Tuesday, April 10, 2018

RAMW Announces 2018 Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award Recipient

Daniel Coleman (Photo: The Dubliner)

From our friends at Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington...

Founder of The Dubliner Daniel Coleman Is Honored at the RAMMYS Capital Achievement Reception

Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) is thrilled to announce restaurant founder and publican Daniel Coleman will be honored with the 2018 Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award at a reception on Monday, April 30 at 5 PM. This is one of the twenty-one awards presented during the RAMMY Awards season and is named in honor of legendary Washington restaurateur Duke Zeibert. The honor is determined by RAMW’s Executive Committee and recognizes an individual whose hard work and outstanding initiative has increased the profile and success of the metropolitan Washington foodservice community and dining landscape.

Coleman opened his restaurant The Dubliner on March 8, 1974, in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, DC. Now in its 44th year, The Dubliner stands as an icon of Irish culture and tradition in America. Coleman has spent nearly his entire life in the service industry. He moved to DC from Baltimore in 1965 after serving in the military. It was then that he got his start in the metropolitan Washington hospitality industry - waiting tables, bar-backing, bartending, and so much more. While tending bar, he heard of an available space beneath the Commodore Hotel and shortly thereafter The Dubliner was born. Seven years later, Coleman purchased the adjoining hotel and rebranded it to the Phoenix Park Hotel, which continues to welcome guests from around the world today.


Coleman’s influence in DC stretches far beyond the doors of the restaurant. He played an integral role in the rebuilding of the Capitol Hill neighborhood by pushing for the renovations of Union Station through his contacts at different city councils and boards. Coleman has also helped positively shape his community by supporting neighborhood shelters and halfway homes, as well as several local organizations that promote Irish culture and heritage. As The Dubliner flourished, so did the neighborhood. The consistent level of quality and service at the pub has kept patrons coming back. For 44 years, diners of The Dubliner have known that they can hear live Irish music every night of the week, enjoy an authentic meal, and a premium glass of whiskey from Coleman’s curated collection.

Thirty-six restaurants, largely Irish pubs, have opened from Coleman’s alumni, including Irish Times right next door, James Joyce in Baltimore, as well as his son, and RAMW Board Member, Gavin Coleman’s restaurants, Sixth Engine and The Salt Line. When asked about past employees successes, Coleman laughs explaining “I didn’t make them successful. They made The Dubliner successful.” Daniel Coleman brings out the best of those under his leadership. It is easy to see that a culture of family lives, breathes, eats, and drinks at The Dubliner from the minute guests walk in the door.

The RAMMYS:
Presented by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), The RAMMY Awards Gala honors the exceptional ability and accomplishments of the hard-working individuals and organizations of the region’s restaurants and foodservice community. Named the #1 Food & Restaurant event by BIZBASH Magazine since 2009, The RAMMYS celebrate one of Metropolitan Washington’s greatest assets... Its restaurants.

Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW):
The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) is the regional trade association representing restaurants and the foodservice industry in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area. Established in 1920, RAMW is an advocate, resource and community for its members. The Association works to promote and sustain the growth and development of the industry while providing its members legislative and regulatory representation, marketing and small business support, programming and events. RAMW strives to serve its members with professionalism and integrity, and provide them the training, education and support they need to grow a successful business.