clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

The Recession According To Robert Wiedmaier's Empire

New, 1 comment

If you buy something from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Things are looking up for DC restaurants, at least according to local empire-building chef Robert Wiedmaier. While US News & World Report predicted yesterday that restaurants will be one of 10 industries to hire most in 2011, today the City Paper provides some anecdotal evidence of the rebound.

In a Q&A, Wiedmaier offers up Brasserie Beck and its average check amount fluctuation as a metric of economic progress: Upon opening, Beck was pulling in about $75 per person, a number that dipped to $51 during the peak of the recession. Now the check amounts are back up to about $68 per person. Not too shabby!

An interesting side note: Wiedmaier says the upscale Marcel's (average check: $128) was never affected by the recession and, in fact, saw a steady rise.

· Q&A: Robert Wiedmaier on Rebounding Restaurants and No-Reservation Policies [WCP]
· 10 Industries That Will Hire Most In 2011 [USNews]

Brasserie Beck [Photo: Martin B./Yelp]

Brasserie Beck

1101 K Street Northwest, , DC 20005 (202) 408-1717 Visit Website

Mussel Bar by RW

7262 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20815 301 215 7817 Visit Website

Brasserie Beck

1101 K Street, NW, Washington, DC