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Record number of restaurants closed in DC in 2025, data shows
Record number of restaurants closed in DC in 2025, data shows
By Homa Bash | Published December 19, 2025 7:17pm EST | News | FOX 5 DC |
{snip video}
Record number of restaurants closed in DC in 2025, data shows
New data shows that 2025 was a record year for restaurant closures in the District. The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) reports 92 restaurants closed their doors this year, compared to 73 closures in 2024 and 48 in 2022.
The Brief
• A record number of restaurants closed in the District this year, according to data from the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington.
• Restaurant owners point to many factors, including federal layoffs, the federal takeover of DC, the government shutdown, Initiative 82, rising rents and food costs.
• According to RAMW, restaurant owners also said ICE raids played a major role this year.
WASHINGTON - New data shows that 2025 was a record year for restaurant closures in the District.
The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) reports 92 restaurants closed their doors this year, compared to 73 closures in 2024 and 48 in 2022.
Big picture view: As for what's driving it, restaurant owners point to many factors — from federal layoffs in the spring to the federal takeover in August, then the government shutdown in the fall, plus rising wages with Initiative 82, alongside rising rents and food costs. ... But uncertainty has been one of the most pressing problems.
Diane Gross is the RAMW Chair and co-owner of Cork Wine Bar, which she started with her husband 17 years ago. ... She said they have definitely experienced a slowdown in business, and seen a change in diner's behavior. ... "They're spending less per person, whether it's one less drink or ordering less food. They're just spending less," Gross explained.
Gross said the federal takeover also seemed to have a chilling effect on people eating out. ... "People were less likely to come out. They were a little nervous about coming into the city, maybe. And I think people either stayed home or went out to our neighbors in Maryland, in Virginia, who we love, but we also want people to come into to the District and dine out," Gross said.
{snip}
By Homa Bash | Published December 19, 2025 7:17pm EST | News | FOX 5 DC |
{snip video}
Record number of restaurants closed in DC in 2025, data shows
New data shows that 2025 was a record year for restaurant closures in the District. The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) reports 92 restaurants closed their doors this year, compared to 73 closures in 2024 and 48 in 2022.
The Brief
• A record number of restaurants closed in the District this year, according to data from the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington.
• Restaurant owners point to many factors, including federal layoffs, the federal takeover of DC, the government shutdown, Initiative 82, rising rents and food costs.
• According to RAMW, restaurant owners also said ICE raids played a major role this year.
WASHINGTON - New data shows that 2025 was a record year for restaurant closures in the District.
The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) reports 92 restaurants closed their doors this year, compared to 73 closures in 2024 and 48 in 2022.
Big picture view: As for what's driving it, restaurant owners point to many factors — from federal layoffs in the spring to the federal takeover in August, then the government shutdown in the fall, plus rising wages with Initiative 82, alongside rising rents and food costs. ... But uncertainty has been one of the most pressing problems.
Diane Gross is the RAMW Chair and co-owner of Cork Wine Bar, which she started with her husband 17 years ago. ... She said they have definitely experienced a slowdown in business, and seen a change in diner's behavior. ... "They're spending less per person, whether it's one less drink or ordering less food. They're just spending less," Gross explained.
Gross said the federal takeover also seemed to have a chilling effect on people eating out. ... "People were less likely to come out. They were a little nervous about coming into the city, maybe. And I think people either stayed home or went out to our neighbors in Maryland, in Virginia, who we love, but we also want people to come into to the District and dine out," Gross said.
{snip}