These are trying times for people and local, small businesses across the globe. Instead of boarding up our windows after an unfortunate act of vandalism, we’ve responded by spreading messages of optimism and hope by hiring local artists to #PaintTheStorefronts. All of our seven locations are painted, and we are spreading the movement; already we’ve painted uplifting messages on José Andres’ restaurants and a Yoga studio in Takoma.

We continue to be open at 14th & V, 450K, Shirlington, Hyattsville and Anacostica locations, employing as many as we can. Thank you to our community for the continuous support <3

Screen Shot 2020 04 11 at 1.59.13 PM
14th & V Busboys and Poets
Screen Shot 2020 04 11 at 1.58.47 PM
Hyattsville
Screen Shot 2020 04 11 at 1.59.22 PM
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

PHOTO 2024 02 01 07 10 14

For Langston Hughes on His 123 Birthday

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

PALESTINE WEEK 1920 x 1080 px 2

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

Congressman Jamie Raskin on “The Takeout” in Takoma

Congressman Jamie Raskin on “The Takeout” in Takoma

Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin joined CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett at Busboys and Poets in Takoma to talk about impeachment hearings on Capitol Hill, his role on the House Judiciary Committee and whistleblowers on this week’s episode of “The Takeout.” Air Date: Nov 15, 2019 Watch: https://www.cbs.com/shows/the-takeout/video/e2CSBYC8B5kwVVvapreFLu4MUNLRZl3_/maryland-congressman-jamie-raskin-on-the-takeout-11-15-19/

BlackLivesMatter2

Black Lives Matter

We at Busboys and Poets are distressed at the senseless violence against Black men, women, children, and Black people of all genders that has become all too commonplace in this country. Not a day goes by that we don’t see a video, a Tweet or a Facebook post of a Black person facing assault or … Continued

SPPC Header11

The Ward 8 World’s Greatest Sweet Potato Pie Contest

The Ward 8 World’s Greatest Sweet Potato Pie Contest at Busboys and Poets Anacostia encourages Ward 8 residents to share their amazing baking skills and tasty treats with the community and Busboys and Poets tribe. Each entrant will receive a $50 Busboys and Poets Giftcard 10 Semi-finalists will receive a $100 Cash Prize  5 Finalists will receive a $250 Cash Prize The grand prize winner will receive a $1000 cash prize and … Continued