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WASHINGTON - Dozens of restaurants in Washington D.C. have closed their doors amid high rent costs and surging crime, with one business owner admitting he is tired of staff and customers being threatened, robbed and carjacked.
According to the Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Association, 52 restaurants in D.C. have shuttered in 2023.
The nation's capital is grappling with an escalating crime surge, having surpassed a 20-year record-high in homicides with 261 murders as of Dec. 14, according to Metropolitan Police Department data. Robberies are also skyrocketing, increasing 69% year-to-date, while theft is up 24%.
Crime concerns in DC prompt restaurant departures
After a tough year for D.C. restaurants in 2022, the new year isn't off to a great start with several local owners ringing the alarm bell on social media and one chain deciding to leave the District entirely.
Additionally, motor vehicle theft is up 84% and violent crime increased 39% year-over-year.
REX Management CEO Noe Landini, who recently closed his Washington, D.C. restaurant, told "Fox & Friends" Friday that marked police cruisers and ambulances have been carjacked.
"We had an American Red Cross van that was supposed to feed the homeless the other day get carjacked. I mean, it's out of control," he said.
Brine Oyster & Seafood House bows out of DC dining scene due to crime and costs
Two business owners have announced their decision to close their restaurants at two D.C. locations, citing both costs and concerns over crime.
Landini and his colleagues chose not to renew their restaurant lease, claiming it did not make sense from an investment standpoint. He also questioned city leadership and their response to crime.
"What's the long game here? Like, what is the long game for mayors in D.C. or in New York to, like, completely destroy their city and not provide the resources that we need to conduct business?" Landini asked.
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DC business owners forced to close two restaurants citing crime, costs
Two business owners have announced their decision to close their restaurants at two D.C. locations citing both costs and concerns over crime.
Instead of renewing the lease, Landini plans to take his business across the river to Virginia, citing "extremely aggressive and uncomfortable" experiences with panhandlers.
"It's a 15-minute drive, and you have a better, safer experience. Employees are safer. Customers don't have to deal with the things that they have to deal with downtown right now," he added.
Landini also claimed that the city has not recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic and police have not been able to do their job. This, in turn, has led to business owners being afraid to do their own jobs.
Check out the interview below:
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