Unfold Hospitality is the brainchild of Richard Brandenburg and Rubén García, two culinary powerhouses with a shared passion for transforming the food and hospitality industry. Both have extensive experience working under the legendary chef José Andrés, where they earned the nickname “Delta Force” for their ability to conceptualize and execute innovative dining experiences.
Their journey from running José Andrés’ restaurants to creating Unfold Hospitality was driven by a desire to push boundaries and challenge the conventional food hall model. “We love food and relish the challenge of operating at our best and executing at the highest level possible,” says Richard, founder and CEO at Unfold Hospitality. This passion led them to create The Square, a groundbreaking culinary destination in Washington, D.C.
Introducing The Square: A Culinary Landmark
The Square is not just a food market but a vibrant hub of cuisine, culture, and community. Located beneath the stunning glass atrium of International Square, this culinary landmark features Unfold Hospitality concepts: Casa Teresa, the acclaimed flagship restaurant named to The New York Times’ list of The 25 Best Restaurants in Washington, D.C. Right Now, plus Brasa, Jamon Jamon, Junge’s, Atrium Bar, and Shoals. The Square’s chef partners include Nativo (café), Flora (pizza), Kiyomi (sushi and omakase), Taqueria Xochi (Mexican street food), Yaocho (Polynesian), and Brindle Boxer Kombucha. And there are more partners to come. The Square embodies the melting pot that is Washington, D.C.
“The Square is this incredible space where the city’s boldest flavors and emerging culinary culture come together,” Rubén explains. “It’s not just about food; it’s about creating memorable experiences and bringing people together.” The Square aims to change the shape of contemporary food markets by fostering collaboration among its vendors, ensuring high-quality ingredients, and delivering inspired menus.
A Collaborative Culinary Experience
One of the key innovations at The Square is its emphasis on collaboration. Unlike traditional food halls where each vendor operates independently, The Square’s vendors share resources, including kitchen space, butcher, and food buyer. “We prefer not to label ourselves as a food hall because our approach is fundamentally different,” Richard explains. “Think of us as a large restaurant that welcomes our friends from around the city.”
This collective approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also elevates the quality of the food. “If 13 tenants need beef, why should each one order from a different supplier? It’s inefficient,” Rubén remarks. “By pooling our resources, we can go through a whole cow in a week. This not only saves money and improves product quality, but it also gives the chefs a unique story to share about the source of their beef.”
Building a Culinary Community
Unfold Hospitality’s mission extends beyond serving delicious food; it’s about building a community. The Square is designed to cater to a diverse audience, including commuters, executives, tourists, and students. The emphasis on community and collaboration is evident in every aspect of The Square’s operations. Unlike traditional food halls where vendors operate independently, The Square’s model emphasizes collaboration among its vendors. Shared resources such as kitchen space, a butcher, and a food buyer enhance operational efficiency and elevate the quality of food served.
This collective effort extends beyond just logistics; it fosters a culture of teamwork and creativity, where chefs and staff exchange ideas and techniques, resulting in more innovative and diverse menus. For patrons, The Square offers more than just a place to eat; it provides a sense of belonging. The diverse culinary offerings reflect the melting pot of Washington, D.C., bringing together flavors from around the world. Communal tables, open kitchens, and interactive cooking stations encourage social interaction, transforming dining into a shared experience.
Richard emphasizes, “We represent Washington, D.C., well, providing a unique place where you won’t just find the same things you see back home.” The Square’s commitment to local and sustainable practices further strengthens its community ties, supporting local farmers and suppliers. This inclusive and collaborative environment ensures that everyone, from commuters and executives to tourists and students, feels welcome, celebrating the diverse cultural fabric of the city.
Innovation at the Core
For Richard and Rubén, innovation is about solving problems and finding new ways to collaborate. “Innovation is solving the problem. ‘Can’t’ doesn’t exist,” Richard asserts. “People who believe in the word ‘can’t’ or ‘it’s impossible’ are people who don’t believe in innovation. Anything is possible in some form or another, and innovation is the path to get there.”
The Square’s innovative model is a direct response to the challenges faced by traditional food halls. By fostering a collaborative environment, Unfold Hospitality can create efficiencies, enhance product quality, and deliver exceptional dining experiences. This innovative spirit sets The Square apart, making it a beacon of culinary excellence in Washington, D.C.
The Future of Unfold Hospitality
As Unfold Hospitality grows, Richard and Rubén remain focused on expanding their innovative approach to other projects. “We’re very proud of what we’ve accomplished, and I’m incredibly excited about the team we’ve assembled,” Richard shares. “This is probably the strongest team I’ve ever been part of, and I believe we have the potential to be unstoppable in the community.”
The future looks bright for Unfold Hospitality, with plans to introduce new brands and concepts that will further revolutionize the food and hospitality industry. Their commitment to quality, collaboration, and community drives their success and inspires others in the industry.
The Square is more than just a place to eat; it’s a place where memories are made and experiences are shared. As Richard puts it, “Life is way too short not to have a lot of fun at it. And that’s what we do here at The Square – we have fun and create something truly special.”
