Guest Services, Inc. and Sonny’s Pizza Bring Bar Americano to the National Mall
November 19, 2024 | Uncategorized
The National Mall has a new culinary destination: Bar Americano, a collaboration between Guest Services, Inc. and Sonny’s Pizza, offering grandma-style pan pizza, Italian sandwiches, and natural wines. This innovative project, detailed by Washingtonian , is reshaping how Guest Services thinks about food kiosks.
Faced with declining traffic when the Air and Space Museum closed its Mall entrance for construction, we turned a challenge into an opportunity. “Our goal was to create a destination that could captivate visitors as its own attraction,” said Chris Bloyer, Senior Director of Operations. Guest Services developed a fresh, stand-alone kiosk concept, which was ultimately enthusiastically embraced by the National Park Service, resulting in a vibrant and innovative addition to the Mall.
A Team Effort Driving Success
The success of Bar Americano wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of Paulette Lassiter, District Manager, and her operations team. “Paulette and her team have been extraordinary,” Bloyer emphasized. “They embraced these new concepts and overcame every challenge to make this project a reality. Their hard work has transformed the kiosk into one of our top performers, frequently ranking #1 or #2 on weekends.”
The partnership with Sonny’s Pizza marks a strategic move, as it allows Guest Services to partner with a beloved local brand and leverage prime National Mall real estate. “This collaboration gives us the chance to showcase a unique menu that complements the area,” Bloyer explained. Featuring offerings like craft beer, wine, and Italian-style sandwiches, the kiosk has quickly become a hit with both locals and tourists.
On the Horizon for The National Mall
The success of Bar Americano is just the beginning. “We’re exploring other creative ways to reimagine our kiosks,” Bloyer shared. “Whether that means new partnerships or fresh menu items, the goal is always to elevate the experience.” As nearby food trucks and attractions increase competition, Guest Services is committed to staying ahead through innovation and quality.
Discussions are already underway with potential future partners, ranging from national brands to regional restaurant groups, signaling an exciting path forward. “Our approach is to continuously adapt and provide offerings that resonate with the community,” Bloyer added.
Bar Americano has redefined what a food kiosk on the National Mall can be, and we’re excited for what comes next. “Creativity and collaboration are key,” Bloyer concluded. “It’s about turning challenges into opportunities and making a lasting impact.”
Read more about Bar Americano’s debut at the Washingtonian.
