The D.C. connoisseur meals truck scene — these heady days when a downtown park become a complicated meals bazaar providing lobster rolls, borscht, truffle mac n’ cheese and hazelnut flautas — is over.
Washington, D.C
Perspective | To survive in D.C., he eats thousands in fines to hawk $8 chicken.
“That is the one place it really works,” stated Mahmoud Awni, 25, who discovered a technique to hold his younger meals truck enterprise going after the pandemic. “However it’s not simple.”
And it’s not completely authorized, because of D.C. guidelines that created particular parking zones for meals vehicles downtown when that scene was on fireplace however haven’t tailored to assist folks attempting to serve the one remaining dependable clients — faculty tour teams in brightly coloured shirts and the convoys of tour bus drivers perplexed by our diagonal streets within the vacationer zones.
So Awni — who labored for years in eating places, saving cash to satisfy the dream of his personal meals truck — does what he has to do to get prime actual property: rack up tickets (about $20,000 a 12 months) securing a spot close to the vacationers.
It’s the identical for all of them. Each few days, you’ll see an entire row of colourful vehicles — the ice cream and boba fleet, the Philly cheesesteak guys, gyros, taco vehicles — all immobilized with these dreadful, orange boots on the wheels.
For Taha Mamdouh — often called Papa Adam on his meals truck — which means driving in from Loudoun County, Va., by 6 a.m. to swap his truck with the junk automobile he left to carry the primo house proper outdoors a museum in a single day.
He grew up working in eating places in Egypt after which in america. When he turned a father of three, the meals truck unshackled him from cruel restaurant hours and gave him extra freedom to be together with his household. But it surely’s costing him about $1,500 a month in parking charges.
As of Sunday, D.C. information present he owes $1,200 for 23 tickets he racked up previously two months.
That is how the federal government collects its cash when truck homeowners occupying the areas can’t pay up, besides them. They’ve additionally been towed.
I ran the plates of some vehicles parked a block from the Capitol.
One bobamobile had 30 citations coming in at $2,660.
A fried hen man owed $970.
An ice cream and smoothie van owed $1,675.
They pay this on prime of a meals truck merchandising license, which is round $2,000 yearly, together with varied well being division and automobile charges.
(I reached out to town for touch upon any plans for change however didn’t get solutions.)
In the meantime, Portland has a strong meals cart scene, the place “the flexibleness of town’s regulatory construction for small-scale meals companies makes it simpler for cooks to check new concepts and reply rapidly to the sudden, like a pandemic,” in line with Eater.
“We’re barely earning money,” stated Mohammad Ben, who has been working his Mediterranean meals truck for greater than a decade.
He tried to go downtown after the pandemic — it was lifeless.
That’s the identical factor Dylan Kough discovered, after he paid the $2,000 license payment, received all his paperwork so as and located one hungry soul to eat his beloved, award-winning Smoking Kow BBQ.
Kough made it work. He joined different meals vehicles that have been being rented by residential buildings or festivals. And he opened a brick-and-mortar place simply in time to journey the pandemic takeout wave.
This pivot by fireplace was the way in which the fittest within the meals trade managed to outlive the pandemic. Metropolis governments are having to do the identical as downtown tax income is cratering now that so many people are working from residence. D.C. is speaking about remodeling a few of that workplace house into residential buildings to reshape and survive.
Brandon Byrd, whose retro milk truck, Goodie’s, serving frozen custard (lately named amongst America’s prime 40 frozen treats), was a typical scene round city, had his eye on actual property from the start.
However he survived the pandemic stoop with the place he opened in Previous City Alexandria, in an previous ice home. “It’s been a labor of affection,” he stated. “I purchased it a 12 months earlier than the pandemic hit.”
Ben was amongst these distributors who didn’t have that capacity to increase. So he did what the remaining vehicles did — he adopted the folks.
About 32 million folks go to the Mall yearly, in line with the Nationwide Park Service. And anybody who has ever spent any time at our beloved monuments and museums is aware of the meals state of affairs sucks.
“We have been ravenous, and this was one of many few choices that was out there — because the cafeteria on the American Indian Museum wished to cost $16 for 4 items of shrimp,” stated a museum-goer named Christina, in a Yelp evaluation of Papa Adam’s Scorching Spot Fried Hen truck, the place she purchased a less expensive sandwich as an alternative.
