We’re proud to announce A Seat at the Table: The Making of Busboys and Poets, the new memoir from our CEO and Founder, which reveals the vision, challenges, and triumphs behind opening Busboys and Poets.

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Packed with misadventures, unexpected triumphs, and insights on race, business and politics, Andy Shallal’s memoir takes us on a “How I Built This” journey.

Along the way, we get to savor the delicious cuisine and unique ethos for which Busboys and Poets has become famous.

Now available in stores. Picked up your signed copies at Busboys and Poets

 “Shallal’s is a singular story, told here with the focus on big ideas and love of community that have propelled him over the years.”
—Publishers Weekly

“Magnificent. It brought tears many times.”
—Alice Walker

“A fast-moving memoir…Read on and relish.”
—Ralph Nader

“A page turner from soup to nuts.”
—Medea Benjamin

PRESS FOR “A Seat at the Table”

WashingtonianBusboys and Poets Owner Andy Shallal on Mixing Politics and Business A new memoir reveals the restaurateur’s early years.

Publishers WeeklyBreaking Bread: PW Talks with Andy Shallal


Upcoming Appearances

The Making of Busboys and Poets

A Seat at the Table: The Making of Busboys and Poets

We’re proud to announce A Seat at the Table: The Making of Busboys and Poets, the new memoir from our CEO and Founder, which reveals the vision, challenges, and triumphs behind opening Busboys and Poets. Packed with misadventures, unexpected triumphs, and insights on race, business and politics, Andy Shallal’s memoir takes us on a “How I Built … Continued

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Speech given on February 1, 2024 in Havana, Cuba In 1927 Langston Hughes walked into a Cuba amid an emerging community of artists, intellectuals, and radicals.  He saw a “sunrise in a new land [– a day – in his words]sic – full of brownskin surprises, and hitherto unknown contacts in a world of color.”  … Continued

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Palestine Week 2024

January 18, 2024 – January 25, 2024 In keeping with our ongoing mission of uplifting racial and cultural connections, Busboys and Poets is hosting Palestine Week (January 18 through January 25, 2024). This week-long series of events will offer a diverse range of programming featuring Palestinian food, music, dance, poetry, discussions, and other enriching events. … Continued

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The Nepal Chronicles #5

Thursday, March 5, 2021… I have some time to kill before dinner tonight. So I venture into the narrow uneven streets of Thamel. The area is known for its shops carrying trinkets for budding Buddhists as well as trekking gear for hopeful trekkers. You can find a dream catcher or a meditation bowl or Tibetan … Continued

Busboys and Poets Book Review: Home.Girl.Hood.

Busboys and Poets Book Review: Home.Girl.Hood.

There are rare literary moments when you can truly see an author shine beyond what they have set for you on the page. A sort of kinesthesia takes place as the characters and their stories move in such a compelling way that all five of your senses can’t help but be engaged and feel truly … Continued