Industry Night’s 2023 Year In Review

Hello there. I can not believe we are wrapping up 2023 here on Industry Night. So for the whole month of December I have been taping this show at WREN in the Watermark Hotel. Last week we were up in one of the terrific suites and today we are here in the bar of the Japanese izakaya, Wren. Chef Yo Matsuzaki draws upon locally-grown ingredients and serves Japanese street food with modern American elements. Think shucked oysters and expertly-cut sashimi and wagyu steak and you get where I am going. But I don’t need to tell you all about it! Chef is joining me today to fill you in and later in the show, I am very excited because two of the DC Area’s most trusted food journalists, Washingtonian’s Jessica Sidman and Anna Spiegel of Axios! We’re going to do a real year in review of the DC dining scene. Where have I been?! Where haven’t I? -The Grove - a Spanish fusion backed by Alexandria-based Common Plate Hospitality Group and helmed by Jose López-Picazo. Really delish dining in the burbs. Toasted Crystal Bread Chicken Chilindron Basque Stye Cheesecake - There I’ve ordered for you Vic Albisu has opened up another Taco Bamba this time in City Ridge — He is back in DC. and now let’s chat with Chef Yo and get the 411 on WREN! Now! 2023 was a hell of a year for DC Dining. After two years of the pandemic the beginning of this year was feeling really bright. However, there was something simmering in the hospitality world — just under the service — and it was on both side! Diners and Industry professionals. An animosity was growing — a big divide. Remember March of 2020 when we all wanted to do whatever we would to support our restaurants and each other? Well, those days are O-VER. -Confusion over tipping -Random Surcharges -Crime -Rude Customers -Rude Servers Look, many new restaurants opened in 2023 and sadly so many closed. What is going on out there? Hopefully today can provide a little perspective — Jessica Sidman, Food Editor, Washingtonian magazine & Anna Spiegel Axios D.C. reporter and food writer - Where to Begin? Quotes "Stand up for fairness and justice. Advocate for your rights and report any wage discrepancies to the labor board. Create a more equitable society." - Anna Spiegs "Simple and straightforward communication inspires and comforts others. Lead by example, embracing simplicity in your messages.” - Jessica Sidman Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 04:20 - Taco Bamba: A Fortunate Culinary Neighbor 12:14 - The Complexity of Minimum Wage Increase 13:20 - Unpacking Restaurant Tipping, Minimum Wage, and Instability 16:44 - Pursuing Transparency: A Shared Goal for Restaurants and Diners 20:49 - DC's Unique Challenge: Hospitality Staffing Shortage 23:08 - The Pendulum Swing: Understanding the Current Dining Scene 27:48 - Rethinking Tipping: Is a 20% Service Charge Sufficient 29:44 - Addressing Crime: Impact on Restaurants and Neighborhoods 33:37 - The Pandemic and Crime: A Complex Connection 36:06 - Encouraging Security and Safety in Saint Martin 40:53 - Responding to Social Media Criticism: Insights from Restaurants 43:56 - Business Prospects and Influencing Factors: A Lively Conversation 46:53 - Dawson's: A Local Replacement for Glen's Wear Market 49:31 - Seeking Relief and Tangible Solutions: A Discussion 51:26 - Outro Guests Social Media Links: Jessica Sidman Twitter:https://x.com/jsidman?s=20 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jsidman?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== Anna Spiegs Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annaspiegs?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anna.spiegel.37 Twitter:https://twitter.com/AnnaSpiegs Featuring Nycci Nellis https://www.instagram.com/nyccinellis/ https://www.thelistareyouonit.com/ Produced by Heartcast Media http://www.heartcastmedia.com