The National Mall is more than just a collection of iconic landmarks—it’s a living, breathing part of American history, visited by millions every year. At the heart of this experience are our dedicated Guest Services, Inc. kiosk team members, who serve visitors with enthusiasm, professionalism, and a personal touch that creates unforgettable memories.

To honor their incredible contributions, we invited our kiosk team members to share their most memorable moments working on the National Mall. Their stories offer a glimpse into the history they’ve witnessed, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the pride they take in being part of this extraordinary place.

The National Mall: A Place Like No Other

Did you know that the National Mall attracts more than 25 million visitors annually? That’s more than Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon combined. Spanning over 300 acres with 9,000 trees and 26 miles of pedestrian sidewalks, it’s a monumental space that serves as a hub for history, culture, and recreation.

Guest Services, Inc. has played an essential role in enhancing the visitor experience for decades, serving about 1 million annually and over 40 million guests since we began operations. Our kiosks provide refreshments, gifts, and smiles to tourists from all over the world.

Team Member Stories: The Heart of the Mall

Tiffany Harper – Lincoln Food

“I had the pleasure of working the day of the 60th Anniversary of the ‘I Have a Dream’ speech, which brought out Al Sharpton and a lot of African American Frat Brothers and Political Leaders, and it was such an honor to be a part of that history. I also had the pleasure of working Barack Obama’s Inauguration.”

Brenda Wimbush – Manager Natural History

“It was freezing cold during President Ronald Reagan and the first President Barack Obama Inauguration, and it was such a pleasure to be able to be working during history having the first African American President. Also, I had the pleasure of working at various events such as The Black Family Reunion, Folklife Festival, in which I had to run the most successful BBQ and Lemonade Tent.”

Paulette Lassiter – District Manager

“It was such an amazing experience to work in the VIP tents at The National Lighting of the Christmas Tree for President Barack Obama, and I was able to meet so many singers and movie stars ranging from Baby Face, James Taylor, Trisha Yearwood, and Tom Hanks, just to name a few. But the best moment of them all was when I met the entire Dallas Cowboys Football Team along with Jerry Jones at the Lincoln Memorial.”

Stacey Turner – Jefferson Food

“My memorable moment on the National Mall was in 2000 working the Americans Millennium with President Bill Clinton, and it was a star-studded affair, and I remember it like it was yesterday. It was so cold, and when we finished working, it was about eight of us on a golf cart with Ms. Paulette, and we almost flipped over. But the most memorable event was always July 4th and the wonderful fireworks.”

Pauline Akinbowale – American History

“I was so excited to witness the opening of The National Museum of African American History and Culture. It was so wonderful seeing this museum representing our culture.”

Ruth Riddick – Lincoln South Retail

“After joining Guest Services Inc. in November 1997, we opened The Peace Corps Store. On September 15, 1998, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife, Maria Shriver, along with Queen Noor of Jordan attended the dedication of The New Peace Corps Headquarters here in Washington, DC. Guest Services managed The Gift Shop inside the headquarters. On that day, all of the volunteers were so excited to see Arnold, and his presence overshadowed The Queen and President Clinton. After the ceremony, Mr. Clinton came into the Gift Shop to purchase some items, and all of the reporters wanted to know what he purchased. Of course, we couldn’t say.”

Seble Seyum – Jefferson Food

“In 2013, at the 50th Anniversary of MLK Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech celebration, we had a pass to access the secured areas. We met and saw numerous celebrities, but Oprah Winfrey’s was the most memorable. I asked her if I can get a hug, and she agreed and gave me a huge hug. Melaku was able to capture some pictures. Then her security people surrounded her and rushed her away. And then I became the celebrity—strangers were hugging me left and right and asked to share the pictures I took with her.”

*Take a closer look at the unforgettable moments captured on the National Mall! One photo features Paulette Lassiter, District Manager, alongside Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, while another highlights the Cowboys team during their visit to this iconic landmark.

A Legacy of Service and History

These stories are just a glimpse into the incredible experiences our team has had over the years. From serving during presidential inaugurations to meeting world-famous celebrities, our kiosk employees have been on the frontlines of history while providing exceptional service to millions of visitors.

Their dedication reflects the mission of Guest Services, Inc. and ensures that every visitor’s trip to the National Mall is memorable. Thank you to all of our employees for your hard work, passion, and commitment.

