Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington Announces 2024 RAMMY Awards Finalists

April 11, 2024

The capital region's foodservice industry recognizes innovative individuals, concepts and companies as category finalists.

Washington, DC (April 8, 2024)—Restaurant industry professionals and allies gathered this evening as the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) announced Finalists for the 2024 RAMMY Awards. Finalists will be recognized again and winners announced Sunday, July 21, 2024 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center at the 42nd Annual RAMMYS Awards Gala, which  honors excellence in the restaurant and foodservice industry in the Washington, DC area across a range of categories celebrating culinary concepts, service, and individuals.

The selection process for the Finalists, and ultimately the winners, involves two esteemed groups, the voting public and an anonymous panel of volunteer judges, consisting of food and dining journalists, educators, and foodservice industry professionals.

The voting public will decide the winners in five categories: Best Bar, Best Brunch, Favorite Fast Bites, Favorite Gathering Place, and Hottest Sandwich Shop of the Year. Public votes for these categories open 9:00 am, Tuesday, April 9, 2024 online at nbcwashington.com/RAMMYS through 5:00 pm, Wednesday, May 31, 2024.


The 2024 RAMMY Awards Finalists are (*denotes publicly voted category*):

New Restaurant of the Year: A restaurant that must have opened between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023 and already distinguishes itself as a pacesetter in food, beverage and hospitality. The nominee must be a current member of RAMW.

  1. Dear Sushi
  2. Ellie Bird
  3. Hiraya
  4. I Egg You
  5. Petite Cerise


Cocktail Program of the Year: The establishment is distinguished by the quality, diversity, clarity and value of its craft cocktail program, evaluated separately from its beer, wine or other beverages. Nominees may be bars, restaurants, or any foodservice establishment with an exemplary cocktail program. The nominee continues to break new ground in the education of its staff. The nominee must be a current member of RAMW and must have been in business a minimum of one year by December 31, 2023.

  1. Amazonia
  2. Bar Spero
  3. Jane Jane
  4. Mercy Me
  5. Silver Lyan


Beer Program of the Year: The establishment is distinguished by the quality, diversity, clarity and value of its beer program. Brewery restaurants and brewpubs are eligible for this category and will be judged based on the diversity and quality of their craft beer. The nominee continues to break new ground in the education of its staff. The nominee must be a current member of RAMW and must have been in business a minimum of one year by December 31, 2023.

  1. Atlas Brew Works
  2. Red Bear Brewing Co.
  3. TallBoy
  4. The Midland’s Beer Garden
  5. Zinnia


Wine Program of the Year: The establishment is distinguished by the quality, diversity, clarity and value of its wine program. The nominee’s wine program best suits the cuisine and style of the restaurant while enhancing the dining experience. Wine bars are eligible for this category and will be judged based on the diversity and quality of their offerings. The nominee continues to break new ground in the education of its staff. The nominee must be a current member of RAMW and must have been in business a minimum of one year by December 31, 2023.

  1. Apéro
  2. Era
  3. Irregardless
  4. Lulu's Wine Garden
  5. St. Anselm


Rising Culinary Star of the Year: The nominee is an “up and coming” chef who demonstrates exemplary talent, shows leadership and promise for the future. The nominee must have been based in the Metropolitan Washington area for a minimum of two years. The nominee must be a current member of RAMW, or be employed by a member business.

  1. Jennifer Castaneda-Jones, Marcel's by Robert Wiedmaier
  2. Ria Montes, Estuary
  3. Masako Morishita, Perry's
  4. Matt Sperber, Any Day Now
  5. Jovana Urriola, Café Unido


*Favorite Gathering Place*: This nominee is a restaurant rooted in its neighborhood where guests come to eat, drink, and get together with friends over and over again. The great atmosphere - indoors or outdoors – and good vibes are as important as the food and drink. The nominee must have been in business a minimum of one year by December 31, 2023.

  1. Brookland's Finest
  2. Glory Days Grill
  3. Lulu's Winegarden
  4. Millie's Spring Valley
  5. Mi Vida


*Best Brunch*: The nominee is a restaurant that demonstrates a high standard of dining excellence and service for its brunch in a formal, upscale, or casual environment. Brunch may be offered as full-service, buffet, or prix fixe. The nominee must have been in business a minimum of one year by December 31, 2023. 

  1. ala
  2. Duke's Counter
  3. Makan
  4. Seasons at the Four Seasons
  5. The Park at 14th


*Best Bar*: The nominee is an establishment whose primary focus is beverages in a casual or upscale environment, with or without food. Patrons are there for the drinks, the atmosphere, decor, and the hospitality. The nominee must have been in business a minimum of one year by December 31, 2023.

  1. Bar Chinois
  2. Residents Café and Bar
  3. The Green Zone
  4. Royal Sands Social Club
  5. Slash Run


*Favorite Fast Bites*: This nominee is a delicatessen, quick-serve restaurant, bakery, mobile food vendor, or coffee shop (with food menu) that demonstrates a dedication to good food and good service in a fast-casual environment. The nominee must have been in operation for a minimum of one year as of December 31, 2023.

