Members of the North Dakota Farmers Union dreamed of owning a restaurant with meals made from locally sourced ingredients. In 2008, their dreams came true. Founding Farmers is a family owned restaurant with nine locations in the nation. A variety of items are served, but the main focus is on traditional American, country style food. In the DMV area, there are two locations: one in D.C and the other in the Tysons Corner area. 

Each location offers breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. Brunch, which is only available on weekends and holidays that fall on Mondays, is by far my favorite. They offer both a buffet-style brunch and a menu with items ready to order. I chose to eat at the buffet just so I could experience all of what Founding Farmers in has to offer. They have lots of protein, veggies, desserts and traditional breakfast items like pancakes and bacon. 

The wide variety of food offers vegan and vegetarian customers lots of options. Some of the more popular foods are their Jefferson doughnuts and the buttermilk pancakes, which are made per request in the buffet line. I sampled and liked both, but enjoyed the doughnut more. It had a sweet yet unique flavor. 

The only downfall of Founding farmers is probably the price. For the amount of food you get it is good, but for a student, it isn’t very budget friendly. 

Other than the food, the atmosphere at Founding Farmers is very pleasant. The servers are very accommodating if you need anything and the design of the restaurant is very open and homey. The location in Tysons is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Mondays, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Tuesdays through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday through Sunday.