It’s a Family Affair: The Popal Group at a.kitchen + bar

Hey everyone, it’s Nycci Nellis, and welcome back to Industry Night, where we go behind the scenes with the people shaping the hospitality industry, not just through food and drink, but through culture and community. Today’s show is a special one. I’m coming to you from one of my favorite rooms in the city, a.kitchen + bar at Hotel AKA, a place that's the perfect backdrop for conversations about leadership and vision (and a killer burger!).This episode is about family and what it really takes to build something lasting in hospitality, especially at a moment when so many restaurants are fighting just to stay open.Later in the show, I’ll be joined by Ellen Yin and Chef de Cuisine George Madovsky for a conversation about thoughtful cooking in one of the city’s most beloved dining rooms.But first, a conversation I’ve been looking forward to for a long time. I’m genuinely excited because I’ve known Omar and Fatima Popal since they were in their early twenties, long before The Popal Group became one of the most respected hospitality families in Washington, D.C. When the Popal family opened Café Bonaparte in Georgetown in 2003 — what many of you now know as Lutèce — they weren’t just opening a restaurant. They were building a new life. They were also some of the very first advertisers on http://TheListAreYouOnIt.com , and watching their journey unfold over the years has been nothing short of remarkable.Today, Omar Popal is the Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of The Popal Group, leading concept development, design, and long-term vision for restaurants including Lapis, Lapop, Lutèce, Pascual, and Maison Bar à Vins. Fatima Popal, Co-Founder and Chief Financial Officer, oversees financial strategy, human resources, growth, and philanthropy. All while fiercely protecting the people-first culture that defines the group.Together, they represent a powerful family story rooted in Afghan heritage and a hospitality group that continues to grow while staying deeply authentic.Let’s get into it.Chapters:00:00 - Introduction01:40 - D.C.'s Popal Culinary Dynasty08:22 - European Cafe Culture Inspiration12:22 - Modern Afghan Hospitality Restaurant18:59 - "Hierarchy: From Party to Salon"24:03 - Late-Night Connection Sparks Collaboration30:56 - Adams Morgan's Changing Vibe37:01 - "Revitalizing a Neighborhood Gem"41:52 - D.C. Dining Evolution Insights43:30 - Hiring Challenges and Culture Priorities49:10 - "Diner Perspective on Payment Models"57:31 - George: A Reliable Team Leader01:02:53 - D.C. Fire Pit & Après Ski01:09:02 - Chef’s Wisdom and Culinary Brilliance01:09:40 - "Share, Subscribe, Enjoy D.C. Eats"01:09:55 - OutroQuotes:"The D.C. dining scene thrives when it’s powered by heart, history, and creativity."- Nycci Nellis"For us, it's about working as a team, bringing passion and love for the industry to every table, and making sure our processes and dreams are ready for new concepts to flourish."- Fatima Popal"We purposely don’t put a concept in a space just for the sake of it; it has to be what the space and the neighborhood actually need. Our family story is on every plate, and our vision always starts around the table together."- Omar PopalKey Takeaways:From Hotel Life to Hospitality LegacyFamily Roots, Family TableCulinary Evolution and Neighborhood FocusRedefining Afghan CuisineArtist, Designer, and InnovatorInvesting in PeopleThriving Through ChangeThe Future Is BrightFilming location:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/a.kitchenandbardc/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/highstreethospitality/?hl=enWebsite:https://akitchenandbardc.com/Guest InfoFatima PopalInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/fatipopal/?hl=enWebsite:https://www.thepopalgroup.com/Omar PopalInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/omar_popal/?hl=enWebsite:https://www.thepopalgroup.com/Ellen YinInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/therealellenyin/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/highstreethospitality/?hl=enWebsite:https://akitchenandbardc.com/ https://highsthospitality.com/Featuring Nycci NelliInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyccinellis/Website: https://www.thelistareyouonit.com/