William A. Homan, co-founder of Design Cuisine, one of the premier catering companies in the Washington, D.C. area, died on January 7, 2023.  Mr. Homan was 76 years old.  Subsequent to the founding of Design Cuisine, he also founded DC Rental and KV International. DC Rental is a premier rental source for its exceptional–often exclusive–selection of glassware, fine china, designer table linens, flatware, chairs, distinctive furniture and more. KV International provided the same exclusive equipment to special events companies all over the United States, as well as overseas.  How did this come to be the case?  One of Bill Homan’s passions was to travel, and he used that passion to travel all over the world to find inspiration for these items, as well as find sources of fabrication for them. 

Born 1946 in New York to William and Julia Homan, Mr. Homan began his career in the food and beverage industry working at a Hyatt Hotel, then founded the Broker Restaurant, located on Capitol Hill on Barracks Row, a highly touted endeavor by many restaurants and shops to improve the vicinity of Capitol Hill. As evidenced by an article in The Washington Post in 1980, from the beginning his care and concern for diner’s surroundings brought in a set of high-profile patrons and admirers.  

"There's plenty of real estate between tables," Sen. George McGovern told restaurateur William Homan. Space to conspire in The Broker restaurant on Capitol Hill entices congressmen, senators, and their fellow travelers. "I could have put in 172 seats," said Homan, "but we only have 160 so there's more room between tables."

This care, concern and sense of priority for quality of food, look of the event, and accommodating client’s personal taste persevered throughout his career. As Mr. Homan once said about the special events industry and his participation via Design Cuisine and DC Rental, “our business is creative and that is how I see myself. I feel creativity takes courage. You have to live on the edge to be successful.”

Mr. Homan was chosen as the caterer for many of the most important events held in Washington, D.C. and across the country, including Presidential Inaugural Luncheons, including one for President George H.W. Bush, one for President William Clinton, two for George W. Bush, two for President Barrack Obama and one for President Donald J. Trump; the dinner hosted by the Secretary of State as part of the Kennedy Center Honors Gala weekend at which the physical Honor was presented to that year’s Honorees since 1978, and continuing to this day; the American Concert Tour of the Aga Khan Music Initiative Premiere in Washington, D.C., the opening of the Harman Center for The Arts, Salute to American Fashion: The Gala Preview of Super Sale to Benefit The Nina Hyde Center for Breast Cancer, Princess Grace Foundation, events for FAPE (Foundation for Art and Preservation in Embassies); Bernstein at 70  in Tanglewood, the opening of the William J. Clinton Library and Museum in Arkansas and numerous events at the National Gallery of Art, including Exhibition openings and their Circle events.

In addition, Bill Homan was very involved philanthropically in the DMV.  In addition to supporting “No Kid Hungry” by cycling in their Chefs Cycle events to raise funds and participate in his love of cycling, food and philanthropy, he served as a Founding Board Member of EnventU, he is the foundation, which their catering curriculum was built. He provided many nonprofit clients with a menu that fit their budgetary needs, thereby making it possible for them to hold Gala Benefit events to generate income for their various institutions

Mr. Homan mentored so many who continue to work in the special events industry, that his legacy will live on through the lasting and meaningful relationships he made throughout his momentous career.   

Bill Homan is survived by his two children Nichole Norton and Resa Homan; four grandchildren, Riley, Keegan, Aylin and Emery; two son-in-law, David and Patrick; and Dody Homan, the mother of Nichole and Resa. 

Bill’s favorite activities were traveling with his family and cycling.