sites and to match potential site hosts with funding. Fill out this questionnaire to propose sites for these chargers where they are needed most.

Women Who Mean Business Award - Washington Business Journal 

DDC member Shameka Jennings (EventsNoire) recognized as a top female executive.

 

Arlington Cares Awards - John Snedden & Rocklands Barbeque 

John Snedden and Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company have been recognized as the Distinguished Corporate Service in Volunteer Arlington's Arlington Cares Awards. This award recognizes Rocklands’ commitment to community service and its contributions
to Arlington. 
John is a DDC Board member and Rocklands was one of the winners of this year’s District Sustainability Awards. 

 

RAMMY Award Winners 

Congratulations to the DDC members who took home gold at the RAMMYS. 

• Cocktail Program of the Year: Silver Lyan (Penn Quarter)
• Favorite Gathering Place, presented by BN Commercial Hood Cleaning and Fire Protection: Mi Vida (multiple DC locations)
• Favorite Fast Bites: Fava Pot (Falls Church, Dupont Circle)
• Hottest Sandwich Spot: Colada Shop (multiple locations)
• Manager of the Year: Victoria Gradia, Knead Hospitality + Design
• Pastry Chef or Baker of the Year: Rochelle Cooper, The Duck & The Peach (Capitol Hill)

 

Food for Diplomacy 

The Art Museum of the Americas presents Food for Diplomacy to all ages and backgrounds during Hispanic Heritage Month on Sept. 7. The celebration will raise funds for the preservation and conservation of important pieces in our collection. 

Food for Diplomacy will take place in the stunning OAS gardens along Constitution Avenue between 18th and 19th Streets NW. The event will be set against the backdrop of the OAS Main Building, also known as the House of the Americas, and its annex, today the Art Museum of the Americas, both of which have earned official designation as National Historic Landmarks. We will feature food and drink vendors representing culinary staples of various OAS member states (Mexico, Peru, Spain, etc.), offering an abundance of delicious tastes and opportunities to discover rich traditions. 

The program will run from noon to 5 p.m. and will include music, Flamenco dance performances and tours of the secret underground mural, among other attractions.

 

Restaurant Week, Aug. 12-18 

One of the most highly anticipated food-related programs in the region, Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week is a week-long celebration of—and chance to save on—area restaurants and their diversity of world class cuisine.

 

New DDC Members

 

Convention Services

One Way Event Productions
We combine hospitality with cutting-edge event technology to craft extraordinary experiences that surpass expectations.

 

Proforma Print Marketing
Custom-branded promotional items, swag, apparel, step-and-repeat backdrops, banner stands, table throws, print collateral, banners, custom exhibits. 

 

Restaurants

Chick-Fil-A Chinatown
Offers reliable, prompt catering. Easy ordering via our website, EZ-Cater, or by calling us directly.    

 

Imperfecto
Inspired by the intersection between Mediterranean and Latin American cultures, and sustained by Chef Enrique Limardo's bold culinary approach.

 

Joy by Seven Reasons
It’s about the happiness that keeps us moving. At Joy we want you to Have Fun, Get Crazy, Be Sexy and enJoy.

 

Quadrant Bar & Lounge
One of the most exclusive bars in DC where you will delight your senses with premiere mixology and gastronomy.

 

Seven Reasons
Beautiful second-floor private dining rooms, large windows with gorgeous views of the CityCenter courtyard. Accessible via elevator.

 

Street Pizza DC
Whether it's an event, party or large group outing, consider Street Pizza DC for your next big occasion.

 

Surreal
We decided to think outside of the box and re-invent, crossing the boundaries of what we imagine a restaurant can be.

 

Tap99
Happy hours, corporate events, social gatherings and more.

 

The Saga
Showcases our evolving culinary approach to top-tier hospitality. For Chef Enrique Limardo, this restaurant represents the maturation of his culinary talent and the country where he honed his talent: Spain.

 

See and Do

Clarksburg Premium Outlets
Located in the densely populated county of Montgomery, MD and serves diverse and affluent shoppers.

 

Donna Faye’s Bakery
Bakery specializing in homemade butter cookies, pound cakes and granola. Always made fresh and from scratch.

 

Flowers by Alexes
Florist crafting both traditional and contemporary bouquets, with plenty of room for customization and uniqueness.

 

Luna Hall DC
Offers a vibrant, flexible venue with diverse cuisines and a full-service bar, perfect for distinctive corporate events and memorable celebrations.

 

Smize & Dream
Flavor Studio, located in Woodley Park, is not just an ice cream shop—it’s filled with local stories and Tyra Banks star power.

 

Sea the City
Sail through DC in style! Host your event aboard our exclusive BYOB Hot Tub Boat—unforgettable experiences await on the water.    

 

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.