The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) hosted its second annual RAMMYS Honors at the Schuyler at the Hamilton Hotel in Northwest D.C., recognizing legacy, dedication, and trailblazing contributions in the local restaurant scene.
This esteemed event, conceptualized by RAMW President and CEO Shawn Townsend, highlights the resilience and bravery required to thrive as an entrepreneur in the hospitality industry.
The RAMMYS Honors not only shine a spotlight on food and beverage industry innovators but also serve as a lead-up to the larger 43rd annual RAMMYS Awards scheduled for August 3 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Northwest D.C.
This year, the event celebrated significant anniversaries for several renowned restaurants, including D.C.’s Bistrot du Coin, Chef Geoff’s, and Bobby Van’s Steakhouse, each marking 25 years of excellence.
Additionally, Virginia honorees Heidelberg Bakery and Celebrity Delly each commemorated their remarkable 50-year journeys serving the community.
Specialty awards went to Virginia Ali, co-founder and owner of Ben’s Chili Bowl; Linda Roth of Linda Roth Associates, Inc.; and Ruth Gresser, chef and owner of Pizzeria Paradiso.
Gresser also engaged the audience during a fireside chat led by Tommy McFly of NBC Washington.
“We are proud to recognize leaders like Ruth Gresser, Virginia Ali, and Linda Roth, who embody what it means to lead with purpose, passion, and a commitment to uplifting their communities,” Townsend expressed. “They aren’t just leaders; they’re legends. Their impact reaches beyond the plate — they’ve changed the way our region eats, gathers, and thrives.”
Though the event focused on honoring recipients, it also provided an opportunity for networking among industry professionals.
Mitchell Linton, CEO and co-founder of 3708 Spirits, a Black-owned distillery, shared his enthusiasm about connecting with other restaurant and bar owners as guests enjoyed samples of his spirits.
“We launched our first product, which is our 3708 Silver, at the end of 2023, and then we launched our 3708 Gold in June 2024,” Linton disclosed to The Informer.
“It’s great to be here because it’s such diverse individuals here with different stories and how they were able to grow their business within the food and beverage industry. And so it’s amazing to just connect and be in a room full of perseverance.”
The evening witnessed support from local officials, including D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (I-At-Large), chair of the Committee on Business and Economic Development, and Nina Albert, deputy mayor for planning and economic development, as they praised the resilience of the restaurant community.
Restaurant owners came together to commend their peers for their invaluable contributions to the booming service industry.
Ris Lacoste, chef and owner of Ris, expressed her deep appreciation for Roth, who was instrumental in her journey during the restaurant’s inception.
“Linda is a dear friend. I opened Ris 16 years ago; they were the kitchens; I ran the show, but I never created the stage. When I left 1789 in 2005, I decided to open my own restaurant. I wasn’t a kid anymore… she is one of those people that is just devoted to you. She’s devoted to all of us and she’s devoted to this industry,” Lacoste stated.
Roth, with over 45 years in public relations within the food and beverage industry, emphasized her authentic connection to the hospitality sector.
“I do not simply represent the food and beverage industry, but have become part of it, having an in-depth understanding of its nuances and a deep appreciation for the work,” Roth remarked,
drawing upon a significant moment when restaurateur Al Copeland hired her based on her understanding of the industry’s unique rhythms.
Additionally, Ali was presented with the prestigious 2025 John G. Laytham Executive Leadership and Impact Award for her more than 60 years of service to the District through Ben’s Chili Bowl.
At 92, Ali expressed her heartfelt gratitude, stating, “I am just proud and blessed and so grateful for the support that I’ve gotten for the last 67 years from not only our beautiful city, but the whole country.”
She recounted her surprise at the global reach of Ben’s Chili Bowl, co-founded with her husband, and the foundation that continues their legacy of community service.
Kamal Ali, co-owner of Ben’s Chili Bowl, highlighted their commitment to underserved communities through the Ben’s Chili Bowl Foundation, which they have upheld for 15 years.
“We’re all in the service industry, so we honor service tonight. But the service [my parents] went above and beyond for was particularly with the underprivileged,” he shared on behalf of the foundation.
In her acceptance speech, Gresser, honored with the Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award, shed light on important social issues within the restaurant industry.
She resonated with the experiences of immigrants who contribute significantly to the strong fabric of the District’s restaurant scene.
“When I opened my business… I had the great good fortune of being born into and surviving the 20th century because of my family’s migration to this country,” Gresser revealed, acknowledging how her family’s history intertwines with that of many immigrants who followed.
She emphasized the pivotal role these communities play, saying, “I would not be standing here and Pizzeria Paradiso would not exist as you know it if these two migrations had not happened.”
Throughout the celebrations, Ali and several other honorees underscored the term “hospitality” as a central theme of the evening.
Gresser articulated this sentiment, noting its significance across cultures and the necessity of kindness in social interactions.
“Today, as we face a deterioration in the level of hospitality in this country, I want to share my honor tonight with all the Paradisians from this and other lands with whom I have had the privilege to work — hospitality-focused Paradisians who push against that tide,” she reflected.
The second annual RAMMYS Honors showcased not only the rich heritage and contributions of individual restaurants but also the unwavering spirit of community and collaboration that fuels the DMV culinary landscape.
With heartfelt speeches, inspiring stories, and a vibrant atmosphere, the evening was a true testament to the love for hospitality and the resilience of those who forge their paths in the food and beverage industry.
image source from：washingtoninformer
