‘The city is dead’: D.C. restaurant reservations drop amid federal crackdown

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:


I have never been more disgusted in my life to be an American. This is all by design, the MAGA GOP is intentionally destroying small businesses, sources of fun and community in DC, all in revenge for Covid. When politicians had to make difficult choices to protect Americans, the MAGA GOP is literally killing the livelihoods of American business owners and entrepreneurs.

Who would have thought that armed, plain clothed secret police in unmarked vehicles terrorizing residents would be bad for business? Every single member of this administration and the thugs they employ need to go to prison ASAP.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2025/08/19/dc-restaurants-business-down-police-crackdown/

Since President Donald Trump announced his takeover of the D.C. police force last week, restaurant reservations have dropped in the city by as much as 31 percent year over year for a single day, according to restaurant booking data. Business owners are concerned that the continued surge in law enforcement could impact their revenue during a vital period of the summer.

Several operators say the decline does not bode well for them or the 380 establishments participating in Summer Restaurant Week, which started Monday in the greater D.C. area. The bargain-dining promotion is considered a lifeline for restaurants hoping to survive the doldrums of August, when Congress is on recess, locals are on vacation, and many area residents are gearing up for back-to-school season. One of the goals with the promotion, says Shawn Townsend, president and chief executive of the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, is to help the industry make it to Labor Day, when D.C. springs back to life.

This August has been particularly tough on D.C. restaurants, numerous operators told The Washington Post. They were already dealing with a number of destabilizing issues — rising labor and ingredient costs, soaring rents, federal worker layoffs, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement audits — when the president announced last week that he was sending in troops and federal agents to deal with a city where crime is “totally out of control,” despite local and federal statistics showing otherwise.

“It’s like drowning and then someone throws a 100 lb weight to you,” texted one D.C. restaurateur who asked that his name not be used because, he said, he was “just focused on keeping my businesses alive (this week).”

Its a local boycott. People stop patronizing restaurants and bars because of the crime.

What crime? I am a woman and I drive around the city all the time. The main crime is in the White House. Release the pedo files!

Good for you. Your car was not one of the 10,000 cars stolen in DC in the past three years.

10,000 cars stolen in three years is quite the record. Shame on DC!!!!!

Let's say motor vehicle theft is a problem in DC recently. It's been a problem in other locations in other years for sure. Why is this a reason for the President of the United States to call out the National Guard of multiple states to one city? Never in history has car theft been considered a National emergency worth spending the whole nation's tax dollars to have National guardsmen deployed to walk around the monuments like tourists. How are "small government" Republicans OK with this nonsense? I mean, thanks West Virginians for protecting my Tesla and BMW, but really, I don't think we need it. And so sorry to our friends in South Carolina for exhausting your National Guard during hurricane season just so Trump doesn't have to see a tent on the way to his golf outing.

Crime (including rape and bank fraud) is bad, which is why we have laws and police. We respect our MDP and they have been reducing crime statistics in DC. They don't deserve to be Trump's foil for creating a military state.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:


I have never been more disgusted in my life to be an American. This is all by design, the MAGA GOP is intentionally destroying small businesses, sources of fun and community in DC, all in revenge for Covid. When politicians had to make difficult choices to protect Americans, the MAGA GOP is literally killing the livelihoods of American business owners and entrepreneurs.

Who would have thought that armed, plain clothed secret police in unmarked vehicles terrorizing residents would be bad for business? Every single member of this administration and the thugs they employ need to go to prison ASAP.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2025/08/19/dc-restaurants-business-down-police-crackdown/

Since President Donald Trump announced his takeover of the D.C. police force last week, restaurant reservations have dropped in the city by as much as 31 percent year over year for a single day, according to restaurant booking data. Business owners are concerned that the continued surge in law enforcement could impact their revenue during a vital period of the summer.

