I walked into the Design Cuisine office in the Fall of 2012 with a resume in my hand hoping to learn about the business of hospitality. I had no prior experience in hospitality or catering and was taking a total 180 after coaching baseball professionally both in the United States and in Europe. I asked the front desk associate if there were any jobs available at Design Cuisine, and he politely said, "not at this time." I continued to speak with him, briefly went over my resume, and asked if I could speak to someone in Management or Ownership. Again, the front desk associate politely told me "I'm sorry we have nothing available at this time." Then, suddenly, an authoritative voice boomed down the hall from a different room saying, "who are you and what is it that you want to do?" This was Bill Homan. I spoke with him for the next 15 minutes or so, explaining that I had been living in Paris, France, fell in love with food and hospitality, and that I wanted to learn the business. Bill said, "Ok. We can pay you $15/hr, and you'll work for both myself and Maggie. I don't know exactly what you'll do, but it's not going to be easy." I said yes, and to this day, I consider that moment one of the transformational moments of my professional life. Bill heard my voice, heard the persistence in my passion for my new direction, and took a chance on me. For the next 2 years, I learned everything I could from Bill. He was gracious with his time, incredibly enthusiastic in transferring his knowledge to me, and never let me do anything less than 100%. My favorite example of this was I was running an event at the National Gallery of Art for Estee Lauder with Bill and Kent Smith, and I showed up in a nice suit albeit a bit wrinkled (I hadn't had time to dry clean it prior to the event). Bill looked me up and down and said "really?" With that look and that one word, I knew I had to do something. I borrowed an iron and a steamer from our team that was setting up the tables for the evening, stripped down to my underwear, and proceeded to iron and steam every piece of clothing I was wearing until it was crisp. I walked back out to the floor, Bill looked at me again, smiled, said nothing, and continued on to the next thing he had to do. From the time I met Bill Homan in 2012, he remained my primary mentor until his passing. He was the first person I called for professional advice, he wrote every recommendation letter and took every recruiter's call for every job I've ever gotten since, and I truly believe he is more responsible for my success than any education or other boss I've ever had. I put Bill right behind my own family as someone who changed my life forever. Even now as I am writing this note, it brings tears to my eyes to think about him - and surprisingly, the tears are more from joy and gratitude than they are from sadness. Bill is one of those unique humans (Homans?) whose influence will be just as strong after his passing as it was during his incredible life. I miss you, Bill. We all miss you, Bill. And I promise, my suits have a standing appointment at the dry cleaner :). --Jeff Stoeckel

Bill's enormous talent made me look over and over again as if I knew what I was doing; and I am sure I am not alone in that and in knowing that I did not have to worry about a thing. However, it was his intelligence, dedication and generosity of spirit that set him apart. I am grateful for the conversations (not catering related) that we would have; and I am particularly so very grateful for his support and understanding when my family did both a memorial and a large party for my husband. What an extraordinary man. I will miss his spirit and presence in my life very much. —Joan Tobin  

I had the privilege of working with Bill over 40 years. His enthusiasm for life and energy level were remarkable. We became good friends and shared fun stories. We had identical health challenges and compared notes. Anyone who knew Bill Homan will never forget him. -- Steve Siegel

I'm sorry I'll be out of town for the upcoming memorial service for Bill. I always viewed Bill as an original, someone who had incredible creative energy and an inner drive to express himself. He also maintained a gracious, humorous and empathetic demeanor. I learned a ton from him during the short time I worked for him and then from afar as I competed with him while running Occasions for the next 30 years. Design Cuisine brought the best out in our efforts to scale taste, service and style in the DC market. I imagine Bill would say the same of us. As our careers progressed, we came together many times to talk about shared interests and never had difficulty staying away from the topics which naturally put us in conflict. We shared many of the same highs and lows of running complex organizations and understood where compromises were necessary and when and how to make them. I could tell he made peace the intractable aspects of catering and likely forged on each day, optimistically looking for ways to express his creativity or make authentic connections with friends and anyone he crossed paths with. His energy and his spirit was electric, unforgettable. I'll not soon forget my mentor, nemesis, and friend. -- Mark Michael

I was very fortunate to be able to ride with Bill a couple of times with Bill! These were taken on September 15 2012, we rode 112 miles that day instead of 100 because it was dark and cold when we started, I was on the front not paying any attention on the flags that were painted on the road, when we realized that we were lost! It was an epic ride for me, this was the first time that I ever rode more than 80 miles. Bill was a mentor to me not only in the event industry but also as a friend and someone to look up to! I am blessed to have been able to spend time with Bill, cook for him (I learned a lot about vegan alkaline cuisine), work some of the most impressive and amazing events you can think off!! And just seeing him every day at work!  Bill was always there for everyone!  Thank you!—Andro Franetovic

