Photo credit: Courtesy of RAMW
“It was an honor to serve as President of RAMW and now I am doubly honored to receive the Duke Zeibert Award,” said Lynne Breaux. “This is truly the icing on the cake of a long and exhilarating career in my beloved restaurant industry.”
Breaux served as President since 2001 and stepped down in 2013 to pursue other professional avenues. Her tenure changed the restaurant scene into a vibrant and colorful landscape.
Chef Geoff, Mayor Vincent Gray and Lynne Breaux
Breaux received this year’s Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award named in honor of legendary Washington restaurateur Duke Zeibert and recognizes an individual whose hard work and outstanding initiative has increased the profile and success of the Metropolitan Washington restaurant community. The award was formally announced at The Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square on Monday, April 28 and will be presented at their Annual Gala in June.
“Lynne empowered restaurants and other members of Washington’s food service community to grow successful businesses,” said RAMW president and CEO, Kathy Hollinger. “Her considerable efforts shaped the voice of local restaurants, brought DC dining into the spotlight and redefined its place among other leading culinary cities.”
Kathy Hollinger, Chef Geoff and Lynne Breaux
The award was named after David George “Duke” Zeibert who was a Washington Institution in the 80’s. “Even the Matzo Balls Have Punch at Duke Zeibert’s, Where the D.C. Elite Meet to Eat,” screamed the title of a People Magazine article on March 24th, 1980 by then Bureau Chief Garry Clifford who was the ultimate person in the know. “The State Department ought to take lessons from me,” boasts Duke Zeibert. “I’ve settled more political, diplomatic and sports battles than you can imagine,” he was quoted as saying. “My best night,” Duke recalls, “was when Jimmy Hoffa was on one side of the room, George Meany on the other and J. Edgar Hoover right in the middle. You can’t plan something like that.” (PEOPLE)
Hollywood on the Potomac often dined there with Art Buchwald, Chuck Conconi and Larry King and can attest to the assortment of colorful players that paraded through the restaurant on a regular daily basis, including Tip O’Neill, then Speaker of the House, and Muhammed Ali, a great friend of King. “Duke’s pecking order places athletes above senators. When Vince Lombardi coached the Redskins, he was positioned where autograph seekers could get to him easily. Approached one day by a small boy, he signed a menu and handed it to the child. “I just wanted the catsup,” the boy said. (PEOPLE)
Mayor Vincent Gray
Mission Statement: The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) is the regional trade association representing restaurants and the foodservice 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 the training, education and support they need to grow a successful business.
