Company: Mimi's American Bistro
Headquarters: Washington, D. C.
Industry: Restaurant
Company Size: Small (annual revenues of less than $50 million)

"As much as it is a priority for Mimi’s to serve great food, it is also a priority to help the arts flourish and to make sure they are experienced by as many people as possible."
                – Andy Shallal, President

Objectives
To provide patrons with a unique dining experience, to nurture the careers of artists, to increase interest in the arts, and to help arts organizations raise funds.

Process

• Mimi’s American Bistro supports the careers of emerging artists by hiring vocally-talented waiters and waitresses who perform show tunes and opera arias during dinner.
• Mimi’s also displays visual art created by local artists, and sponsors play readings in the restaurant to foster the careers of emerging playwrights.
• At least once each month, Mimi’s closes its doors to the general public and turns over its entire facility to an arts organization for a fundraising event. It provides food, beverages and personnel for these events, and donates 100% of the proceeds to the organization. Among the organizations that have benefited are The League of Washington Theatres, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, The Arena Stage, Signature Theatre, The Bethesda Academy for Performing Arts, and many others.
• Mimi’s also developed a special initiative called "Peace Cafés" to encourage theater-goers to engage in post-performance discussions with performing artists about timely and controversial issues.

Results
By incorporating the arts into its business, Mimi’s American Bistro sets itself apart from other area restaurants and has developed a loyal following among the general public, arts patrons, and artists alike. Mimi’s support of the arts nurtures the creative talents of artists and its employees and enables area arts organizations to raise their profiles and realize greater returns from their fundraising efforts.

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