A Teaming of Two Great Community Institutions

When people in Washington think about books, author events, and a forum for discussing literature and ideas, they often think of Politics & Prose. And when they think about restaurants that are dynamic venues for cultural programming, political discourse, and activities that bridge community divides, they often think of Busboys and Poets.

Given the natural synergy between these two deeply-rooted Washington institutions, we’re delighted—and excited—to announce that Politics and Prose will soon begin managing book sales at most Busboys and Poets locations in the District, Maryland and Virginia. This innovative business arrangement will unite P&P’s bookselling skills with Busboys and Poets’ track record of operating multi-use, food-and-event gathering spaces. Both enterprises share a deep commitment to building community, providing quality customer service, and promoting public discussion of ideas, cultural issues, and current events.

We’re especially grateful to Busboys and Poets owner Andy Shallal for suggesting this venture and for believing in the power of books to enliven, educate, and enrich our community. Andy opened the first Busboys and Poets in 2005 as part restaurant, part agent for social change, and all his locations today operate in the same spirit (and with small book sections). Over the years Andy has become known as a consummate social entrepreneur, a passionate advocate for causes of peace, justice, and tolerance, and a tireless and creative force on behalf of cultural and civic engagement. (He was even a candidate for DC mayor this year.) We are delighted to have the opportunity to work closely with Andy and his Busboys and Poets team.

The new business relationship will start with the opening of a Busboys and Poets in Brookland in December and extend to the launch of a Busboys and Poets in Takoma in January. P&P will operate the book sections in each of these locations. Later in 2015, P&P will assume responsibility for book operations already in existence at the Busboys and Poets restaurants in Hyattsville, Shirlington, and downtown Washington at 5th and K. The book operation at the Busboys and Poets at 14th and V in Washington will remain managed by Teaching for Change.

As part of the joint arrangement, some of the offerings will include book signings, author talks, literary workshops, children’s programming and other events. All Busboys and Poets restaurants have large private rooms available for special programs and equipped with stages and state-of-the-art audio and visual equipment, including live streaming and webcasting.

We’ll have more information in the weeks ahead about the opening of the Brookland and Takoma stores and P&P’s arrival in the other Busboys and Poets locations. Keep an eye out for the new “Politics and Prose @ Busboys and Poets” logo on our website, and please visit the Busboys and Poets website at www.busboysandpoets.com

--Brad and Lissa