Glendon Hartley and Chad Spangler of Causa/Amazonia Earn 2nd Michelin Star
Glendon Hartley and Chad Spangler of Causa/Amazonia Earn 2nd Michelin Star, Cementing Their Legacy in D.C. Hospitality
On December 9, 2024, Causa/Amazonia, led by Glendon Hartley and Chad Spangler, was awarded a Michelin Star, for a second year in a row solidifying its status as one of the premier dining destinations in the United States. This monumental achievement makes Hartley and Spangler the first in D.C. to own establishments recognized both as a Michelin Star restaurant and among North America’s 50 Best Bars, with Service Bar consistently earning accolades for its exceptional hospitality and cocktail innovation.
The journey to this success has been one of grit and perseverance. From their early days at Founding Farmers, where they honed their skills, to forming The Menehune Group, Hartley and Spangler have shaped the D.C. hospitality landscape. Service Bar, their neighborhood cocktail bar, exemplifies their ethos of hyper-seasonality, inclusivity, and approachability, garnering recognition as one of the top cocktail programs in the region and beyond.
Their partnership with Chef Carlos Delgado at Causa/Amazonia has redefined Peruvian cuisine in the Mid-Atlantic, highlighting the diversity and depth of Peruvian culinary traditions. The duo’s commitment to sustainability, from urban composting to building the world’s largest Pisco collection, reflects their forward-thinking approach to hospitality.
Recent Accolades Include (full list available upon request):
- Michelin Stars: 2023 (1 Star), 2024 (2 Stars)
- North America’s 50 Best Bars: #22 in 2024 (Service Bar)
- Washingtonian: #1 Best Restaurant in D.C. (2024)
- James Beard Foundation: Best New Restaurant Finalist (2023)
Despite challenges, including a public fundraising campaign to open Causa and Glendon’s recovery from a life-threatening stroke, Hartley and Spangler have emerged as trailblazers in the industry. They continue to push boundaries, sharing their expertise through seminars, pop-ups, and mentorship, while providing robust benefits for their team, including healthcare and 401(k) options.
With this second Michelin Star, Hartley and Spangler cement their legacy as pioneers in the industry, proving that passion, creativity, and resilience can redefine the boundaries of what bartenders and restaurateurs can achieve.