As the government shutdown nears a month, today marks the first payday where furloughed federal workers will not receive a complete paycheck. To ease the strain, many businesses across the D.C area are stepping up discounts to all federal employees.
One of the largest efforts comes from Thompson Hospitality, which offers 20% off in more than 65 restaurants across the D.C–Maryland–Virginia region. Some of those establishments include Wiseguy Pizza, Matchbox, Markers Union and Milk and Honey.
“It was an easy choice for us,” said Alex Berentzen, chief of operations at Thompson Hospitality. “The government employees and federal workers have been very supportive to us. So it was only an easy choice for us to give back and to offer this amazing 20% discount.”
The economic effects of the government shutdown are spreading beyond federal buildings. Many local businesses are feeling these effects, especially restaurants right across government buildings.
Berentzen says his establishments have also felt it.
“We’ve seen quite a bit of government layoffs even before the shutdown, and a lot in Maryland as well,” said Berentzen. “So it has affected our business. But, we thought this was a great way to give back, and the government employees seem to appreciate it.”
The 20% discount applies to all Thompson Hospitality brands, and federal employees only need to present a valid government ID.
Other businesses are taking similar steps. Bars like Henceforth are offering 25% off and the National Spy Museum has extended 50% off admission to government employees.
With no end to the shutdown in sight, many of these restaurants will continue to offer discounts until the government reopens. Berentzen insists that this generosity is part of the fabric of this community.
“The city and the region have been challenged, not just by the shutdown, but by other events that have been taking place,” said Berentzen. “But we are resilient. D.C. is resilient. We just have to band together, and we have to do as much as we can to come out and show support.”