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.

The Capital Food Fight, held on November 7, 2024, at The Anthem in Washington, D.C., was an outstanding night that blended culinary competition and a charitable mission. Hosted by celebrity chefs José Andrés and Spike Mendelsohn, this celebrated annual event raised an impressive $13 million to support DC Central Kitchen’s critical programs, which focus on fighting hunger and providing culinary job training. Guest Services, Inc. proudly stood out as one of the event’s key sponsors, contributing our unique culinary flair to the occasion.

Russell Baratz, Senior Culinary Analyst at Guest Services, explained the significance of the event. “The Capital Food Fight is more than just a culinary showcase; it’s a platform for community impact,” Baratz noted. “It aligns with our company’s commitment to both creativity and social responsibility.” Guest Services’ sponsorship this year included introducing a special ingredient—pineapple—which became the centerpiece of an internal culinary contest that led up to the big night.

The Pineapple Recipe Contest

Months before the Capital Food Fight, we launched a company-wide recipe contest to highlight pineapple as a key ingredient. “We wanted to create excitement and engage our chefs across the country,” Baratz explained. This initiative sparked a wave of creativity, with ten unique entries submitted, ranging from spicy shrimp with pineapple to a refreshing pineapple sorbet served in its own shell.

Robert Bates, District Executive Chef and creator of the winning dish, Tostadas Locos, spoke about the motivation behind his creation. “Russell really drove this contest forward,” Bates shared. “It was about inspiring creativity and showcasing our chefs’ skills. Contests like this are crucial for getting everyone engaged and thinking outside the box.” Bates credited the collaborative atmosphere at Guest Services for the contest’s success, emphasizing the support he received from colleagues like Brian Yelverton.

“We looked at how visually appealing the dish was and how well the flavors worked together, but also how manageable it would be to produce at scale. It had to be something that could work for all our units.”

Setting Guest Services Apart

The Capital Food Fight provided a perfect stage to showcase the unique Guest Services culinary culture, which empowers chefs rather than adhering to rigid corporate templates. “GSI is different,” Bates explained. “We hire chefs who bring local expertise and creativity. We don’t hand down cookie-cutter menus; we encourage our chefs to develop dishes that reflect the communities they serve.” This philosophy not only drives innovation but also fosters a deep sense of ownership and pride among the culinary teams.

Baratz echoed this sentiment, pointing out that participating in events like the Capital Food Fight helps elevate the company’s reputation. “It’s about more than exposure; it’s a celebration of the incredible talent within our team,” he said. “And for us to present Chef Rob’s Tostadas Locos to over 3,000 guests at The Anthem was a huge win.”

“These contests and events aren’t just about the competition; they’re about pushing our teams to be more creative and engaged. It’s a way to keep evolving and keep the energy alive in our kitchens.”

Engagement and Innovation: Building a Culinary Community 

Both Baratz and Bates emphasized the value of Guest Services’ Culinary Forum, a collaborative platform where chefs share ideas, recipes, and successes. “Complacency is the enemy in our field,” Bates remarked. “The Culinary Forum is there to keep our chefs motivated and continually evolving. It’s about creating meals that aren’t just good but exceptional.” The forum and contests like the pineapple challenge encourage chefs to take risks, refine their craft, and learn from each other.

The energy from the Capital Food Fight resonated beyond the event itself. Baratz mentioned plans to leverage the experience for future marketing content and community initiatives, underscoring the strategic benefits of their involvement. “Being part of something like this raises the bar for everyone at Guest Services,” he said. “It’s a reminder of the impact we can make, both in our communities and within our company.”

“When you push boundaries and try something new, you raise the entire team’s game. That’s what makes our operations shine, and it’s a core part of who we are at Guest Services.”

Savoring What’s Ahead

As we look ahead, both Baratz and Bates hope to continue participating in the Capital Food Fight and similar events. “This is just the beginning,” Baratz concluded. “We’re always open to new ideas that highlight our chefs and strengthen our community ties.”

For now, Tostadas Locos will hold a special place on menus across Guest Services locations, representing the spirit of innovation and excellence our company strives for every day. As Bates put it, “This isn’t just a winning dish; it’s a symbol of what we can achieve when we work together and push our creative boundaries.”

Thank you to everyone who made the Capital Food Fight a night to remember, and here’s to even greater success in the future!