Past the regional however dear showcase of meals on the Museum of the American Indian and the Nationwide Museum of African American Historical past and Tradition — comparatively new additions to the realm — the opposite museum cafeterias are breathtakingly costly and uninspiring. Some reviewer highlights:
“Costs are wildly excessive.”
“EXPENSIVE EXPENSIVE & EXPENSIVE”
“The alternatives listed here are very restricted and fairly unhealthy.”
“This place is a absolute rip-off.”
It’s an space screaming for fascinating, reasonably priced and versatile meals choices. Supporting meals vehicles — a market with decrease start-up prices than brick-and-mortars, which permits for higher range in possession — ought to’ve been a no brainer.
Mall entry has lengthy been an elusive dream for meals vehicles, stated Doug Povich, former head of the D.C. Meals Truck Affiliation, which died off throughout the pandemic.
However that is D.C. And so in fact lobbying for entry was a bureaucratic nightmare.
As a result of D.C. owned the streets, the Nationwide Park Service owned the sidewalks, and concessions contracts with these $18 hen finger cafes within the museums tied everybody’s fingers.
The connoisseur vehicles thriving downtown laid off the argument. Enterprise was good. Now, it’s gone. Povich, as soon as the Lobster grasp of D.C., now works as a authorities lawyer after the celebrated Crimson Hook Lobster Pound truck shuttered.
The remaining distributors say they’ll do what it takes to maintain going.
Awni stated they’ve fashioned their very own, casual community.
“We all know one another. We name once they begin towing,” he stated. “Or we assist with areas, negotiate with one another for good spots. We’re like a household.”
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) – With Inauguration Day just around the corner, we spoke to an Evansville native who’s in Washington D.C. hoping to attend the event.
Evansville native Mike Boatman is a member of the Front Row Joes, a group that follows Donald Trump across the country. He arrived in Washington D.C. Friday morning.
He says he picked up his Inauguration tickets and was told they may not be valid.
Boatman says he was sad to hear the news that the inauguration would be moved inside the capitol and closed to the public.
He says he’s keeping a positive attitude about the sudden change in plans and says he’s happy to keep the ticket as a souvenir.
Boatman says he’ll now watch the inauguration from a jumbotron at capitol one arena and trying to be understanding of the situation.
“I’m disappointed because it’s my first one, but I mean, if it’s for safety reasons because of the cold or maybe because of security or threats, I don’t know, but I’m disappointed, but we need to do the right thing,” said Boatman.
Boatman says he can see a lot of fencing and barriers set up around the capitol building, although he says he’s not feeling concerned about security or his safety.
He’s looking forward now to going to Trump’s victory rally on Sunday and he predicts it’ll be the biggest one yet.
Copyright 2025 WFIE. All rights reserved.
Inauguration of Ronald Reagan, 1985, which had to be moved into the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol due to extreme cold.
(Architect of the Capitol photo courtesy of the Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division)
- The presidential inauguration ceremony will take place on what could be the coldest inauguration day since 1985.
- The forecast high for Washington, D.C., is in the upper teens to low 20s.
- It is likely that Donald Trump will be inaugurated indoors due to the cold.
- The high on Inauguration Day has only been below freezing once since 1985, in 2009.
The 2025 United States Presidential Inauguration is now more likely to be moved indoors due to the coldest weather for an inauguration in 40 years for Washington, D.C., with a high in the upper teens to low 20s.
This will be the first inauguration to be held indoors in 40 years. The record for the coldest January inauguration is currently held by the second inauguration of Ronald Reagan in 1985, when the temperature at noon for the swearing-in ceremony was only 7 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
The weather for this year’s inauguration is forecast to somewhat mimic that of 1985, which took place on Jan. 21. The high temperature that day was 17 degrees, with sunny skies and afternoon wind chills in the minus 10 to minus 20-degree range. The parade was ultimately canceled, and the swearing-in ceremony had to be held indoors.
The Rotunda is prepared as the inclement weather alternative for each inauguration in the event of inclement weather, according to the Associated Press.
