Sign in Subscribe
Restaurants

Democrats Boycott Washington, D.C. Restaurants in Labor Dispute

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Top Democrats in the House and Senate have joined a boycott of Washington, D.C. restaurants owned by Philadelphia restaurateur Stephen Starr over labor disputes. Over 50 House and Senate Democrats have signed onto the pledge to avoid six D.C. venues, including Starr's Le Diplomate, Osteria Mozza, and The Occidental. The boycott also targets restaurants founded by chef Ashok Bajaj of Knightsbridge Restaurant Group. Notable signers include Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, and Reps. Brendan Boyle, Dwight Evans, and Mary Gay Scanlon. The boycott is in response to labor disputes between the restaurant owners and staff, with some employees accusing the union of overly aggressive tactics.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 50 House and Senate Democrats have signed onto the boycott, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders.
  • The targeted restaurants include Le Diplomate, Osteria Mozza, and The Occidental, all owned by Stephen Starr, and three restaurants founded by chef Ashok Bajaj of Knightsbridge Restaurant Group.
  • The boycott is in response to labor disputes between the restaurant owners and staff, with some employees accusing the union of overly aggressive tactics.
  • Some employees have held counter protests to the union and reported feeling pressure from union representatives to sign petitions outside their homes.
  • The boycott has sparked debate, with some arguing that it can harm restaurant employees who rely on tips and wages.

Statistics:

  • More than 50 House and Senate Democrats have signed onto the boycott.
  • Thousands of dollars have been spent by political groups and candidates at the targeted restaurants over the past year, according to federal campaign records.
  • A server at Le Diplomate reported that some employees are holding counter protests to the union.

Sources:

  • Axios: "Frankie Ramirez, Stephen Starr's Star Struck"
  • Axios: "Stephen Starr's Occidental Restaurant's Critics"
  • EatFairDC.org: "Unite Here Local 25's pledge to avoid six D.C. venues"
  • Eater: "Union Battle: Stephen Starr's DC Restaurants"

Read more