Photo by Mr. T in DC

Photo by Mr. T in DC

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?