The 2025 Inauguration will be similarly sunny, with wind chills in the lower teens or single digits and winds gusting up to 35 mph in the afternoon. During the ceremony, the temperature will hover in the lower 20s.
Alternate plans are required for the more roughly 250,000 guests ticketed to view the inauguration from around the Capitol grounds and the tens of thousands more expected to be in general admission areas or to line the inaugural parade route from the Capitol to the White House.
Trump said some supporters would be able to watch the ceremony from Washington’s Capital One area on Monday, a day after he plans to hold a rally there. He said he would visit the arena after his swearing-in.
The current forecast high for Inauguration Day is only a couple of degrees above the current record for coldest afternoon high on Jan. 20, though it would break the record for the coldest Inauguration to take place on that date.
Only one other year had a sub-freezing high on inauguration day: Barack Obama’s first inauguration in 2009.
The warmest January Inauguration Day took place in 1981 for Ronald Reagan’s first inauguration, meaning Reagan’s two inaugurations hold the record for the warmest and coldest January Inauguration.
Warmer inaugurations have happened though: Before the 20th Amendment was enacted, Inauguration Day traditionally took place on March 4, which has an average high of 50.2 degrees. Jan. 20 has a cooler average high of 42.9 degrees.
The all-time record high for a U.S. presidential inauguration was set in August 1974 with the Inauguration of Gerald Ford with a high of 83 degrees, though that was a non-traditional inauguration date prompted by the resignation of Richard Nixon.
Here’s a look at some other notable inauguration day weather.
Snowiest Inauguration: William Taft, 1909
On the day of William H. Taft’s 1909 inauguration, nearly 10 inches of snow fell, setting the record for inauguration day. The snow and wind began the day before, with strong winds toppling trees and telephone poles. Trains were stalled and city streets clogged. All activity was brought to a standstill. Sanitation workers shoveled sand and snow through half the night. It took 6,000 men and 500 wagons to clear 58,000 tons of snow and slush from the parade route.
Inauguration of William H. Taft, 1909
(Library of Congress)
Fun fact: Historically speaking, there is approximately a 30% chance of snow on the ground in Washington, D.C., from a previous system for the date Jan. 20.
Worst Inauguration Day Travel: JFK, 1961
On the eve of John F. Kennedy’s inauguration in 1961, 8 inches of snow fell causing the most crippling traffic jam of its time. Hundreds of cars were stranded and abandoned. The president-elect had to cancel dinner plans and, in a struggle to keep other commitments, is reported to have had only 4 hours of sleep. Former President Herbert Hoover was unable to fly into Washington National Airport because of the weather and missed the swearing-in ceremony. By sunrise, the snowfall had ended and the skies cleared but the day remained bitterly cold.
An army of men worked all night to clear Pennsylvania Avenue, and despite the cold, a large crowd turned out for the swearing-in ceremony and inaugural parade. At noon, the temperature was only 22 degrees with the wind blowing from the northwest at 19 mph making it feel like the temperature was just 7 degrees.
Fatal Inaugurations: William Henry Harrison, 1841, and Franklin Pierce, 1853
The weather has caused two inaugurations to have fatal implications, and the most historically significant fatality was that of William Henry Harrison in 1841. Harrison decided to brave the elements and deliver the longest inauguration speech ever, an oration lasting an hour, and 40 minutes.
It was a cloudy, cold and blustery day, and the National Weather Service has estimated the temperature at noon to be approximately 48 degrees.
Harrison, who wore neither hat nor overcoat, also rode a horse to and from the Capitol ceremony. He subsequently caught a cold that developed into pneumonia. Harrison died a month later.
Inauguration of President Franklin Pierce, 1853
(Library of Congress)
The second inauguration with a fatal effect was that of Franklin Pierce in 1853. The morning of the inauguration, there was heavy snow that continued until about half an hour before the ceremony. Skies looked to be brightening by noon, but the snow resumed shortly after Pierce took the oath of office.
The heavy snow dispersed much of the crowd and ruined plans for the parade. Abigail Fillmore, first lady to the outgoing President Millard Fillmore, sat on the cold, wet, exposed platform during Pierce’s swearing-in ceremony. She caught a cold that developed into pneumonia and died at the end of the month.
