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!
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
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.
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!
December 5th, 2011
Tags:
brunch,
Founding Farmers Posted in
Cool Stuff |
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!
November 23rd, 2011
Tags:
Founding Farmers Posted in
Cool Stuff,
Names & Faces |
October 24 is National Food Day, and there’s no better destination for True Food & Drink than Founding Farmers, and everyone knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. All this week, through Friday, 10.28, when you visit for breakfast and mention that you saw this post, or the listing on the National Food Day website, you get coffee on us, or a small French Press for the table. Rise & Shine – celebrate all things good about good food
Small print: Offer good only at Founding Farmers flagship location in downtown Washington, DC, 1924 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, just three blocks from the White House. Valid Monday, October 24th – Friday, October 28th, 2011. Guest must mention or show Food Day participation email / website to the server to redeem.
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!
You know that Founding Farmers is committed to supporting the American Family Farmer. As part of that commitment, we’re taking part in the American Farmland Trust’s Dine Out for Farms — a national, weeklong event that brings together restaurants and consumers across the country to support a sustainable future for America’s farms. During the week of October 16-22, Founding Farmers and other participating restaurants will be educating diners about the importance of farms and raising funds to save the land that sustains us. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate delicious food and the farmers who grow it! Make your reservation today. And invite your friends to join you and help spread the AFT’s message: No Farms, No Food.
