Pizza is, by nature, one of the most powerful and uniting forces on earth. A DC couple is leveraging that power with intention and social consciousness to serve their community even as they feed it. Randy Downs and Rick Bennett are bringing Protest Pizza-a pizzeria with purpose-to P Street this spring, reports local media outlet PoPville.
Signage is up at the restaurant’s upcoming 1633 P Street, NW home. Owners Rick and Randy spoke with What Now DC about their hopes and aspirations for the space, and what they hope to offer their community.
The partners in business and life explain that they’re partnered with DC Vegan in taking over the space. The pizza, however, will not be vegan; the partnership is specific to the space. However, Bennett and Downs intend to have a DC Vegan option available as homage to their neighbors.
Protest Pizza will be a fast-casual restaurant that invites visitors to grab a slice on the go or to enjoy a delicious piece of pizza while deepening a connection to the local community. As the name suggests, at its core Protest Pizza is about empowering its customers and creating a space where they can find like-minded neighbors. Randy explains that he comes from an activism and hospitality background and is enthusiastic about wedding the two worlds. He states: “In this neighborhood we have a lot of value-based people. We want to open not just a pizza shop but a place where people can gather.”
Protest Pizza is the perfect concept for this moment in time. Bennett and Downs want the space to be a resource at a time when many are feeling powerless and hopeless. They explain: “We want this to be a place where people can come and pick up protest and rally materials. We want pre-made signs, a sign-making kit, flags…we want to be a community hub because we really need to come together.”
Of course, the pair are invested in ensuring the food is delicious. Randy will be in charge of the kitchen and day-to-day operations. Future regulars can look forward to delicious pizza by the slice, frozen cocktails, and frozen yogurt.
This will be Downs’ and Bennett’s first endeavor as a couple, and they’re committed to making it a valuable contributor to the local community. Their established goal is to create “a space that is going to be a vibrant hub where anyone in the community can come together, fueling our diversity, supporting social change. Protest Pizza is where people can come and serve a greater purpose.”
While the restaurant will prioritize take-out, it will have space for dine-in. Protest Pizza will have seating for around 24, with a full occupancy cap at around 50.
The restaurant has moved pretty rapidly from concept to actualization. Downs and Bennett are hoping to capitalize on World Pride, with a soft opening to be held at the end of May. The restauranteers project holding a grand opening in 3 to 6 months.
Bennett and Downs are hoping to source locally as much as possible. The pair are admirably dedicated to their community and their first hospitality endeavor is very much a love letter to their neighborhood. They state their desire to: “Being local, being sustainable, bringing people together, that culmination of the community.”
Protest Pizza promises to use the power of one of America’s favorite foods to fuel positive change. Future customers can follow the pizzeria’s progress on its Instagram account, @protestpizzadc.
