Ten years ago, Rick Crowe embarked on a mission to bring the sophisticated dining experience of Washington, D.C., to the cozy town of Ashburn, Virginia. Today, D.C. Prime stands as a testament to his vision, marrying the finest steaks with an exceptional wine and bourbon program in a setting that promises a “big city feel” without the hassle.
At the core of D.C. Prime’s success is its unwavering commitment to quality and service. Rick’s philosophy is simple yet profound: “I want every guest who walks out our door to think, ‘I can’t wait to come back.’” This dedication is mirrored in every aspect of the restaurant, from the USDA Prime beef sourced from a single cattle farm in Illinois to the fresh seafood delivered daily from the coasts.
Rick’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. “The whole mantra of D.C. Prime,” Rick shares, “is I love D.C. I wanted to give people an experience outside of D.C. without having to plan their day around a long drive.” His passion was to ensure that diners felt no compromise just because they were outside the city.
Reflecting on his decade-long journey, Rick notes a crucial lesson: “I did not appreciate how much guests really care until COVID hit. Our regulars came in droves, supporting us in ways I never imagined.” This sense of community has been a cornerstone of D.C. Prime’s success.
Rick’s vision extends beyond the menu. He views his team as “internal customers,” ensuring they have the resources and support needed to deliver exceptional service. This approach fosters a culture where guests feel like family, greeted by familiar faces and treated to personalized touches, such as a signed card from Rick and the chef for special occasions.
To stay at the forefront of the ever-evolving dining landscape, D.C. Prime continually adapts its menu and wine list. Crowe speaks passionately about their dry-aged fish program, an innovation that started in California and was unheard of in the region. “When you dry-age fish, you’re pulling out the ocean water, and you get the true taste of the fish,” he says with enthusiasm.
This spirit of innovation extends to their wine program as well. With over 31 years of experience and relationships with independent wineries, Crowe has curated a selection that rivals even the most esteemed D.C. establishments. “We carry wines that even chains can’t get. When my guests go to D.C. and get these wines, they can find them right here too.”
Rick’s commitment to excellence is echoed in the accolades D.C. Prime has received, including the prestigious DiRoNA award. “Being recognized like that is like a thank you,” Rick humbly states. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of his team, who are integral to the restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere.
Maintaining a dynamic wine list of over 500 bottles is no small feat. Rick regularly conducts tastings to ensure the selection remains fresh and relevant, despite challenges like supply disruptions from natural events. His relationships with independent wineries further enrich the dining experience at D.C. Prime.
The restaurant’s extensive bourbon selection, particularly its single barrel offerings, highlights Rick’s attention to detail. “Every ‘single barrel’ has Rick’s pick on it,” he beams, describing the careful selection process that ensures only the finest bourbons are served.
Beyond the culinary delights, D.C. Prime is a community hub, hosting events from wine dinners to car shows. “Being involved in the community isn’t just good business - it’s essential to who we are,” Rick says. As he looks back on ten years of D.C. Prime, he remains both humble and excited about the future.
Looking forward, Rick is determined to keep D.C. Prime exciting and relevant. “I don’t want to ever get complacent,” he asserts. His commitment to innovation and quality ensures that D.C. Prime will continue to be a beloved dining destination for years to come.
As Rick reflects on the past decade, he remains humble yet proud. “I have to pinch myself as it’s been 10 years,” he says, marveling at the journey. It’s clear that for Rick Crowne, the last ten years are just the beginning.
Are you ready to discover what makes D.C. Prime so extraordinary?
Every ‘single barrel’ has Rick’s pick on it.
The last ten years are just the beginning.