Goodbye to Plum and 20 years of vegan good eats and memories on Capitol Hill

The closing of Plum Bistro after 20 years is a significant loss for Capitol Hill's dining landscape, with chef-owner Makini Howell being a key figure in the vegan community. Howell announced the closure to focus on a new tofu production venture in Georgetown, underscoring the struggles many small businesses face amid rising costs and regulatory changes. Plum Bistro had been a beacon of diversity in an increasingly homogenized food scene, being one of the few Black-owned establishments in the area. Its departure may lead to shifts in local dining options, as existing tenants might move in or new ventures could arise. Howell's closure follows a trend of recent restaurant shutdowns, reflecting a challenging economic environment exacerbated by a significant minimum wage increase and the end of the tip credit.

The community is left to contemplate the implications of such closures, especially regarding Black ownership in the food and nightlife sectors. Howell's legacy includes her innovative vegan dishes and community events that shaped Capitol Hill's culinary identity, and as she embarks on her new venture, there is hope that her contributions will not be forgotten.