Several operators say the decline does not bode well for them or the 380 establishments participating in Summer Restaurant Week, which started Monday in the greater D.C. area. The bargain-dining promotion is considered a lifeline for restaurants hoping to survive the doldrums of August, when Congress is on recess, locals are on vacation, and many area residents are gearing up for back-to-school season. One of the goals with the promotion, says Shawn Townsend, president and chief executive of the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, is to help the industry make it to Labor Day, when D.C. springs back to life.

This August has been particularly tough on D.C. restaurants, numerous operators told The Washington Post. They were already dealing with a number of destabilizing issues — rising labor and ingredient costs, soaring rents, federal worker layoffs, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement audits — when the president announced last week that he was sending in troops and federal agents to deal with a city where crime is “totally out of control,” despite local and federal statistics showing otherwise.

“It’s like drowning and then someone throws a 100 lb weight to you,” texted one D.C. restaurateur who asked that his name not be used because, he said, he was “just focused on keeping my businesses alive (this week).”

Its a local boycott. People stop patronizing restaurants and bars because of the crime.

What crime? I am a woman and I drive around the city all the time. The main crime is in the White House. Release the pedo files!

Good for you. Your car was not one of the 10,000 cars stolen in DC in the past three years.

DP: Mine wasn't either (interesting your stats have to go back 3 years since DC has gotten a handle on the problem -- noted). I do not feel unsafe in my city, and my kids ride the Metro to school every day.

So far in 2025 there have been 3000 auto thefts. That’s getting a handle on the situation? You do realize we all pay significantly more in car insurance because of this, right!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:


I have never been more disgusted in my life to be an American. This is all by design, the MAGA GOP is intentionally destroying small businesses, sources of fun and community in DC, all in revenge for Covid. When politicians had to make difficult choices to protect Americans, the MAGA GOP is literally killing the livelihoods of American business owners and entrepreneurs.

Who would have thought that armed, plain clothed secret police in unmarked vehicles terrorizing residents would be bad for business? Every single member of this administration and the thugs they employ need to go to prison ASAP.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2025/08/19/dc-restaurants-business-down-police-crackdown/

Since President Donald Trump announced his takeover of the D.C. police force last week, restaurant reservations have dropped in the city by as much as 31 percent year over year for a single day, according to restaurant booking data. Business owners are concerned that the continued surge in law enforcement could impact their revenue during a vital period of the summer.

Several operators say the decline does not bode well for them or the 380 establishments participating in Summer Restaurant Week, which started Monday in the greater D.C. area. The bargain-dining promotion is considered a lifeline for restaurants hoping to survive the doldrums of August, when Congress is on recess, locals are on vacation, and many area residents are gearing up for back-to-school season. One of the goals with the promotion, says Shawn Townsend, president and chief executive of the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, is to help the industry make it to Labor Day, when D.C. springs back to life.

This August has been particularly tough on D.C. restaurants, numerous operators told The Washington Post. They were already dealing with a number of destabilizing issues — rising labor and ingredient costs, soaring rents, federal worker layoffs, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement audits — when the president announced last week that he was sending in troops and federal agents to deal with a city where crime is “totally out of control,” despite local and federal statistics showing otherwise.

“It’s like drowning and then someone throws a 100 lb weight to you,” texted one D.C. restaurateur who asked that his name not be used because, he said, he was “just focused on keeping my businesses alive (this week).”

Its a local boycott. People stop patronizing restaurants and bars because of the crime.

What crime? I am a woman and I drive around the city all the time. The main crime is in the White House. Release the pedo files!

Good for you. Your car was not one of the 10,000 cars stolen in DC in the past three years.

DP: Mine wasn't either (interesting your stats have to go back 3 years since DC has gotten a handle on the problem -- noted). I do not feel unsafe in my city, and my kids ride the Metro to school every day.

So far in 2025 there have been 3000 auto thefts. That’s getting a handle on the situation? You do realize we all pay significantly more in car insurance because of this, right!

Which is down from the previous year to date. Where do you think all these cars go? Do you think it is just individuals stealing cars? It’s not. It is organized gangs operating in Virginia and Maryland. The cars are stolen on demand and taken out of the city. There they go to chop shops, have their vins replaces or are shipped overseas by shipping containers.

