Venga Office Warming An 'Effervescent Disco' Affair; Restaurant Software Startup Expands To Meet Rising Demand From Top Chefs

UNION MARKET -- "Come Join Us" has been Venga's slogan since it was founded in 2010. And friends, investors, and industry leaders did just that last Thursday at the technology startup's new office space in EDEN's Union Market. Amongst all the growing activity of the Union Market district, the company has carved out a place in the neighborhood for their rapidly expanding team with one of the best views of the Capitol.

Led by Winston Lord, Sam von Pollaro, and Karl Johnson, Venga is a guest management platform for restaurants. Simply stated, its technology seamlessly tracks and analyzes customer orders, habits, and preferences to improve the guest experience, power targeted marketing, and build true loyalty.

Since it first launched, the company has rapidly evolved and racked up some of the biggest names in the industry as clients - Michael Mina, Jose Garces, Richard Sandoval, and Michael White to name a few.

The National Restaurant Association even named them a finalist for their version of the Oscars' Best Picture Award - otherwise known as an Operator Innovation Award.

At last week's office warming, party-goers imbibed on Starr Hill's Grateful IPA while savoring delicious bites provided by D.C. favorites Angelika Pop-up Theater, Pizza Parts and Service (the Taylor Gourmet guys), Red Apron, and DC Empanadas.

Attendees were greeted at the door by the beats of Champagne Acid, Venga's own DJ duo, self-described as "effervescent disco with grimy baselines and a dash of spice."

The startup's new digs boast an eclectic mix of spaces with expansive desks beneath a restaurant-inspired crossword wall, plush couches nestled around a colossal 'VengaJenga' tower, and collaborative areas complete with picnic and foosball tables. Venga is also, of course, a dog-friendly office - be it the puppy, stone or anything in between variety.