“Simple Bar & Grill on Brightwood might be displaced.”

5828 Georgia Ave, NW

Thanks to a reader for sending from Change.org Save Simple Bar & Grill: A Proud Georgia Avenue Business!

“Since 2010, Wilfredo Guzman, better known as “Will” by many in the neighborhood, has been arduously working on his vision to help be a part of the revitalization of the 5800 block of Georgia Avenue. Wilfredo is an example of hard work and perseverance.

Will came to the U.S. in 1992. He is originally from Bolivia in South America. As a first-generation immigrant, he has worked hard to reach his goals, support his family, and give back to the city by serving his community. Will is a resident of Ward 4 and an alumnus of Cardozo Senior High School and the Corcoran School of Art. As a longtime resident of Ward 4, he always drove by Georgia Avenue in the Brightwood area and saw many of the abandoned storefronts, because of the riots of the 60s and a wave of economic difficulties the city faced in the 80s and 90s. As an artist, Will saw the potential and possibilities in not only helping revitalize these areas but to be a part of this much-needed and deserved investment into the community.

He worked hard, saved money, and was able to open Graphic Box Custom Design Studio. He was able to begin to create an opportunity not only for his own dreams, but also helped ignite a revitalization to this area. Shortly after, he realized that area residents did not have that many options for places to come and share as a community. He soon opened Simple Bar and Grill to provide local quality services for the Brightwood community.

Graphic Box specializes in murals, graphic design, signage, and custom tattoos; while Simple creates a comfortable family-friendly community space, serves fair priced meals and spirits – and for many has become a ‘home away from home’.

Visit Simple on any given day and you will discover the true diversity of our neighborhood and city – all are welcome and celebrated. Simple has hosted public school teachers gathering to relax after a long week; families celebrating birthdays and anniversaries; nights to celebrate Liberian, Haitian, Latino, and Jamaican heritage; events to support local business; fundraising events for local and international grassroots causes; screening for local films, books, and artists; free sports viewing events; live performances by local and international bands; and local LGBTQIA Pride nights. When you walk in, you see the walls filled with artistic tributes to Mayor Marion Barry, Chuck Brown, and local abolitionary leaders like Aunt Betty, helping inform customers about the history of this city.

…In April 2018, Wilfredo found out through word of mouth that his landlord of five years planned to sell the property on Georgia Avenue NW – ​5822-5824-5828 Georgia Ave NW​.”

Read the rest of the story here.