As a founding partner of Alexandria Restaurant Partners (ARP), David Clapp leverages decades of expertise in operational strategy, finance, and business development to drive the company’s success and growth. A native of Fort Mill, South Carolina, Clapp began his hospitality career in high school, further honing his skills while earning a Bachelor of Family and Consumer Sciences in Hospitality Management from the University of Georgia in 1993.

Clapp launched his professional journey with Café Tu Tu Tango Restaurant Group in Miami, Florida, where he quickly advanced to Vice President of Operations by 1996. Under his leadership, the brand expanded to six locations, generating $20 million in annual sales. His vision and strategic focus set a strong foundation for future ventures.

In 2003, Clapp founded Dantanna’s Surf, Turf & Turf in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood, a concept celebrated for its scratch-made dishes, premium ingredients, and vibrant sports-centric atmosphere. In 2006, he partnered with longtime colleague Dave Nicholas to establish Bottom Line Hospitality (BLH), a restaurant management and development company that operated several Florida-based concepts, including Chispa, Bruschetta, and Shooter’s Waterfront. In 2009, the duo reacquired Café Tu Tu Tango, bringing their partnership full circle to the place where their collaboration began.

In 2013, BLH was tapped to revitalize Virtue Feed & Grain in Alexandria, Virginia. Within two years, Clapp and his team more than doubled the restaurant’s sales, transforming it into a flagship dining destination in Old Town Alexandria. This success catalyzed the evolution of BLH into Alexandria Restaurant Partners (ARP), which now boasts a portfolio of more than 10 concepts, including The Majestic, Ada’s on the River, Vola’s Dockside Grill, and Theismann’s Restaurant & Bar.

With a career built on innovation and operational excellence, Clapp continues to lead ARP’s strategic growth, ensuring the company’s concepts thrive while enhancing Alexandria’s culinary landscape.