D.C. Restaurants Hope Obama's Arrival Will Boost Business

Washington, D.C., restaurateurs see hope for their businesses in this downward spiraling economy with the arrival of President-elect Barack Obama to the White House. Mr. Obama was photographed last week dining out at both Bobby Van’s Steakhouse and Ben’s Chilli Bowl. A presidential visit to any restaurant can instantly put the establishment on the map. “Mr. Obama’s status as a frequent restaurant-goer is some good news for the Washington dining establishment, which has lingered in the shadows of bigger cities like New York, Los Angeles and Chicago,” according to the New York Times.—QS