This would fall under DHS and the FBI. They have done nothing to break these gangs up, close down the chop shops, stop the exporting of stolen cars or gong after the higher up criminals. Been going on for years. Criminals gangs from Maryland and Virginia making millions. Must be paying off Trump for protection.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:


I have never been more disgusted in my life to be an American. This is all by design, the MAGA GOP is intentionally destroying small businesses, sources of fun and community in DC, all in revenge for Covid. When politicians had to make difficult choices to protect Americans, the MAGA GOP is literally killing the livelihoods of American business owners and entrepreneurs.

Who would have thought that armed, plain clothed secret police in unmarked vehicles terrorizing residents would be bad for business? Every single member of this administration and the thugs they employ need to go to prison ASAP.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2025/08/19/dc-restaurants-business-down-police-crackdown/

Since President Donald Trump announced his takeover of the D.C. police force last week, restaurant reservations have dropped in the city by as much as 31 percent year over year for a single day, according to restaurant booking data. Business owners are concerned that the continued surge in law enforcement could impact their revenue during a vital period of the summer.

Several operators say the decline does not bode well for them or the 380 establishments participating in Summer Restaurant Week, which started Monday in the greater D.C. area. The bargain-dining promotion is considered a lifeline for restaurants hoping to survive the doldrums of August, when Congress is on recess, locals are on vacation, and many area residents are gearing up for back-to-school season. One of the goals with the promotion, says Shawn Townsend, president and chief executive of the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, is to help the industry make it to Labor Day, when D.C. springs back to life.

This August has been particularly tough on D.C. restaurants, numerous operators told The Washington Post. They were already dealing with a number of destabilizing issues — rising labor and ingredient costs, soaring rents, federal worker layoffs, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement audits — when the president announced last week that he was sending in troops and federal agents to deal with a city where crime is “totally out of control,” despite local and federal statistics showing otherwise.

“It’s like drowning and then someone throws a 100 lb weight to you,” texted one D.C. restaurateur who asked that his name not be used because, he said, he was “just focused on keeping my businesses alive (this week).”

Its a local boycott. People stop patronizing restaurants and bars because of the crime.

What crime? I am a woman and I drive around the city all the time. The main crime is in the White House. Release the pedo files!

Good for you. Your car was not one of the 10,000 cars stolen in DC in the past three years.

DP: Mine wasn't either (interesting your stats have to go back 3 years since DC has gotten a handle on the problem -- noted). I do not feel unsafe in my city, and my kids ride the Metro to school every day.

So far in 2025 there have been 3000 auto thefts. That’s getting a handle on the situation? You do realize we all pay significantly more in car insurance because of this, right!

Which is down from the previous year to date. Where do you think all these cars go? Do you think it is just individuals stealing cars? It’s not. It is organized gangs operating in Virginia and Maryland. The cars are stolen on demand and taken out of the city. There they go to chop shops, have their vins replaces or are shipped overseas by shipping containers.

This would fall under DHS and the FBI. They have done nothing to break these gangs up, close down the chop shops, stop the exporting of stolen cars or gong after the higher up criminals. Been going on for years. Criminals gangs from Maryland and Virginia making millions. Must be paying off Trump for protection.

Down 2% is sort of a rounding error. It’s de minimis, at best

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MAGA does not like cities.

MAGA only loves child rapists.

Link?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:


I have never been more disgusted in my life to be an American. This is all by design, the MAGA GOP is intentionally destroying small businesses, sources of fun and community in DC, all in revenge for Covid. When politicians had to make difficult choices to protect Americans, the MAGA GOP is literally killing the livelihoods of American business owners and entrepreneurs.