  1. Andy's Pizza
  2. Arepa Zone
  3. Bantam King
  4. Fava Pot
  5. Hi/Fi Tex-Mex BBQ


*Hottest Sandwich Shop*: This nominee is a casual restaurant, quick-serve, or mobile food vendor with a menu dedicated to creative and delicious sandwiches that demonstrate excellence and skill. The nominee must have operated a minimum of six months between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023.

  1. Colada Shop
  2. Lucky Buns
  3. Queen Mother's
  4. Roaming Rooster
  5. Your Only Friend


Employee of the Year: The nominee is a non-managerial front or back of the house employee who serves as a model employee by displaying outstanding service, an excellent work ethic and a positive image. The nominee must be a current member of RAMW, or be employed by a member business.

  1. Michael Wyatt, Annabelle Restaurant
  2. Kodjo "Olivier" Etenda, Lutèce
  3. Hilda Claro Duran, Residents Café and Bar
  4. Kristen Wilson, Causa
  5. Jonathan Aseff, Shilling Canning Company


Manager of the Year: The nominee is a non-owner manager or general manager in the food service industry who displays the highest level of professionalism and leadership. This person must be an inspiration and mentor to all his/her co-workers displaying outstanding service, an excellent work ethic and a positive image. The nominee must be a current member of RAMW, or be employed by a member business.

  1. Janice McLean, Estuary at the Conrad Hotel
  2. Rachid Hdouche, ilili DC
  3. Uros Jojic, Ambar Capitol Hill
  4. Angel Guillen, El Cielo
  5. Victoria Gradia, KNEAD Hospitality + Design


Service Program of the Year: This nominee is a restaurant that demonstrates a high standard of excellence in service across the restaurant – from the reservation process, to the host station, to every element of the dining experience. The nominee must be a current member of RAMW and must have been in business a minimum of one year by December 31, 2023.

  1. Filomena
  2. Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
  3. Le Diplomate
  4. Reveler's Hour
  5. Xiquet by Danny Lledó


Casual Restaurant of the Year: The nominee is a restaurant that demonstrates a dedication to dining excellence, service, and value in a casual environment. The nominee must be a current member of RAMW and must have been in business a minimum of one year by December 31, 2023.

  1. Kirby Club
  2. La Famosa
  3. Stellina Pizzeria
  4. Supra
  5. Taco Bamba


Upscale Casual Restaurant of the Year: The nominee is a restaurant that demonstrates a high standard of dining excellence and service in an upscale casual environment. The nominee must be a current member of RAMW and must have been in business a minimum of one year by December 31, 2023.

  1. Anju
  2. Chez Billy Sud
  3. Lutèce
  4. Queen's English
  5. Shilling Canning Company


Pastry Chef or Baker of the Year: The nominee is a restaurant pastry chef or baker who prepares desserts, baked goods, or breads and demonstrates a high standard of excellence and culinary artistry. The nominee serves as an inspiration to other food professionals. The nominee must have been a pastry chef or baker for the past three years with a minimum of one year based in the Metropolitan Washington area. The nominee must be a current member of RAMW, or be employed by a member business.

  1. Susan Bae, Moon Rabbit
  2. Gregory Baumgartner, Cranes
  3. Rochelle Cooper, The Duck & The Peach
  4. Isabel Coss, Lutèce, Pascual
  5. Mary Mendoza, (formerly) Bantam King, Hole in the Wall, Tonari


Formal Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year: The nominee is a restaurant that demonstrates a high standard of excellence in food, service and atmosphere and shows dedication to sophisticated culinary techniques in a fine dining environment. The nominee must be a current member of RAMW and must have been in business a minimum of one year by December 31, 2023.

  1. Blue Rock
  2. Causa/Amazonia
  3. Oyster Oyster
  4. Rania
  5. The Dabney


Chef of the Year: The nominee is an executive chef or chef de cuisine who demonstrates consistent standards of culinary excellence. The nominee displays a dedication to the artistry of food and may be from any type of establishment. The nominee must have been a chef for the past five years with a minimum of two years based in the Metropolitan Washington area. The nominee must be a current member of RAMW, or be employed by a member business.

  1. Angel Barreto, Anju
  2. Carlos Delgado, Causa/Amazonia
  3. Jeremiah Langhorne, The Dabney
  4. Katarina Petonito, The Duck & The Peach
  5. Jon Sybert, Tail Up Goat


Restaurateur of the Year: The nominee must be a working restaurateur or restaurant group who sets high standards in restaurant operations and entrepreneurship. Candidates must have been in the restaurant business for a minimum of 5 years in the Metropolitan Washington area. The nominee must be a current member of RAMW.

