Today’s the day to hit the polls for D.C.’s Democratic primaries, but many local restaurants have already weighed in on the mayor’s race via campaign contributions.
Based on Y&H’s nonexhaustive search through mayoral campaign disclosures, Ward 2 Councilmember Jack Evans and Mayor Vince Gray are favorites among local restaurants. (It’s worth noting that Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells isn’t accepting money from corporations, which includes restaurants, but some individual restaurateurs have given to him.) Businesses and individuals are allowed maximum contributions of $2,000 to mayoral campaigns per election, although some groups with multiple restaurants give far more than that through donations from different LLCs.
One of the biggest local dining donors is the Clyde’s Restaurant Group. Its various LLCs, which include Clyde’s, 1789 Restaurant, The Hamilton, and Old Ebbitt Grill, gave at least $18,000 to Evans and $6,000 to Gray over the past year.
Take a look at a sampling of the restaurants, restaurateurs, and other food and beverage businesses that have made political contributions for mayor this election cycle. Given that we don’t have all week to scour through campaign finance reports (sorry!), keep in mind that these are not all the local restaurants and restaurateurs that have given donations.
1789 Restaurant
Donation: $2,000 for Jack Evans in July 2013
The Hamilton
Donation: $2,000 for Jack Evans in July 2013
Old Ebbitt Grill
Donation: $2,000 for Jack Evans in July 2013
Clyde’s of Chevy Chase
Donation: $2,000 for Jack Evans in March 2014
Clyde’s of Georgetown
Donation: $2,000 for Jack Evans in July 2013 and $2,000 for Vince Gray in February 2014
Clyde’s of Gallery Place
Donation: $2,000 for Jack Evans in July 2013 and $2,000 for Vince Gray in January 2014
Clyde’s Management, Inc.
Donation: $2,000 for Vince Gray in January 2014
Clyde’s of Tysons Corner
Donation: $2,000 for Jack Evans in January 2014
Clyde’s Tower Oaks Lodge
Donation: $2,000 for Jack Evans in March 2014
Clyde’s in Broadlands, Va.
Donation: $2,000 for Jack Evans in January 2014
Chinatown Coffee Company
Donation: $2,000 for Muriel Bowser in June 2013
Barrel House Liquors
Donation: $2,000 for Jack Evans in March 2014
Rob Wilder, Partner in Think Food Group
Donation: $2,000 for Jack Evans in September 2013
Spike Mendelsohn, Owner of Good Stuff Eater, We The Pizza, Bearnaise
Donation: $1,500 for Tommy Wells in August 2013
Michael Babin, Owner of Neighborhood Restaurant Group
Donation: $1,000 for Tommy Wells in October 2013 and $500 for Vince Gray in January 2014
Black Restaurant Group
Donation: $1,000 for Vince Gray in January 2014
Shelly’s Back Room
Donation: $1,000 for Vince Gray in January 2014
Mood Lounge
Donation: $1,000 for Vincent Orange in December 2013
Think Food Group
Donation: $500 for Jack Evans in March 2014
Oyamel
Donation: $500 for Jack Evans in March 2014
Shaw’s Tavern
Donation: $500 for Vince Gray in February 2014
Lounge of Three
Donation: $500 for Vincent Orange in December 2013
Rocklands Barbecue and Grilling Company
Donation: $300 for Jack Evans in December 2013
Bistro Bohem
Donation: $250 for Vince Gray in February 2014
Bloomingdale Wine & Spirit
Donation: $250 for Muriel Bowser in December 2013
Sabor Latino Bar & Grill
Donation: $200 for Vince Gray in March 2014
Billy Martin’s Tavern
Donation: $100 for Jack Evans in March 2014
Sherry’s Wine & Spirits
Donation: $100 for Muriel Bowser in December 2013
Donation: $50 for Jack Evans in September 2013