Exclusive: D.C. diners are staying in and spending less

Written By Christian Clansky

Axios | By Anna Spiegel |May 27, 2025

Why it matters: A record number of D.C. restaurants closed last year, and many say business conditions are bleak between rising costs and plummeting patronage, with no end in sight.

The big picture: The latest Consumer Price Index report in April revealed that restaurant prices continue to increase nationally — up 3.8% year-over-year — more than food-at-home costs (up 2% year-over-year), per Upside.

  • Upside's recent pulse survey of over 1,400 restaurant operators nationally shows that many plan to raise prices, even as they're worried about losing customers.

Christian Clansky
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