Who would have thought that armed, plain clothed secret police in unmarked vehicles terrorizing residents would be bad for business? Every single member of this administration and the thugs they employ need to go to prison ASAP.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2025/08/19/dc-restaurants-business-down-police-crackdown/

Since President Donald Trump announced his takeover of the D.C. police force last week, restaurant reservations have dropped in the city by as much as 31 percent year over year for a single day, according to restaurant booking data. Business owners are concerned that the continued surge in law enforcement could impact their revenue during a vital period of the summer.

Several operators say the decline does not bode well for them or the 380 establishments participating in Summer Restaurant Week, which started Monday in the greater D.C. area. The bargain-dining promotion is considered a lifeline for restaurants hoping to survive the doldrums of August, when Congress is on recess, locals are on vacation, and many area residents are gearing up for back-to-school season. One of the goals with the promotion, says Shawn Townsend, president and chief executive of the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, is to help the industry make it to Labor Day, when D.C. springs back to life.

This August has been particularly tough on D.C. restaurants, numerous operators told The Washington Post. They were already dealing with a number of destabilizing issues — rising labor and ingredient costs, soaring rents, federal worker layoffs, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement audits — when the president announced last week that he was sending in troops and federal agents to deal with a city where crime is “totally out of control,” despite local and federal statistics showing otherwise.

“It’s like drowning and then someone throws a 100 lb weight to you,” texted one D.C. restaurateur who asked that his name not be used because, he said, he was “just focused on keeping my businesses alive (this week).”

Its a local boycott. People stop patronizing restaurants and bars because of the crime.

What crime? I am a woman and I drive around the city all the time. The main crime is in the White House. Release the pedo files!

Good for you. Your car was not one of the 10,000 cars stolen in DC in the past three years.

10,000 cars stolen in three years is quite the record. Shame on DC!!!!!

Let's say motor vehicle theft is a problem in DC recently. It's been a problem in other locations in other years for sure. Why is this a reason for the President of the United States to call out the National Guard of multiple states to one city? Never in history has car theft been considered a National emergency worth spending the whole nation's tax dollars to have National guardsmen deployed to walk around the monuments like tourists. How are "small government" Republicans OK with this nonsense? I mean, thanks West Virginians for protecting my Tesla and BMW, but really, I don't think we need it. And so sorry to our friends in South Carolina for exhausting your National Guard during hurricane season just so Trump doesn't have to see a tent on the way to his golf outing.

Crime (including rape and bank fraud) is bad, which is why we have laws and police. We respect our MDP and they have been reducing crime statistics in DC. They don't deserve to be Trump's foil for creating a military state.

1. Motor vehicle theft IS a major problem in DC. And, it’s just one leg that supports a broader criminal ecosystem.
2. POTUS does not actually have direct control of other cities.
3. Republicans (and many silent Democrats) are OK with this because it could prove that the level of crime cities are experiencing is a choice. Just like an open border was. Let’s wait and see.
4. The police are very clear who truly supports them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Shame on WV and Mississippi and all the sad poor violent red states. Now go fix your own home. We don't need your crocodile tears.

I know it’s frustrating when your home gets so much negative attention, but it’s deserved and the citizens need help. The first step towards recovery is admitting you have a problem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Shame on WV and Mississippi and all the sad poor violent red states. Now go fix your own home. We don't need your crocodile tears.

I know it’s frustrating when your home gets so much negative attention, but it’s deserved and the citizens need help. The first step towards recovery is admitting you have a problem.

Why would you care if we have a problem or not? I thought you hated us. Now go fixed your cousin F-ing states.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Shame on WV and Mississippi and all the sad poor violent red states. Now go fix your own home. We don't need your crocodile tears.

I know it’s frustrating when your home gets so much negative attention, but it’s deserved and the citizens need help. The first step towards recovery is admitting you have a problem.

+1. As I DC resident, I very much appreciate the contributions from WV, MS, SC and the other states that are here to help protect our national city.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Shame on WV and Mississippi and all the sad poor violent red states. Now go fix your own home. We don't need your crocodile tears.

I know it’s frustrating when your home gets so much negative attention, but it’s deserved and the citizens need help. The first step towards recovery is admitting you have a problem.

