Founding Farmers / Harvest Blog » Cool Stuff

Founding Farmers’ Dan Simons Receives George Washington University Business School Award

Jenn — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:34:50 +0000

A huge congratulations to Dan Simons, principal of VSAG and managing partner of the Farmers Restaurant Group, for being awarded the inaugural “Business Gives Back” Distinguished Alumni Award by the George Washington University School of Business. A 1992 graduate of the GWSB, Dan was recognized at a ceremony this past weekend celebrating the school’s commitment to teaching responsible business practices and empowering students to create positive social change.

Dan’s commitment to successfully incorporating sustainable practices into the Founding Farmers business model is forward-thinking and inspiring to his peers, Founding Farmers’ employees, and guests alike. His dedication to GW runs just as deep: last year he launched a five-year, $5,000 annual scholarship to a student in GW’s sustainability program, in order to encourage a new generation of responsible business leaders.

We’re proud of you, Dan!

Two Top 10s in One Week for Founding Farmers

Jenn — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:50:07 +0000

Wow! The year is only two weeks old and already it’s gotten off to an amazing start for Founding Farmers. This week, we’re proud to say, we’ve made two top 10 lists in the foodie blogosphere — and for different reasons. First, Food Republic put us on its “Power Ranking” list of 10 sustainable restaurants, noting just a few of our many eco-friendly design features. Then, Gourmet magazine and BlogHer named us among the 10 healthiest restaurants in the nation, with blogger Jessica of JessRuns mentioning our commitment to local and family farm ingredients.

We’re looking forward to the time when we can get on the road ourselves and trying out the other dining spots named in these two lists — they all sound amazing. Congratulations to everyone for their successful focus on sustainable food service, from ingredient sourcing to restaurant design.

Gourmet/BlogHer — Road Trip: Top 10 Healthy Restaurants

Food Republic — Power Ranking: 10 Sustainable Restaurants

2011 at Founding Farmers: Celebrity Quiz

Jenn — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 21:12:58 +0000

OK, Founding Farmers fans, it’s quiz time. This one is based on the many notables who enjoyed our Pennsylvania Avenue location in 2011, plus a question about our appearances in the reality TV camera spotlight. What’s at stake? The first person to answer all three questions correctly gets a $25 Be Our Guest Card good for either Founding Farmers location. Leave your responses in the comments below, as well as a Twitter handle or link to your Facebook page, so that we can let you know if you’ve won! Deadline: 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, January 31.

Ready? Here we go. Good luck!

(1) Which person on this list of celebrities and notable people did not dine at Founding Farmers in 2011?
• Mrs. Jill Biden
• Laurence Fishburne
• D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray
• Food Network Host/Chef Robert Irvine
• White House Chef Sam Kass
• George Washington University President Steven Knapp
• Lady Gaga
• Ryan & Tatum O’Neal
• Queen Latifa
• Teresa Scanlan, Miss America 2011
• Rep. Aaron Schock (R-IL)
• Jason Segel
• Martha Stewart
• Tennessee Titans Linebacker Will Witherspoon

(2) Which of the following reality TV shows did Founding Farmers or one of its staff not appear in?
• Food Network: Best Thing I Ever Ate
• OWN: Ryan and Tatum: The O’Neals
• Food Network: Meat & Potatoes
• Cooking Channel: Everyday Exotic

(3) How many times did Laurence Fishburne dine at Founding Farmers during Thurgood‘s three-week run at the Kennedy Center? Give us your best guess.

Potomac’s Founding Farmers Beef Burgoo Recipe

Jenn — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:48:34 +0000

Did you happen to catch Potomac’s Founding Farmers at the Bethesda Farmers Market on Sunday, December 18? We were showcasing our Kentucky Beef Burgoo recipe. In case you missed it, you can find a downloadable PDF of the recipe right here.

Happy cooking!

Win $30 for Brunch at Founding Farmers

Jenn — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:48:17 +0000

Who doesn’t love brunch — especially at a place recently voted to have D.C.’s best? Now you have a chance to win $30 to enjoy our stuffed French toast, chicken and waffles, or any of our other delicious selections. The website Delectabelle is holding a “12 Days of Christmas” giveaway, and $30 toward brunch is one of the offerings. What are you waiting for? Sign up today!

Muppets Movie Team Dines in D.C.

Jenn — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:58:11 +0000

Last night, following a White House screening of the just-released Muppets film for a group of military families, lead actor Jason Segel (that’s him at far left, next to Founding Farmers concept developer Dan Simons of VSAG), producer Todd Lieberman, and several Disney executives enjoyed dinner at our D.C. location. Unfortunately, Kermit and crew weren’t part of the entourage. Maybe next time!

Are you going to see The Muppets? We will. It looks like great fun for the family. If you’re a fan, check out Flavorpill’s roundup of their favorite moments from previous Muppet films.

UPDATE: Word has it the group enjoyed, among other things, Prosecco and cocktails, fried chicken and waffles, lobster mac ‘n’ cheese, Southern fried chicken salad, pork chop, milk shakes, cobblers, and pies. Also, Segel was kind enough to let fans in the restaurant (like our man Dan) take pictures, and he and his associates were extremely gracious to our staff. Thanks for stopping by!

Recent Celeb Sightings at Founding Farmers

Jenn — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:36:04 +0000

Washington, D.C., is the kind of place where both cultural and political celebrities can be found, and occasionally we’re lucky enough to have them stop by Founding Farmers — sometimes on the same night!

Last Thursday, Martha Stewart and five other women dined at our D.C. restaurant. What did the doyenne of domestic life enjoy for dinner? The Washington Post‘s Reliable Source column knows.

Rep. Aaron Schock (R-Ill.) also stopped by 1924 Pennsylvania Ave. on Nov. 17 to enjoy some wine and food with two companions, finishing off his meal with a slice of carrot cake, writes The Hill.

Did the two cross paths at Founding Farmers? That, alas, we don’t know.

Chef Joe Chats With Potomac Patch

Jenn — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:05:06 +0000

Today’s the big day: Our second location, Potomac’s Founding Farmers, is officially open for business! Earlier this week, Potomac Patch sat down with Farmers Restaurant Group Executive Chef Joe Goetze to learn more about the restaurant’s menu and his philosophy on food and cooking. Watch the video below.

FOUNDING FARMERS WINS “BEST COCKTAIL MENU” & “BEST BRUNCH” IN EXPRESS NIGHT OUT’S 2011 READER POLL

Jenn — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:27:26 +0000

Founding Farmers has won “Best Cocktail Menu” AND “Best Brunch” in Express Night Out‘s Best of 2011 reader poll. Many thanks to everyone who voted for us this year!

Founding Farmers’ Off-Menu Muffin in Urban Daddy

Jenn — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 21:12:31 +0000

If you’re a fan of Founding Farmers’ brunch, then we’ve got yet another reason for you to stop by on Sundays during the month of October: the 24K Jumbo Pumpkin Muffin. It’s an off-menu item that was featured in UrbanDaddy today. Don’t hesitate: this tasty treat for two, created by Executive Pastry Chef Courtney Goldian, won’t be around for long!