Gym Bar WeHo, the iconic West Hollywood gay sports bar, has reopened its doors with a spectacular celebration that highlights its new features and community focus. Under the ownership of Erik Braverman and Jonathan Cottrell, the bar has transformed into a vibrant community hub while retaining its sports bar essence. One of the most intriguing new features is a playful nod to Provincetown.
The fresh look of Gym Bar includes a massive composite TV screen that dominates the space, creating a dynamic viewing experience for all sports fans. When Braverman and Cottrell took the reins, their vision was to create a space where sports, entertainment, and community could coexist. They have certainly achieved this goal with style.
Community Comes First
During the devastating fires that swept through Los Angeles earlier this year, Gym Bar WeHo became a sanctuary for residents, providing a place to gather, find solace, and stay informed about evacuation updates. This incident underscores the importance of community spaces in times of need. Now, with its grand reopening, Gym Bar is poised to be a central gathering place once again, this time under much happier circumstances.
The transformation of the venue, which once housed a bagel shop, into a state-of-the-art sports bar, is truly remarkable. A highlight is the giant viewing screen made up of four televisions, strategically placed to be visible from Santa Monica Blvd. Additionally, the "quick stop" restroom area, humorously named P-Town, is a practical and welcome addition.
Celebrating the Reopening
The grand reopening event was a vibrant affair attended by a diverse group of community leaders and influencers. Notable attendees included West Hollywood Mayor Chelsea Byers, City Councilmember Danny Hang, and members of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. The presence of these prominent figures underscores the bar's significance as a community institution.
Also in attendance were sports and entertainment personalities, such as Jai Rodriguez and UCLA's Director of Softball Administration, Kirk Walker. Their presence highlights Gym Bar WeHo's strong ties to the LGBTQ+ sports community, as well as its broader appeal.
With its roots in New York City, the Gym Bar brand has a storied history of creating inclusive and welcoming spaces. The new West Hollywood iteration builds on this legacy, offering a unique blend of sports fanaticism and community camaraderie.
A Menu for the Community
Beyond the physical renovations, the new menu is a standout feature of the revamped Gym Bar. Developed based on extensive patron feedback, the menu reflects the tastes and preferences of its loyal customer base. According to Cottrell, the menu is designed to resonate with the community's desires, ensuring that everyone feels at home.
Among the menu highlights is the varsity burger, which has quickly become a customer favorite. The bar's commitment to quality extends to its broadcast offerings, with Los Angeles Dodgers games being prominently featured whenever possible, thanks to Braverman's ties to the sports world.
Where Sports and Community Meet
With major sporting events on the horizon, including March Madness, the NBA playoffs, and the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, Gym Bar WeHo is set to become the go-to venue for sports enthusiasts and casual fans alike. The combination of excellent viewing options, delicious food, and a welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal spot to enjoy the games.
As part of its ongoing commitment to the community, Gym Bar encourages patrons to connect through its social media channels and stay updated on events and specials. The bar's reopening marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter that promises to bring people together through a shared love of sports and community spirit.
The grand reopening of Gym Bar WeHo is not just a celebration of a venue; it's a celebration of community, inclusivity, and the enduring power of sports to bring people together. With its innovative features, welcoming environment, and commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, Gym Bar WeHo is set to become an integral part of West Hollywood's social and cultural landscape.
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