The Obama Foundation had previously highlighted the Dog Tag Bakery's fellowship program, which acts as a “living business school” for veterans, military spouses and military caregivers.
Former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Joe Biden have reunited to pay a surprise visit to a civically-minded bakery in Washington D.C. Monday.
Members of Obama and Biden’s teams gave the employees at Dog Tag Bakery six minutes’ notice that pair would be having lunch at the Georgetown eatery, Director of Development Lolly Rivas told InsideEdition.com.
“President Obama shook our CEO’s hand … and said, 'We’ve been following along,'" Rivas said.
The Obama Foundation had previously highlighted the bakery’s fellowship program, which acts as a “living business school” for veterans, military spouses and military caregivers. Fellows can earn certificates of business administration from Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies.
"We knew they knew of us, but we never had any direct contact," Rivas said. "To say we were shocked is an understatement."
Dog Tag CEO Meghan Ogilvie had gathered the current 13 fellows before Obama and Biden’s arrival under the guise that they were having a team meeting. After the initial fanfare surrounding their surprise drop-in, Obama and Biden spent about 30 minutes getting to know the group and about their future business plans.
“They asked about the experiences of the service members, the military spouses, veterans, caregivers … what they’re doing here at Dog Tag,” Rivas said. "One of our fellows, Rebecca, wants to open a yoga studio, so President Obama took a picture with her in Tree Pose in the middle of the bakery."
After getting to know the team, Obama and Biden sidled up the bakery’s counter, where they both had ham and gruyere sandwiches. The 44th president of the United States also got a side salad, while his veep opted for a slice of mint blueberry cake.
“The bromance is still alive,” Rivas said. “They were chatting, throwing around jokes, and were in great spirits.”
Before they left, Obama spoke to the group as a whole and referenced the goals of the people he had just spent the better part of an hour with.
“He was very thoughtful … in the video, he mentions shrimp and grits because one of our fellows wants to open a restaurant, he mentions grilled cheese because one of our fellows wants to open a food truck that specializes in that … he really made sure everyone felt very heard," Rivas said.
As the pair made their way out, they greeted the rapidly growing mob waiting outside, leaving the staff at Dog Tag Bakery in awe of what had just happened.
“It was completely wild,” Rivas said. “We’re thrilled they picked us."
Officials at Dog Tag Bakery hope it’s not the last they've see of the dynamic duo and especially welcome the chance to become involved with the Obama Foundation.
"Our fellows, they leave their program and make a difference, have a ripple effect on their communities," Rivas said. "If there is an opportunity, we would love to."
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