While it's not quite the equivalent of "You'll Never Eat Lunch in this Town Again," the grassroots campaign "A Day Without Immigrants" does have its significance. On Thursday, foreign-born workers and supporters of all ethnic backgrounds will gather in solidarity to protest President Trump's policy towards immigrants. With over 2,000 restaurants in Washington, D.C., it will be interesting to see how many demonstrators will not go to work or go out and spend money.
News of the campaign had spread like wildfire by word of mouth and through social media, with organizers asking people to stand up for this cause by refusing going to work, or eat out and even keep their children out of school.
A melting pot of solidarity
Spanish-born chef Jose Andres will shut down his three Jaleo restaurants, along with his Zaytinya and Oyamel restaurants. Andres backed out of a 2015 agreement with Donald Trump to open a restaurant in Trump International Hotel after the then-GOP candidate referred to undocumented Mexican immigrants as rapists and criminals. The two men have since sued each other over the matter. Iraqi immigrant Andy Shallal will also close his Busboys and Poets restaurant chain in the metro area. Shallal also tweeted that he was proud to stand with his brothers and sisters in solidarity.
The resistance is still resisting
Although Colin McDonough is all for his staff at the Boundary Stone restaurant joining in the protest, he and a co-owner will keep the kitchen open and serve a restricted menu.
McDonough told the Washington Post that the menu will be limited because he and the co-owner are not as talented as the people who work in the kitchen, adding that those participating in the boycott will be paid. Nearly two dozen eateries are in the nation's capital are expected to have closed signs on their doors on Thursday. However, there is also the expectation that other cities will also see such boycotts take place or at least offer limited services at their eating establishments.