 

  

The Foundation for Art and Preservation in Embassies mourns the death of Bill Homan. Bill was a trusted advisor to FAPE since our founding in 1986. As the co-founder of Design Cuisine, Bill was responsible for ensuring the success of our annual dinner at the State Department’s Diplomatic Reception Rooms as well as other events throughout our nation’s capital. He was the consummate professional, skilled diplomat and problem solver, who never said no. He was an artist in his own right who always championed the work of FAPE and the artists who make our program possible. His spectacular collection of eyeglasses is worthy of a museum exhibition. FAPE will deeply miss Bill’s charm, kindness, generosity and extraordinary smile. He is a DC legend who will be revered and emulated for years to come. We send our deepest sympathy to his daughters Nichole and Resa, his entire family and the Design Cuisine team. 
Jo Carole Lauder, Chairman
Eden Rafshoon, President
Darren Walker, Vice President
Jennifer Duncan, Director

Bill was to me the consummate leader, an affectionate family man who knew how to prioritize family, friends, how to have fun. Bill was also the consummate gentleman, a shrewd businessman, who understood that businesses are built one relationship at a time. I remember sitting down with him in the early days of Covid, as the world froze for most of us. Bill retained a passion and a drive that was truly incredible, and contagious. You will be missed and thank you for setting such a first class example of what success can look like.--  Olivier Poirot

Bill forever changed my life; I am so grateful to have been in his orbit for 12 years. He led by example and cared so deeply for all those around him. When I first moved to DC and interview at Design Cuisine coming from Ralph Lauren in New York, I knew absolutely nothing about the catering world. I remember he walked in looking so dapper in his suite and glasses and gave me the warmest smile. I knew he was genuine from the moment I met him. He asked what I did, and I told him I had fashion merchandising and production background, he didn’t skip a beat and told me exactly how it would translate to Design Cuisine. I knew then I wanted to work for Bill Homan. He made me feel as I could make anything possible (with a lot of encouragement those first few years out on my own) his support was unwavering. He always intently listened to my opinions and when would have different ideas on how events should go, he would sit and listen to my reasons, and he would give his. Then we would talk through the plan together.  He used to always joke and say Dede you’re being too nice when he knew I was thinking to do something else and not speaking up. When he was in the hospital, I would send him photos from our events and one night as I was sending him photos from Kennedy Center Honors at The State Department, which he had worked so hard on for so many years and all I wanted to do was just make him proud, he wrote back congratulations you are the best. It was the second to last text I ever received from him, and it means the world to me that he always believed in me and trusted me. I really still cannot believe he is gone I hear his voice in my head almost every day trying to guide me through this crazy events world without him. I miss his smile, our chats about life, his encouragement, his friendship, and his support. I will forever be a better person for having known Bill. –Dede Byrnes

 

Almost 38 years ago (can’t believe I can say that) Bill Homan asked me, “do you trust me enough just to give me a budget and I’ll do the rest?” He did EVERYTHING for my wedding reception. I was uncertain of the food we were having but I knew Bill would make it fabulous and it was more than I could have ever dreamed of. His ex-wife, 
Dody, was my matron of honor, and between the two of them, we laughed, cried and had the most spectacular time together. Their wedding gift to us was the entire bar bill and our wedding cake! Can you imagine? I did ask for a particular cake. At the time Bill still owned The Broker (his restaurant on Barrack Row) and it too was spectacular. They served a fabulous dark chocolate cake with fresh raspberries and raspberry purée - THAT was the cake I wanted. Of course, Bill made a 4-layer marvelous cake which had to be assembled on site as it was so heavy. I remember the photographer trying to get the right shots and I could see Bill looking at me with HUGE eyes. I kept smiling for the pictures and he walked up to me and whispered (smiling and talking through his teeth) - “cut the cake - cut the cake!” He was terrified that it was going to collapse due to the weight of the layers. Weeks later when we were able to get together, my goodness, how we laughed over that! Thank you for a magical wedding, Bill - you were always so kind and generous. I will always, always remember you with great fondness and love. My husband (Joe Camp) and I also had the luxury of being invited to his precious daughters’ weddings. Nichole - he was so proud of the trumpets, and they were beautiful! I’m not sure what was more magical - watching you get married or watching your dad watch you! He wanted it to be perfect - and it was. Resa - the winter wonderland that your dad was able to create was breathtaking. The ice bar, the crystal coated branches on the tables for the reception - wow!!! He was a creative genius and he delighted in being able to give that to his girls. His grandkids - they meant the world to him! When asked about them - he would turn on that beautiful smile and just beam about their achievements.  He was a gem - and he will be greatly missed. Thank you, Bill. We love you … until we meet again.  ❤️ --Karma Camp

