INSIDE THE SQUARE

Some markets are merely historic. The Square makes history. Located in a light-filled oasis beneath International Square’s brilliant glass atrium, DC's newest culinary landmark assembles today’s boldest flavors alongside the city’s emerging culture of tomorrow.

A World of Flavor With a Singular Vision

The Square brings together 15+ chef-driven concepts with cuisine from around the globe in a dynamic new space beneath the glass atrium of International Square. Imagined and created by two of DC’s most celebrated chefs — Richie Brandenburg and Rubén García — The Square promises to change the shape of contemporary food markets from the inside out, for guests and for chefs alike.

Welcome to The Square

Flavors from far and wide converge at The Square. Find sushi in one corner, Spanish eats in another, and a selection of DC’s most imaginative dishes on every menu in between. Here, cultures and cuisines live side-by-side in a way that only happens in America’s most worldly city. Scents arouse satisfaction. Meals become memories. First-time visitors transform into I’m back for more.

Our Secret Sauce

Just like DC’s food scene, The Square embodies collaboration. Behind the scenes, each of our partners’ chefs and line staff share a kitchen space, butcher, and food buyer. Because our partners work together, operations run smoother, ingredients are higher quality, and menus are more inspired. And guests get the real benefit — teamwork back of house means every order tastes that much better.

The Chefs Behind The Square

After a lifetime of experience in the world’s most loved kitchens, Richie and Rubén return the favor to the city that’s defined them.

Richie Brandenburg

From Richmond to New Orleans, London to San Francisco, and back east to DC, Richie Brandenburg’s career has carried him (and his lifelong love for French cuisine) to kitchens across the globe. After three years as kitchen director for José Andrés Group — where he met Chef Rubén García — Richie used his culinary expertise and industry acumen to curate DC’s Union Market. Today, he’s joined Rubén as co-founder at Unfold Hospitality, the team behind The Square, the newest landmark in DC’s thriving culinary scene.

Rubén García

From his childhood kitchen in Catalonia to his training at the renowned Joviat culinary school, Rubén García’s early years propelled him into roles at some of Spain’s most celebrated restaurants including El Bulli. In 2003, he arrived in DC to join the leadership team at José Andrés Group, eventually helping to open restaurants nationwide, including DC’s minibar, NYC’s Mercado Little Spain, and LA’s The Bazaar. Today, Rubén and business partner Richie Brandenburg run Unfold Hospitality, the team behind DC’s newest culinary destination, The Square.

“Nothing beats the culinary scene in DC. This city made us who we are. With The Square, we say Thank you.”
–Chef Rubén García

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