The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) has announced the recipient of the 2018 Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award. This year’s honoree is Daniel Coleman, a well-respected restaurant founder and pub owner in Washington, D.C. See the announcement below.
Washington, DC (April 10, 2018)—Restaurant Association of 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 5pm. 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.
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