‘Ray’s Hell Burger’
courtesy of ‘roboppy’

Michael Landrum is nothing if not controversial. In the kitchen, he’s a tour de force, as a manager, he’d make Gordon Ramsey weep. But, his restaurant empire continues to grow, and so do his revenues. Landrum’s latest is Ray’s the Steaks at East River in Northeast, which opens March 1, and adds 45 new local jobs to the District. This is Landrum’s first foray into the District as owner, with two restaurants in Virginia and one in Silver Spring, and he’s got plans for a couple more Virginia eateries before 2010 is done.

Say what you like about the man (and there’s plenty of criticism that would be perfectly legitimate), his success is good for DC’s palate.

Ray’s: The Steaks at East River
3905 Dix St. NE,
Washington, DC 20019