Rainiest Inauguration: Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1937
The first inauguration to be held on Jan. 20 – Franklin D. Roosevelt’s second inauguration in 1937 – also set the record for the heaviest rain on inauguration day. The day was cold and rainy, with sleet and freezing rain in the morning. Between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., a period that includes the swearing-in ceremony, nearly three-quarters of an inch of rain fell.
Inauguration of Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1937
(Library of Congress)
Roosevelt insisted on riding back to the White House in an open car with half an inch of water on the floor. Total rainfall for the day was 1.77 inches, which remains the rainfall record for Jan. 20.
First Outdoor Oath: James Monroe, 1817
The first seven inauguration ceremonies from 1789 to 1813 were conducted indoors, making James Monroe’s 1817 inauguration the first that was held outdoors in the weather. Luckily, it was warm and sunny that day, with an estimated temperature at noon of 50 degrees.
Sara Tonks is a content meteorologist with weather.com and has a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Georgia Tech in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences along with a master’s degree from Unity Environmental University in Marine Science.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A new chapter begins as The Southern Group takes its trusted advocacy model to the heart of the nation’s capital and launches TSG Advocates, a new federal lobbying practice.
With a deep-rooted presence across the Southeast, The Southern Group is now making its mark in Washington, D.C. The firm’s latest expansion, led by seasoned political experts Daniel Diaz-Balart and Chase Kroll, brings a dedicated federal lobbying arm. TSG Advocates combines its subject-matter expertise with a broad national network to offer a unique, relationship-driven approach to federal advocacy.
This move marks the next step in a 25-year journey for The Southern Group, as it transitions from its Florida roots to becoming a national influence network.
Diaz-Balart and Kroll are two distinguished government-relations professionals with a wealth of experience spanning foreign affairs, political strategy and policy advocacy. Their combined expertise in industries like defense, energy, health care, tax and financial services positions TSG Advocates to stand out as a trusted advocate for businesses navigating the complex federal landscape.
“Businesses will need strong representation in D.C. to take advantage of unprecedented opportunities in the coming years,” said Diaz-Balart, founding member of TSG Advocates. “With TSG Advocates’ connections in Florida and on the ground in Washington, D.C., I can’t think of a firm better positioned to help clients capture those opportunities.”
TSG Advocates’ launch is part of The Southern Group’s strategy to broaden its footprint at the federal level. With many prominent Florida leaders stepping into key roles in the new administration, the firm is poised to leverage its robust network and longstanding relationships in Florida to influence policy at the national stage.
“We’re building our federal practice with an eye on success over the next century, not just the next administration,” said TSG Senior Managing Partner for Growth, Rachel Cone. “Having well-connected leaders like Daniel and Chase at the helm in D.C. ensures we’re positioned to deliver high-level results for our clients over the long-term.”
Diaz-Balart’s career has spanned foreign policy, defense contracting, and governmental affairs, all while leading his own legal practice in south Florida. With years of experience advocating for foreign governments like Taiwan and the Dominican Republic, Daniel has played a critical role in policy strategy across multiple sectors, including space exploration, defense, and more.
“Daniel is an effective and knowledgeable advocate who couples his approach with an infectious optimism,” said U.S. Rep. Carlos Giménez of Florida. “He stands out for his professionalism and is a true pleasure to work with.”
Kroll, an accomplished political strategist with more than 14 years of experience in federal policy and international relations, also joins TSG Advocates. With a background in digital media, communications and traditional lobbying, Kroll’s expertise lies in crafting effective, multifaceted campaigns that combine strategic political insight with innovative outreach tactics.
“Chase is an exceptional advocate and strategist, bridging the gap between policy goals and legislative realities,” said Norm Coleman, former U.S. Senator from Minnesota, Chair of the Congressional Leadership Fund Super PAC, and Senior Counsel at Hogan Lovells. “Chase’s knowledge of Washington, his knack for building bipartisan relationships, and his commitment to delivering client results make him a tremendous asset to TSG Advocates.”
His lobbying experience on behalf of defense contractors, municipal clients, and foreign governments — including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — further strengthens TSG Advocates’ capabilities.
TSG Advocates will continue to grow in the coming months, adding to the firm’s federal influence. The firm plans to hire additional subject-matter experts in emerging industries such as artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency.
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