News Summary
The restaurant industry in Washington, D.C. is experiencing a significant downturn due to increased federal police activity. Business owners report drastic declines in customer reservations, particularly affected by fears surrounding safety and the impact of ICE checkpoints. As many establishments see revenue drop by 30% to 50%, the uncertain environment leaves restaurant owners contemplating their futures amid hopes for recovery during events like Restaurant Week. The rise in law enforcement scrutiny is especially affecting immigrant workers—who make up a large part of the workforce—further complicating the situation.
Washington, D.C. is facing a significant downturn in its restaurant industry as federal police have heightened their presence throughout September. Business owners report a marked decline in customer reservations, with figures from OpenTable indicating a 14% drop on September 1 and a 10% decrease the following Sunday compared to the previous year.
The immediate effects of this situation are being felt acutely by local restaurant and bar owners. For instance, Don Juan Restaurant in Mount Pleasant, owned by Alberto Ferrufino, has suffered drastic losses. Once bustling with patrons, the patio area that could accommodate between 40 to 60 customers has virtually emptied, while indoor seating has gone to zero from a previous count of 20 to 25. Revenue, which once reached $8,000 daily, has plummeted to a range of $3,000 to $4,000.
Similar patterns of decline have been observed across other establishments in Mount Pleasant and Adams Morgan, with many restaurants estimating a downturn of 30% to 50% in business compared to August 2024. While the end of summer typically heralds a slow period for restaurants, the current circumstances are exacerbated by the extensive police presence.
Restaurant owners are voicing their frustrations as many believe this police surge is discouraging patrons from dining out. The combination of increased law enforcement and recent ICE checkpoints has created an atmosphere of uncertainty, severely impacting both dine-in and take-out options.
As business dwindles, restaurant owners face an uncertain future. For some, like Ferrufino, the stark reality is that without a significant rebound in customer traffic, the survival of their establishments is in jeopardy. Many hope that events such as Restaurant Week would help stimulate business, however, the ongoing police presence continues to deter potential diners.
Historically, the announcement by President Trump to take over the D.C. police force triggered a wave of cancellations, which has seen restaurant reservations drop by as much as 31% year-over-year for specific days. Additionally, some restaurants in the area have closed their doors in response to employee fears over safety due to the aggressive ICE tactics. Reports indicate that workers at one establishment opted not to return for their shifts primarily due to concerns about ICE detentions.
The rise in law enforcement activity has particularly struck immigrant workers, who make up 36% of D.C.’s restaurant workforce. Many immigrants are increasingly hesitant to work, fueled by fears of deportation and harassment from authorities. In one notable case, staff at Maketto restaurant experienced recent detentions of team members, amplifying these fears throughout the community.
Elizabeth PupuserÃa & Deli has also seen a need to temporarily close operations, citing a precarious environment in its neighborhood. The owner, Elizabeth Rodriguez, noted her reliance on construction workers for business has diminished, with daily earnings seeing a fall from $500 to $300. Struggling to meet payroll, Rodriguez stated she is contemplating the introduction of delivery options to adapt to a dip in foot traffic, although finding willing delivery drivers has proven equally challenging due to fears of ICE activities.
The targeting of delivery drivers by ICE has further complicated matters for restaurants, creating an escalating crisis that has left many operations strained. Staff and customers alike are feeling the emotional toll of a work environment increasingly overshadowed by rough circumstances and insecurity. This ongoing crisis continues to unfold as local restaurants brace for the uncertain future ahead.
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Additional Resources
- WUSA9: Restaurant decline in D.C. due to federal surge
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Washington D.C. restaurants
- Washington Post: D.C. restaurants face business downturn
- NBC Washington: Impact of police takeover on D.C. restaurants
- The Bulwark: Trump affecting D.C. restaurants
- Google Search: Washington D.C. restaurant industry
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
