For the sportsman turned entrepreneur, “It’s not just about business; it’s about building experiences that resonate and endure.”
Washington, DC (RestaurantNews.com) For Vernon Davis, playing in the NFL led to some once-in-a-lifetime experiences, including winning a Super Bowl ring with Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos in 2015. But his 14-year career as a professional athlete was also a means to begin a career in the restaurant industry.
“Early on in my career, I recognized the importance of planning and preparing for the end of football, as well as being open to new opportunities that could help me achieve success in life after sports,” said Davis. “Owning or investing in a restaurant can be an incredibly rewarding experience. There’s the thrill of creating a unique dining experience, the joy of seeing a vision come to life, and the satisfaction of being part of a community.”
Davis first got into the restaurant business in 2013 while playing for the San Francisco 49ers. It was then that he bought his first Jamba franchise, of which he now owns three in the Bay Area. Eventually, he finished his football career in 2020 with his hometown Washington Commanders and has since remained in the area expanding his restaurant portfolio.
Today, in addition to his Jamba franchises in Northern California, Vernon is the co-owner of several restaurants across the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Those include:
- RASA – A vibrant, fast-casual Indian restaurant with five locations across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The restaurant offers a modern take on Indian cuisine, featuring healthy bowls, wraps, and salads inspired by the Indian subcontinent. The menu includes chef-curated options, build-your-own bowls, warm naan bread, samosas, and a selection of vegan desserts. Approximately 80% of the menu is vegan and/or vegetarian, catering to a variety of dietary preferences.
- KYOJIN – An upscale Japanese restaurant located in Washington, D.C.’s historic Georgetown neighborhood. The menu features sushi and omakase selections with fresh fish flown in overnight from Japan, as well as a fusion of other traditional and innovative Japanese dishes. Other features include a sushi bar, and a kimono-encased sake bar offering tastings, classes, and pairing dinners.
- Scolapasta – An Italian restaurant in McLean, Virginia that combines fast-casual convenience with the artisanal quality of fresh, handcrafted pasta. The menu also features authentic sauce recipes that represent the unique flavors of five distinct regions of Italy, offering a true taste of Italian culinary tradition.
“Transitioning from the NFL to entrepreneurship has been a journey of passion and purpose. Owning and investing in restaurants allows me to create spaces that bring people together, celebrate culture, and nourish the community,” said Davis. “Whether it’s the vibrant flavors of RASA, KYOJIN’s non-traditional approach to Japanese fine dining, or the authentic taste of Italy at Scolapasta, each venture reflects my commitment to innovation and connection. It’s not just about business; it’s about building experiences that resonate and endure.”