+1. As I DC resident, I very much appreciate the contributions from WV, MS, SC and the other states that are here to help protect our national city.

Tell them to go home and stop crime in their home state. Tons of meth labs and human trafficking in WV, MS and SC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Shame on WV and Mississippi and all the sad poor violent red states. Now go fix your own home. We don't need your crocodile tears.

I know it’s frustrating when your home gets so much negative attention, but it’s deserved and the citizens need help. The first step towards recovery is admitting you have a problem.

+1. As I DC resident, I very much appreciate the contributions from WV, MS, SC and the other states that are here to help protect our national city.

Hope they stick around indefinetely.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Shame on WV and Mississippi and all the sad poor violent red states. Now go fix your own home. We don't need your crocodile tears.

I know it’s frustrating when your home gets so much negative attention, but it’s deserved and the citizens need help. The first step towards recovery is admitting you have a problem.

+1. As I DC resident, I very much appreciate the contributions from WV, MS, SC and the other states that are here to help protect our national city.

You are not a DC resident. If you were, you would know they are only downtown and not making meaningful contributions that add anything beyond the regular police's activities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:


I have never been more disgusted in my life to be an American. This is all by design, the MAGA GOP is intentionally destroying small businesses, sources of fun and community in DC, all in revenge for Covid. When politicians had to make difficult choices to protect Americans, the MAGA GOP is literally killing the livelihoods of American business owners and entrepreneurs.

Who would have thought that armed, plain clothed secret police in unmarked vehicles terrorizing residents would be bad for business? Every single member of this administration and the thugs they employ need to go to prison ASAP.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2025/08/19/dc-restaurants-business-down-police-crackdown/

Since President Donald Trump announced his takeover of the D.C. police force last week, restaurant reservations have dropped in the city by as much as 31 percent year over year for a single day, according to restaurant booking data. Business owners are concerned that the continued surge in law enforcement could impact their revenue during a vital period of the summer.

Several operators say the decline does not bode well for them or the 380 establishments participating in Summer Restaurant Week, which started Monday in the greater D.C. area. The bargain-dining promotion is considered a lifeline for restaurants hoping to survive the doldrums of August, when Congress is on recess, locals are on vacation, and many area residents are gearing up for back-to-school season. One of the goals with the promotion, says Shawn Townsend, president and chief executive of the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, is to help the industry make it to Labor Day, when D.C. springs back to life.

This August has been particularly tough on D.C. restaurants, numerous operators told The Washington Post. They were already dealing with a number of destabilizing issues — rising labor and ingredient costs, soaring rents, federal worker layoffs, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement audits — when the president announced last week that he was sending in troops and federal agents to deal with a city where crime is “totally out of control,” despite local and federal statistics showing otherwise.

“It’s like drowning and then someone throws a 100 lb weight to you,” texted one D.C. restaurateur who asked that his name not be used because, he said, he was “just focused on keeping my businesses alive (this week).”

Oh you poor, poor triggered one!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Shame on WV and Mississippi and all the sad poor violent red states. Now go fix your own home. We don't need your crocodile tears.

I know it’s frustrating when your home gets so much negative attention, but it’s deserved and the citizens need help. The first step towards recovery is admitting you have a problem.

+1. As I DC resident, I very much appreciate the contributions from WV, MS, SC and the other states that are here to help protect our national city.

Hope they stick around indefinetely.

Well it’s not like they have jobs to go back to.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Shame on WV and Mississippi and all the sad poor violent red states. Now go fix your own home. We don't need your crocodile tears.

I know it’s frustrating when your home gets so much negative attention, but it’s deserved and the citizens need help. The first step towards recovery is admitting you have a problem.

+1. As I DC resident, I very much appreciate the contributions from WV, MS, SC and the other states that are here to help protect our national city.

I don't believe you are a dc resident? Which ward? How is it helpful that restaurants were full last week (with "high crime") and empty this week with the great blessings of these national guardsmen from other f*cked up and poor states? Those states need a lot more help than we do.