  1. José Andrés, José Andrés Restaurants
  2. Kyle Bailey, Jon Ball, Jeremy Carman, Gavin Coleman, and Paul Holder, Long Shot Hospitality
  3. Andrew Dana and Daniela Moreira, Timber Pizza, Call Your Mother, Turu's, Mercy Me
  4. Enrique Limardo and Ezequiel Vázquez-Ger, Seven Reasons Group
  5. Zubair, Omar, Fatima, and Shamim Popal, The Popal Group  (Lapis, Lutèce, Lapop, and Pascual)


Joan Hisaoka Allied Member of the Year: The award is presented to an associate member who best exemplifies commitment to and support of RAMW. This award recipient is determined by RAMW’s Executive Committee.

  1. Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School
  2. Ecolab
  3. Harmony Group, Inc.
  4. Keany Produce & Gourmet
  5. Preferred Insurance Services, Inc.

Recipients for the following awards will be announced later this spring:

  • Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award, given for dedication and leadership that has transformed Washington’s restaurant scene into today’s vibrant restaurant industry.

  • 2024 Honorary Milestone Award, honoring dining staples celebrating a significant 25, 50, and 75 years serving locals and visitors in Metropolitan Washington.


The winners will be announced at The 42nd Annual RAMMY Awards Gala on Sunday, July 21, 2024 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Tickets are now on sale at TheRAMMYS.org. The 2024 RAMMY Awards Gala major sponsors include Events DC, NBC Washington/Telemundo 44, JP Morgan Chase, Resy, DoorDash, Republic National Distributing Co., Studiio Box, Stratus, Design Foundry, Saval Foodservice, Pepco, an Exelon Company,  Destination DC, Republic National Distributing Co, Washington Gas, DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking, DC Office of Cable, Television, Film, Movies, and Entertainment, and many more supporters. For more information regarding the awards, tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and this year’s format, email therammys@ramw.org. Visit therammys.org for event information.  Follow RAMW’s industry blog for regular updates and resources for the region’s restaurant and foodservice community.


The RAMMYS


Presented by Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), The RAMMY Awards Gala honors the exceptional ability and accomplishments of the hard-working individuals and organizations of the region’s restaurants and foodservice community. Named the #1 Food & Restaurant event by BIZBASH Magazine since 2009, The RAMMYS celebrate one of metropolitan Washington’s greatest assets: Its restaurants.


Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW)


The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) is the regional trade association representing restaurants and the foodservice industry in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area. Established in 1920, RAMW is an advocate, resource and community for its members. The Association works to promote and sustain the growth and development of the industry while providing its members legislative and regulatory representation, marketing and small business support, programming and events. RAMW strives to serve its members with professionalism and integrity, and provide them the training, education and support they need to grow a successful business.

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Beating the "Summer Surge": Preparing Your Business for June 1st

By Russell Lacey • April 17, 2026
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Comparing Washington Gas (WGL) Historical Rates vs. Current Competitive Natural Gas Prices

By Russell Lacey • April 10, 2026
For business owners in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia —right here in our backyard —energy costs are more than just a line item: they are a significant variable that can impact quarterly profitability and long-term operational planning. In recent years, the natural gas market has been characterized by notable volatility. From global supply chain disruptions to shifting domestic production levels, the price you pay for the blue flame in your furnace or the heat in your commercial kitchen has likely felt like a moving target. At Electric Advisors, Inc. , we believe that data-driven decision-making is the only way to effectively manage utility expenses. To help you understand where the market has been and where it is going, we have analyzed the historical procurement costs for Washington Gas (WGL) and compared them to the current opportunities available through competitive suppliers across Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia. The results are clear: across the WGL service territory in MD, DC, and VA , the cost of sticking with the utility’s default Purchased Gas Charge (PGC) may be significantly higher than many business owners realize. The Benchmark: Washington Gas Historical PGC Rates in Maryland, DC, and Virginia Every month, Washington Gas updates its Purchased Gas Charge (PGC) . This is the rate at which the utility passes through the cost of the natural gas it buys on the wholesale market to its customers. By law, the utility does not make a profit on the gas itself; they make their money on the delivery and infrastructure. However, the price they pay—and the price you eventually see on your bill—is subject to the fluctuations of the monthly wholesale market. For businesses in the broader WGL footprint, the important takeaway is this: Washington Gas default supply pricing and competitive market opportunities are consistent across its service territory in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia. In other words, the same benchmark applies whether your business is in suburban Maryland, downtown DC, or Northern Virginia. Looking back at the last 24 months across the WGL service territory in MD, DC, and VA , we see a story of dramatic shifts: 24-Month Average WGL PGC: Approximately $0.68 per therm . The 2025 Spike: In April 2025, rates peaked at a staggering $0.8085 per therm . The 2026 Moderation: As of April 2026, the WGL rate has settled to $0.6382 per therm . While the 2026 rate is a welcome decrease from the highs of the previous year, it remains significantly higher than the rates seen a decade ago. For context, in 2010, the rate hovered around $0.32 per therm. We have seen a steady, long-term upward trend that necessitates a more proactive approach to commercial natural gas rates .

DC Restaurants - Are You Paying Sales Tax On Your Electric & Gas Supply? You Shouldn't Be.

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