THE RAMMYS AWARDS AND GALA EXPANDS TO THE WHARF - BRINGING DC’S MOST ANTICIPATED DINING CELEBRATION TO NEW HEIGHTS
WASHINGTON (Mar. 3, 2026) — The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) today announced that The RAMMYS Awards & Gala — the region's most prestigious recognition of culinary excellence — will step into a new era at The Wharf, Washington's thriving hospitality waterfront district.
For the first time, the Awards ceremony will be hosted at the iconic Arena Stage — cultivating a distinguished experience where honorees can celebrate with colleagues, family and industry pioneers — while a dynamically expanded post-awards celebration will invite revelers from all corners of the industry to The Anthem, one of the nation’s most exciting live music and events venues.
“This is a huge moment for our industry,” said Shawn Townsend, president and CEO of RAMW. “Bringing The RAMMYS to The Wharf not only allows us to celebrate on two of the most incredible stages in the Nation’s Capital, but also be surrounded by one of the most energetic hospitality scenes in the District. Arena Stage gives us the opportunity to create a more intimate, elevated ceremony that truly honors our finalists and winners. Then we head across the street to The Anthem to turn up the energy and shine a bright light on the people who power this industry. It’s bold, it’s thrilling and it reflects the historic heights our restaurant community has reached.”
The move marks a milestone for an awards program that has become the pinnacle of culinary recognition in the DMV, drawing rapidly growing crowds of chefs, restaurateurs, industry professionals, and food lovers who come together each year to celebrate the people and places that define Washington's world-class dining scene.
Tickets for the 2026 RAMMYS Awards & Gala go on sale today at www.TheRAMMYS.org.
In another first, RAMMYS Awards semi-finalists will also be announced publicly, offering broader recognition for the talented individuals and businesses shaping the region’s dining landscape — and providing a more transparent view of how culinary excellence is recognized.
During the announcement at the 2026 State of the Plate, RAMW revealed the five finalists for the Joan Hisaoka Allied Member of the Year Award, which honors a RAMW associate member who best exemplifies commitment to and support of the organization. This year’s finalists are:
Acme Paper & Supply Co.
Coca-Cola Consolidated
Events DC
Grossman Young & Hammond
Preferred Insurance
RAMW has also announced that Mayor Muriel Bowser will receive the 2026 Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award. She and other RAMMYS Honorees to be announced will be celebrated at The RAMMYS Honors Cocktail Reception on May 5, 2026, at The Watergate Hotel.
About Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW)
The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) is the regional trade association representing restaurants and the food service industry in the Washington, DC, Metropolitan Area. Established in 1920, RAMW is an advocate, resource and community for its members. The Association works to promote and sustain the growth and development of the industry while providing its members legislative and regulatory representation, marketing and small business support, programming and events. RAMW strives to serve its members with professionalism and integrity and provide them with the training, education and support they need to grow a successful business. For more information about RAMW, visit www.ramw.org.