Busboys and Poets

Busboys and Poets, whose name was inspired by Langston Hughes and his days working as a busboy before becoming a well-known poet expressing his struggles of the life he experienced, aims to provide a space to bring together different walks of life, cultures, politics, and viewpoints all under the umbrella of care and concern. As they say on their website, “a place to take a deliberate pause and feed your mind, body and soul…” This restaurant, bar, bookstore, and event venue is a “cultural hub for artists, activists, writers, thinkers and dreamers.” They know a space like this can inspire change.

While providing a space to bring all types of thinkers and bridge the social aspects of our lives, Busboys and Poets takes on sustainability in their restaurants in order to provide an environment conducive to both social and climate change. Their locations in Hyattsville, MD and DC are all powered by 100% renewable wind energy. They recycle paper, plastic, glass and aluminum as well as use their frying oil for biofuel. Their menus are printed on recycled paper, to go items are in 100% eco-friendly packaging, and they use green cleaning supplies and compostable straws. Water is served upon request to conserve water usage and their ingredients are a mix of organic, fair-trade, locally-sourced and hormone-free. They’re modeling the change we hope to see and creating a space for others to come and join in.