Initiative in response to steep declines in sales and foot traffic in August
"Together We Dine," an initiative designed to reconnect communities through dining and support restaurants facing unprecedented challenges, launches October 1.
The initiative is presented by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) with support from the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED), Events DC, and Coca-Cola Consolidated.
The month-long campaign encourages residents and visitors throughout the DMV to rediscover their favorite restaurants and explore new ones, emphasizing how shared meals strengthen community bonds. The initiative comes as RAMW survey data reveals significant declines in the restaurant industry in August, with 71% of DC restaurants reporting sales drops and 74% seeing fewer diners compared with last year.
Together We Dine: A Celebration of Community
At its heart, Together We Dine celebrates what makes dining special — the connections formed when people gather around a table. Whether breaking bread, sharing sushi, trading tacos, or passing pasta, something extraordinary happens when communities come together over food. The campaign invites everyone to rediscover the wonder of excellent meals with friends, family, and neighbors while supporting the restaurants that nurture both stomachs and souls.
“October is about bringing people back to the table,” said Shawn Townsend, president and CEO of RAMW. “Our restaurants are more than businesses — they're gathering places where communities connect and cultures blend. Together We Dine isn't just about supporting restaurants through difficult times; it's about celebrating what makes our region's dining scene extraordinary and reminding everyone of the joy that comes from sharing a meal together.”
“The restaurants in Washington, DC, rank among the finest in the country, offering an impressive array of cuisines and experiences,” stated Angie M. Gates, President and CEO of Events DC. “We are excited to collaborate with the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington and its members to promote the Together We Dine initiative. Throughout the month, we invite you to discover all that our dining scene has to offer as local restaurants showcase delightful selections for everyone to savor.”
$100,000 in Support for Struggling Restaurants
In September, through a grant from DMPED, RAMW distributed $100,000 in microgrants to help restaurants cover operating expenses and invest in workforce development.
“We are grateful to Mayor Bowser and her Administration for their tireless support of our restaurants and foodservice providers – and their incredible teams that work so hard to create meaningful experiences for our residents and visitors,” Townsend said. “These grants will help ensure that Together We Dine leaves a lasting impact and revitalizes our industry.”
For more information about Together We Dine and RAMW, visit www.togetherwedine.org
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About the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) The Restaurant Association of 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 with the training, education and support they need to grow a successful business.
