Busboys and Poets facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Busboys and Poets |
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View of Busboys and Poets' exterior seating
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| Restaurant information | |
| Established | September 7, 2005 |
| Current owner(s) | Anas "Andy" Shallal |
| Food type | American |
| Dress code | Casual |
| City | Washington, D.C. |
| Country | United States |
| Coordinates | 38°55′4.5″N 77°1′54″W / 38.917917°N 77.03167°W |
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Busboys and Poets is a special place in Washington, D.C.. It's a restaurant, a bookstore, a coffee shop, and a spot for events, all in one! It was started in 2005 by a person named Andy Shallal.
The very first Busboys and Poets opened at 14th & V in an area called the U Street Corridor. Today, there are seven locations in the Washington, D.C. area. These include spots in Shirlington, Virginia, Hyattsville, Maryland, and different neighborhoods in D.C. like Mount Vernon Triangle, Brookland, Takoma, and Anacostia. People often describe Busboys and Poets as a welcoming place for writers, thinkers, and performers. It's a spot where people who want to make positive changes in the world can gather and share ideas.
How Busboys and Poets Started
The first Busboys and Poets is very close to U Street. This area in Northwest Washington was once known as "Black Broadway." It was a famous place for African American culture and entertainment.
Andy Shallal wanted to make sure his new artistic space fit in with the history of U Street. Before opening, he talked with many community leaders, neighborhood groups, and schools. He wanted their support and ideas. Shallal even got a loan from Industrial Bank, which is a bank owned by African Americans.
The Meaning Behind the Name
The name "Busboys and Poets" has a cool story behind it. It's a tribute to the famous American poet Langston Hughes. Before he became a well-known poet, Langston Hughes actually worked as a busboy. He had this job at the Wardman Park Hotel in the 1930s. Andy Shallal thought of other names too, like Writers Block Cafe, but "Busboys and Poets" was the one that stuck.
The Peace in Struggle Wall
One of the most striking features at Busboys and Poets is a huge mural. It covers an entire wall and is called Peace in Struggle Wall. Andy Shallal himself painted this amazing artwork. The mural shows important figures from the Civil Rights Movement. You can see leaders like the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela. The mural also features powerful words from Langston Hughes: "Let America be America again / Let it be the dream it used to be." Shallal chose not to sign the mural. He says this allows him to make changes to it later if he wants.
