Marketing

&pizza president after DC melee: 'There's a lot to process'

The melee in the U.S. Capital Wednesday touched everyone, particularly businesses like &pizza that are based in Washington, D.C.

Photo: File

January 7, 2021 by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

"Be kind to your teams today (and always). Have grace — there's a lot to process."

Those were the words this morning of Washington, D.C.-based &pizza President Andy Hooper via LinkedIn to fellow restaurateurs and business people after the melee in that city yesterday, when supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol Building.

Never a brand to shy away from political discourse, &pizza weighed in early through its leaders' online thoughts, which called for the brand's trademark mission statements — unity — in the nation today. It was spawned by Capitol Hill rioting that erupted after a mid-day speech from outgoing U.S. President Donald Trump to supporters gathered in the city, which many media and political leaders said ignited the violence, which left four people dead and the Capitol ransacked.

As a politically active, D.C.-based pizza brand, &pizza's leadership was almost guaranteed to speak out after the events. Hooper used yesterday's insurrection to call for a renewed push by people, businesses and legislators to move toward a spirit of cooperation.

"D.C. residents, many of whom are &pizza family members and guests, endured a coup in their own neighborhood, went under curfew at 6PM, and feared for their personal safety and even their lives. In cruel irony, none have any representation in the very Congress that was attacked.

"&pizza was born here. The '&' came long before the pizza. It's a symbol of UNITY. A promise that in an increasingly divided world, it would be a badge for those brave enough to choose different. A response to the current state to purposefully reinvent the pizza shop to offer high-quality, value-driven pies under a scalable, socially-conscious umbrella. A foundation and a roadmap for others on how to both do good AND do well."

After Hooper's LinkedIn posting, the National Restaurant Association weighed in on yesterday's occurrences, this morning, reflecting a similar tone of cooperation.

"Americans from all walks of life are saddened at the disorder and violence in our nation's capital amidst what is the most sacred tradition of our democracy — the peaceful transition of power. Throughout history, restaurants have been places where people have gathered around the table to share a meal and peacefully engage in civil discourse," said NRA President and CEO Tom Bené in an email. "As the nation's second-largest, private sector employer, operating in every community across the country, we cherish that legacy. In the weeks and months to come, we look forward to working together with Congress and the White House to advance our nation's recovery by addressing the devastating issues facing our industry and this country."

When contacted after his post on LinkedIn today by Pizza Marketplace, Hooper also gave a peak behind the curtain at how yesterday's events affected business at the chain's stores around the Capitol Building.

"Their behavior, incited by the selfish grandstanding of a sad man's injured pride, has a clear effect on the operations of the entire city (and country), let alone our restaurants," Hooper told us in an email. "But for restaurants generally, specifically struggling independent restaurants here in DC, it's heart-breaking as many are within inches of going out of business forever, and they need every opportunity they can get to keep their doors open, employ essential workers, and maintain the economic viability of their neighborhoods and communities."

Pizza Marketplace is speaking with other leaders in the industry and will update this story as the day goes on.

About S.A. Whitehead

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Pizza Marketplace and QSRweb editor Shelly Whitehead is a former newspaper and TV reporter with an affinity for telling stories about the people and innovative thinking behind great brands.