Washington Restaurateur Reveals Secrets Behind Success

Lulu Auger, co-owner of Blackies, a Washington, D.C. landmark, reveals the secrets behind creating a flourishing restaurant in her new book "My Life with Blackie the Greek: An Enduring Washington Love Story" (Pacific Press, $21.95). By telling her story, Lulu sheds light upon the recent history of Washington, D.C.s restaurant industry as well.

The restaurant business is one of the most difficult industries in which to survive and thrive. Yet, it also is one of the most rewarding should you find success. Lulu Auger, co-owner of Blackies, a Washington, D.C. landmark, reveals the secrets behind creating a flourishing restaurant in her new book My Life with Blackie the Greek: An Enduring Washington Love Story (Pacific Press, $21.95). By telling her story, Lulu sheds light upon the recent history of Washington, D.C.s restaurant industry as well.

After moving to Washington in the 1940s, Lulu and her husband Ulysses Auger began their life in the kitchen with the small Minute Grill, which catered to the citys workers and their short lunch breaks. Even though Lulu and Ulysses were learning as they went, their success quickly forced them into bigger facilities until finally they grew into their current location on 22nd Street in Northwest Washington. Just last summer, Blackies re-opened after a five million dollar renovation. Travelling, dining in other restaurants, conversing with customers, and enjoying work as much as possible were key to the success of the Augers.

Dr. Vernon Gross, Fox News Contributor, CNN Aviation and Risk Analysis, author, and Chairman, Omega Systems Group Inc., declares My Life with Blackie the Greek is a fast-reading story of two struggling children of immigrants who dreamed incredible dreams -- and lived to see them happen. Lulu Auger has sketched an incredible rags-to-riches saga that reads like a Horatio Alger fantasy. She weaves a tapestry of 20th century Americana filled with courage, tears, hilarity, suspense, and naivete. At its root, it is a love story. For both residents and visitors to Washington, D.C., Blackies House of Beef is now a famous and renowned landmark. But the reader of this memoir will be astounded to learn how it all came to be. Expect to be inspired by this true account."

Lulu Auger and her husband Ulysses are the owners of Blackies, a restaurant in Washington, D.C. that InTowner says is destined to become a DC landmark." Since arriving in Washington in the 1940s, Lulu has helped her husband create a local restaurant and real estate empire. In the process, she has become a renowned hostess and an expert on entertaining, the restaurant industry, and Washington life and culture since the 1940s. Lulu Auger is developing an active lecture schedule, speaking before organizations such as Women of Washington, Inc.

To receive a review copy of the book and a press kit and to schedule an interview with Lulu Auger, please contact Jennifer Hughes, publicist, at 703-443-0997 or jennifer@booksintl.com.