President-elect Donald J. Trump’s inauguration will mean big business for Washington restaurants, and several plan to share the wealth.
Through an initiative called “All In Service DC,” participating restaurants, bars and coffee shops will donate part of their profits from the January 20 inauguration weekend to local charities that serve the community.
Inauguration weekend usually means large crowds for Washington, and hotels are already selling out for the weekend. Though it is hard to estimate how many people will attend, President Obama’s first and second inaugurations brought in 800,000 and 1.8 million people respectively. So local restaurants and businesses are preparing for a busy weekend.
“The events of the inauguration present a vital opportunity to serve our nation’s capital by creating inclusive spaces, in service not only to our guests, but also to our community,” says Amanda Carpenter, co-creator of All In Service DC. “We want to show the world what D.C.’s food scene is about. We care about our greater community,” Carpenter says.
Restaurants taking part can choose among five local charities focusing on education and social services, homelessness, feeding the hungry and health care.
Participating businesses will put a sign in their windows so that “when customers see the All In Service DC logo, they will know they are supporting local businesses committed to the greater community,” All In Service DC said.
So far, 124 Washington restaurants have signed up to take part.
