Anas “Andy” Shallal
Founder, Busboys and Poets

An artist, restauranteur and social entrepreneur who mission is to feed mind, body and soul, Shallal is the founder of Busboys and Poets, a restaurant/bar/events space/bookstore/fair-trade market/cultural hub. Founded in 2005, his restaurant concepts create environments where racial and cultural connections are consciously uplifted and where art, culture and politics take center stage. Busboys and Poets has seven locations in the Washington metropolitan area. These include one in  Historic Anacostia in Ward 8; a space featuring a-state-of-the-art culinary and leadership academy and a full-service Busboys and Poets restaurant, bar and bookstore as well as performance space for poetry, music and political and social gatherings and salons. Shallal’s businesses follow sustainable and high-road business practices, and have become leaders in food sourcing, employment practices and environmental stewardship. He has received numerous awards including the Mayor’s Arts Award, Employer of the Year Award from the Employment Justice Center and the Mayor’s Environmental Award.