President Trump’s deployment of the National Guard and federal agents to Washington, D.C., last week, has apparently been bad for the city’s restaurant business.
According to new data from OpenTable, and analyzed by WUSA9, online reservations fell 16% year-over-year on the first day of the deployment, Aug. 11. By Aug. 13, reservations were down 31%. They recovered slightly by Aug. 16 — a Saturday — though remained down by 20% versus the same period in 2024.
OpenTable’s data doesn’t explicitly point to the federal takeover as the reason restaurant traffic declined materially last week, but the city is one of only two among the largest 20 cities tracked by the reservations platform to have experienced a decline in August versus last year. The other market experiencing declines is Las Vegas.
Prior to August, Washington, D.C., experienced 11 consecutive months of year-over-year growth in reservations.
Nation’s Restaurant News reached out to several Washington, D.C.-based restaurants and restaurant groups and none were willing to comment.
In a statement emailed to NRN, Shawn Townsend, president and CEO of the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, said this drop comes just as Summer Restaurant Week kicks off.
“This year, a record number of restaurants are participating — more than 380. This strong showing demonstrates the strength and resilience of the city’s dining scene. Restaurant Week has become more than just a promotion. It’s an essential boost for restaurants that continue to navigate the long recovery from the pandemic. The event draws diners back into restaurants and foot traffic back onto our streets during a traditionally slow time of year,” Townsend said.
He added that the RAMW is aware of the OpenTable data showing a decrease in reservations following the federal takeover last week, adding that members are concerned about “the perception this creates.”
“But we are cautiously optimistic that reservations will increase during Restaurant Week. Restaurants are not just places to eat — they are community anchors, economic drivers, and collectively, one of the largest employers in the district,” Townsend said. “When seats are empty, the impact is felt by everyone, from servers to cooks, and operators to suppliers.
“Washington, D.C., is safe and open for business. Restaurants are prepared and eager to serve diners, as our city’s leaders continue to keep public safety a top priority. Thanks to the leadership of Mayor Bowser, the D.C. Council, and the Metropolitan Police Department, violent crime is at a three-decade low. Federal action should build on our progress, not discourage people from going to work or going out to eat,” he added.
“That’s why this week matters, so we ask everyone to show their support … Coming out for Restaurant Week is how you can make a real impact on our city and show your confidence in the safety and vibrancy of our neighborhoods.”
Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]
