By Kaleigh Werner, AEIC
As we enter Spring semester of our first year back after “zoom university,” our campus is finally beginning to feel normal again. Basketball games are being held, orgs are gathering and the spirit of being a GW student has begun to blossom and return. However, after a year spent communicating online and social distancing, eager freshmen and nostalgic seniors have yet to make up for lost time exploring what it means to be a part of this community.
Most of us would agree that, aside from the central areas to study in between classes, there still isn’t a spot on campus that students can go to relax, unwind and meet people outside of an academic setting. Let’s just say that walking up to someone in the middle of Marvin center, just to ask if you can sit in the chair next to them, isn’t exactly the best time or place to make a new friend.
The opening of a new restaurant, lounge and bar on campus is likely to change this for all GW students. Ben Sislen, Jonas Singer and renowned chef Tim Ma are bringing the newest addition to Western Market, Ex Pat, a unique and lively spot that will soon become the hub for all GW students this March.
Ben Sislen, founder and CEO of Ex Pat, walked me through the space that was formerly Bertucci’s and explained their vision for the new restaurant and bar. The idea behind Ex Pat came from a conversation between Sislen, Singer and Ma in which they thought up ways to create the best college bar.
“We knew there were a lot of students and a lot of need. And I think a lot of the GW bars that were in existence were no longer around, so we wanted to create a space that could be an amenity for the students and just be a lot of fun,” Sislen said.
They wanted to establish a third place that could be a part of the GW community that was separate from students’ work and home, a place that they’re able to go to hang out with their friends, but also meet new ones.
Sislen explained what the name Ex Pat meant: “D.C. is a place where people gather from all over the country, and internationally. So, an ex pat bar in a foreign country is a place where you can go and you can see a lot of people where you’re from and immediately have a common interest or common cultural background and you can make friends with new people.” The added amenities and little details that will be implemented into the space are all meant to encourage this.
On the top floor, upon entrance, there will be a beautiful bar designated for individuals who want to come and grab a drink during happy hour. This bar is going to be a quieter spot throughout the restaurant where you can relax and catch up with friends. As you move downstairs to the main level, you will be met with a bit of a louder and looser atmosphere filled with a karaoke stage, podcast studio, shuffleboard area and a range of other games for students and patrons to enjoy anytime they please.
Infusing a sports bar vibe into the space, there will be high top and community tables surrounded by a number of TVs. However, Sislen added that this won’t be the typical sports bar that we generally associate with colleges and universities, meaning there will not be two inches of beer on the ground when the night ends. He said this spot on campus will be “A good space for everyone, not just for people yelling at screens. We want to make sure that we are not just looking out for ten percent of the population, but that we’re available to everybody. ”
Ex Pat will include a case full of artwork featuring the creativity of GW students and will act as the central location for all groups and organizations to meet and hangout. Events can be both private and public as the location includes a separate area closed off from the rest for parties of about 20 to reserve. Additionally, the restaurant is planning to organize and host everything from trivia nights to poetry slams and interesting lectures. The podcast studio will be available for anyone to book, but will also be the place where Bram Weinstein, voice of The Commanders and new partner of Ex Pat, records.
The space will be open for both lunch and dinner on the weekdays and include an early brunch time on the weekends. Open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Ex Pat will take on a more lively feel as the night goes on, but will always remain open for all ages. Sislen, Singer and Ma have plans to develop an app that will allow customers to easily upload their IDs and vaccination cards instead of bringing or showing them each time they come. Students are encouraged to not only apply for part-time positions at the restaurant, but also to help with the creation of the application.
Singer highlighted his intentions in trying to make the space representative of the GW community, “I mean overall, in talking with the students, it seems like there is actually a good spirit about the school, but it seems like there is a common theme that there is no sort of central, physical place for that spirit to be expressed. And that’s what we want to be. I think a lot of that energy is going to come from being that congregating space for GW school spirit.”
Arrangements are underway for events to be held for both homecoming and March Madness once they open. The menu will incorporate a barbeque and southern feel and in addition to this space, Sislen, Singer and Ma have started construction on another restaurant spot within Western Market that will be a taco bar and include an outdoor patio with live music. Both places will be featured on GWorld.
For those of you who are looking for a place to feel the joy of being a part of the GW community, or just a fun and exciting place to go with friends and family, Ex Pat should be at the top of your list!
