President Obama Recommends Pete's Apizza
Ray's Hell Burger. Ben's Chili Bowl. Five Guys. Good Stuff Eatery. And now Pete's Apizza. It is becoming abundantly clear that the first family has a yen for junk food that rivals even former president Clinton's Big Mac attacks.
In a speech today announcing his new lending initiatives for small businesses, President Barack Obama shined the spotlight on three groups of D.C.-area "entrepreneurial pioneers" that have benefited and thrived from SBA loans. His plans call on Congress to increase the cap on specific loans for new and expanding businesses. The honorees included Joe Incarnato and Doug Peters of Metropolitan Archives; Andy Cabra, owner of a string of local Dunkin' Donuts; and Tom Marr, Joel and Alicia Mehr of the now presidentially approved Pete's Apizza in Columbia Heights.
"And these steps will make a difference for more small businesses like Pete's Apizza in Washington, D.C. I recommend it -- that everybody go there," Obama said, an off-the-cuff remark after a brief pause from pronouncing 'Pete's Apizza.' (Really, it's harder than you think).
Reached by telephone, Joel Mehr, co-owner of Pete's, could not confirm for us whether the President has actually eaten any of his pizzas. He said he's sure the President has not stopped by himself, but who's to say a White House aide hasn't brought some back to the office?
Still, Mehr was humbled by the endorsement. "I'm surprised, it's just pizza," he said. He was also happy that his loan provider, locally-run City First Bank, received recognition, adding, "My bank is awesome. It's just like the 1950s; your friendly neighborhood bank who knows your name." President Obama's initiative also includes plans to help smaller banks raise capital to increase lending in the community.
We'll have to wait and see whether the "Obama-effect" will hit the New Haven-style pizzeria, as we've seen with Ray's Hell Burger. But Marr and the Mehrs are already planning to serve more customers with a second location this time next year. Options being considered include the new waterfront walk and Clarendon.