I was very fortunate to have had my life brightened by Bill’s presence. His smile and spirit would light up any room. Every memory I have with him is full of laughter, fun and great conversations. His heart was kind and generous and you knew it was full of love for his family. There is no doubt that Bill Homan touched many lives and will surely be missed. His passion for anything he did was what I most admired in him and what I most try to emulate in my life.  I am so grateful for all he did for me and my family. My love and prayers go out to his beautiful family during this difficult time. May they be comforted by all the memories, love, & presence he leaves in his children and grandchildren. –Maritza Savage

 

 

I share this with a grateful heart, having the last 30 plus years to know and work with Bill. I will miss his friendship, creative perspective on the world and his approachable and loving personality. It's hard to think of my life without him being around. You will be missed Bill and may you Rest In Peace my friend and may your family have comfort with your loving memories together. Much love, Daren Miller

This poem is for you Bill from Daren.
COMING HOME:
Star light star bright I make a wish with you tonight.
Please bring me home where I belong amongst the stars and moonlit night.
My spirit will skip over the stars high and low around the moons beams and across the burst of the suns rays I go. 
Your feathery arms opened wide, welcoming me home with your immortal silent and peaceful pride.
I softly touch down and you caress my cheek as I rest my timid and heavy head upon your chest with no reason to speak.
The time has come for you to let go, the voice above echoed down to me below.
Please whisper sweet dreams to me tonight, I reply.
You’re home now my child. Release yourself amongst the stars tonight and dance gracefully under the moons shimmery light.
Star light star bright I thank you for answering my wish tonight.

I’m David Norton the lucky dad to Bill’s grandsons, Riley and Keegan and of course the lucky husband to his daughter Nichole. My family knows this, but most of you don’t know this. I lost my father when I was 26 years old, Bill was just coming into my life at that time. I was just a kid and had no idea why Bill always wanted to be around and talk to me. Whenever we went to dinner, he sat next to me when we flew on an airplane, he sat next to me when we rode on the train he sat next to me, he asked me questions that no one had ever asked me before, he was interested in me. He was interested in my business. He was interested in how I grew up. Those early years of knowing him shaped the second half of my life. All those early conversations were teaching me, they were teaching me how to be a gentleman how to be a father how to be a husband, and most importantly how to be a family man. I’ve always said that growing up my father taught me how to be a man then bill taught me how to be a gentleman. I learn things from him I never knew existed like you’re supposed to take a vacation every summer out of the country. (I think he made that one up 😁) Bill cried with me when my mom died, and I cried with him when his parents died. I remember when I went to ask him if I could marry his daughter. I took him to lunch at Carlisle Grande and nervously stumbled over all my words until I finally got it out. Bill stood up, came over, hugged me, and said I’d be honored if you married my daughter. When we sat back down, he looked at me with a big smile and said, can I help you shop for a ring 😁. I hadn’t even thought of that yet. I’m sure he had ulterior motives to make sure I didn’t screw that up. But that was OK with me because I knew absolutely nothing about buying a ring. The void that he leaves in my family’s life can never be filled. And I just hope that I can make him proud and be the family man that he always was.

I remember early on thinking, I have only one thing in common with this man and that was Nichole. boy, was I wrong. We bonded on everything for the rest of his life. He treated me like I was his equal even though I didn’t think I was. He would ask my opinion on things, and I would think, why does he want to know what I think? As the years went on and we became closer I realized wow, I’m not just his son-in-law, I’m his best friend and he was mine. I remember when he first told me he loved me and I thought, that’s weird. But it wasn’t. We would tell each other I love you and it wasn’t weird. It was true. 

I love you Bill and I will do everything I can to take care of your daughter and grandsons.—David Norton

We will miss Bill dearly. He was always charming, and witty maintained a good sense of humor and jumped through hoops to make every event we worked on with him perfect - his creativity and ability to read what his clients wants made him the best. Aside from work, we loved his spirit, how important his family was, and that he was always giving of himself in the most positive way. unique and special. He was so thoughtful and kind to all of us who were part of Campbell, Peachey staff. What a special man. I was blessed to have known him. –Brenda Zimmerman

 

I join the countless others mourning the loss of Bill. I had worked in catering at a competitor for ten years and had crossed paths with Bill many times. I was always inspired by him. However, it was not until I became Director of Special Events at the NMWA, that I really got to know Bill. What a wonderful experience to collaborate with such an engaging and talented person. I was in awe of how Bill could take a "typical event" and turn it into something extraordinary. His smile was infectious and his brilliance unforgettable. I consider myself blessed to have wonderful memories of my times with Bill and will always be grateful for those moments. -Lori Brubaker Smith