RAMW ANNOUNCES MAYOR MURIEL BOWSER AS THE 2026 DUKE ZEIBERT CAPITAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD HONOREE

The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington is proud to announce Muriel Bowser as the recipient of the 2026 Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award.

A steadfast champion of D.C.’s restaurant and small business community, Mayor Bowser’s leadership has helped expand opportunity, strengthen neighborhoods, and support the industry that powers our city.

She will be honored this May at The RAMMYS Honors Cocktail Reception at the historic Watergate Hotel, an evening celebrating the leaders, visionaries, and change makers shaping the region’s dining community.

As we gather during International Women’s Month, we’re also proud to recognize and celebrate the many women whose talent, leadership, and influence continue to help shape and strengthen our hospitality industry.

The celebration leads up to the 44th Annual The RAMMYS Awards & Gala on June 29, 2026, honoring the people and places that make the DMV dining scene thrive.

The RAMMYS Honors Cocktail Reception will be held at The Watergate Hotel on May 5, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. More Honorees will be announced soon. Tickets, reserved tables, and sponsorships available. View the full press release.

#RAMMYS26

Dust off your black-tie best and get ready to toast the finest in DMV hospitality. The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) is thrilled to announce that the 44th Annual RAMMY Awards Gala will take place on Monday, June 29, 2026.

As the region’s premier celebration of culinary excellence, The RAMMYS honor the hard-working individuals and visionary teams across DC, Maryland, and Virginia who keep our dining scene world-class. From the creative talent in the kitchen to the dedicated professionals on the floor, this is the night the industry comes together to celebrate its own.

What’s New for 2026?

Change is on the menu! We are shaking things up for the 44th edition with a brand-new venue and an evolved format designed to keep the energy high and the celebrations flowing. Stay tuned—we’ll be pulling back the curtain on these exciting updates very soon.

The Road to the RAMMYS: Key Dates

The celebration starts long before the final envelope is opened. Mark your calendars for these upcoming milestones:

• February 1: Nominations officially closed. (A huge thank you to everyone who submitted!)

• March 4: Tickets officially go on sale. Secure your spot early!

• April 6: The Finalist Announcement. Join us at our exclusive live event to see who makes the short list.

• May TBD: The RAMMYS Honors. A dedicated moment to celebrate our special distinction awardees and honorary milestones before the big night.

• June 29: The 44th Annual RAMMY Awards Gala. "The RAMMYS is more than just an awards ceremony; it’s a testament to the resilience and creativity of our incredible restaurant community. We can't wait to welcome you to a fresh, elevated experience this June."

For the latest updates and gala news, keep an eye here and follow us on social media!