DC ‘Philanthropub’ Mixes (Shakes and Stirs) Up Social Good

At first glance, it might only appear to be a typical popular restaurant/bar in the U Street Corridor of Washington, DC (who’s complaining about that, right?). But look again.

The walls are flanked with paintings created by artists from a local nonprofit that honor heroic social innovators like Sojourner Truth and Harvey Milk created. The tables are made from naturally fallen trees that are turned into live-edge furniture by a local Maryland social entrepreneur.  And there is a full wall-length mural made of 1,200 recycled beer bottles glowing with LED lights. Oh, and did I mention that 100% of the net-profit goes to charity?

Cause - the nation capital’s new “philanthropub” – is no ordinary bar.

Nicholas Vilelle, co-founder of Cause, shared with Armchair Advocates why this bar and business model is so unique.

“Cause operates like any other bar,” says Vilelle. Its good food, fully-stocked bar, and live music rack in the patrons. “The key difference is what we do with those profits,” he explains.

After you polish up your last beer or inhale their delicious chicken confit patty melt, you’ll get the check – as you would at any other bar or restaurant. But this time, it’s different. At the end of the receipt, you will be asked which of the pre-selected organizations you prefer to receive the net-profits from your check. It’s that simple! You’ve just enjoyed a night out with friend and gave to cause in a hassle-free environment.

“We have designed a model that uses impact investors, crowdfunding, as well as a good amount of elbow grease so that we will hopefully be able to do this

in many cities and eventually countries around the world,” says Vilelle.  Their goal is to be able to give away one-hundred thousand dollars from the DC location, with plans to expand to various other locations in years to come.

What do you think? Let’s meet for a drink.