After 17 years in business, D.C. restaurant Sticky Rice is closing its doors, with owners citing a variety of factors including rising labor costs due to Initiative 82, which increased the minimum wage for tipped workers. The closure comes amidst a challenging time for the restaurant industry, with another popular spot, Brookland’s Finest Bar and Kitchen, also shutting down recently. Co-owner Tony Tomelden emphasized the need for city intervention to address the impacts of Initiative 82 on businesses and their employees. The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington has called for the repeal of I-82, expressing concerns about the potential loss of jobs as a result of increased labor costs. However, advocates for the initiative, like One Fair Wage, argue that it is benefiting workers and point to data showing a rise in restaurant employment post-implementation of the policy. The future of I-82 and its potential repeal remains uncertain as discussions continue about how best to support the restaurant industry in D.C. Amidst the closures and challenges faced by establishments like Sticky Rice and Brookland’s Finest, the broader impact of labor policies on the restaurant industry is a topic of ongoing debate, with stakeholders emphasizing the need to strike a balance between fair wages for workers and the viability of businesses.
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