Signs of the Times: Dupont Circle

Time: 12:10 p.m.

Day: Wednesday

Place: Lawson's Gourmet at the Circle

Crowds: None

(Est.) Percentage of Empty Seats: 75 (!)

Why is that? Next door at the more popular Cosi's, seats sat empty, too (though not as many). Rather than lunchtime, it seemed like snack time in mid-afternoon at Lawson's. One of the staffers was even seated eating lunch at one of the vacant tables at 12:15 p.m I guess she had nothing else to do. At lunchtime?

What does this mean? People bringing lunches? In D.C.? Incredible. The day was too blustery and chilly to eat outdoors where the Circle was practically vacant of people.

Despite all you hear and read that the District is not affected too much by worldwide economic conditions, don't believe the hype. Just take a gander around and see the truth. Restaurants (and boats) are the first things to go.