D.C. Maggiano’s Apologizes After Hosting White Nationalist Dinner, Plus More Intel

Yes, this actually happened

Scary stuff: Maggiano’s in Chevy Chase says it inadvertently hosted a dinner for white nationalists, an event that resulted in social media photos that included “celebrities” like Tila Tequila giving a “Sieg Heil” salute. Maggiano’s issued an apology following the incident, saying the group reserved their table under a different name. “We want to sincerely apologize to the community of Friendship Heights for inadvertently hosting this meeting, which resulted in hateful sentiment.”

They’re donating sales from the event to D.C.’s anti-defamation league. The restaurant was forced to temporarily close after protesters stormed the restaurant. The white nationalist National Policy Institute held a conference in D.C. the day of the dinner that drew continued protests and some violence. Here’s more on Eater.com. [WCP, E, FB]

The Shutter

Longtime affordable carryout Louis’ Restaurant is closing in Ivy City. But the owner is almost surprisingly optimistic about the changes in the developing neighborhood. “If I made it in Ivy City, I know I can make it anywhere else,” said Jose Luis Guzman. [WaPo]

In other shutter news, Borderstan reports K Street club Shadow Room will close later this month. [Borderstan]

Comet Ping Pong’s harassment continues

The New York Times picks up the “Pizzagate” story surrounding Comet Ping Pong, which has found itself plagued by an alt-right conspiracy theory that the restaurant is the center of some sort of Clinton-affiliated pedophiliac sex ring (the NYT hed: “Fact Check: This Pizzeria Is Not a Child-Trafficking Site”). The newest story notes that the owner has even contacted the FBI as a result of the harassment, which has led to hundreds of threatening messages and fake news stories. Local police are monitoring the situation. [NYT]