Nationals announce "Pitch Your Product" winners

TWO LOCAL FOOD VENDORS ARE GETTING CALLED UP TO THE MAJOR LEAGUES

Maryland and Virginia restaurants win Pitch Your Product competition

The Nationals announced today that two local businesses, Maryland-based Pinch Dumplings and Virginia-based Haute Dogs and Fries, were declared the winners of the "Pitch Your Product" competition and will be featured at Nationals Park during the 2016 season.

The "Pitch Your Product" competition was designed to offer entrepreneurs from D.C., Maryland and Virginia the opportunity to grow their business by selling their creations at a major league ballpark.

Pinch Dumplings offers a variety of locally-sourced, hand-made Chinese dumplings, including pork, beef and vegetarian options. Pinch Dumplings first appeared in farmers' markets around the Capital Region in 2013, and opened their first restaurant last year.

"We are very excited about reaching the millions of fans that come to Nationals Park each season," said Patrick Exon, COO and co-founder of Pinch Dumplings. "Right now, our reach is limited to farmers' markets and our one location in Maryland. We look forward to bringing our delicious food to Nationals Park, increasing our product's exposure and educating the fan base about Chinese food."

Based in Northern Virginia, Haute Dogs and Fries offers hot-off-the-grill, gourmet hot dogs and hand-cut French fries. Their franks are made with local products and are served on a New England-style bun with fresh condiments. Haute Dogs and Fries has offered specialty hot dogs to guests at their Virginia restaurants since May 2010.

"As a small, local, family-owned business, we are ecstatic to have the opportunity to showcase our brand at Nationals Park and give the fans locally-sourced great food," said Pamela Swanson, owner of Haute Dogs and Fries.

"The Nationals are always looking to enhance the fan experience at Nationals Park," said Valerie Camillo, the Nationals chief revenue and marketing officer. "Through our "Pitch Your Product" showcase, not only have we found delicious local fare to serve our fans, but as an organization we are thrilled to have a hand in helping local entrepreneurs expand their visibility."

Fans can find Pinch Dumplings in Section 302 and Haute Dogs and Fries in Section 105 throughout the 2016 season.