GYM Bar WeHo is ready to raise the bar—again! After months of meticulous renovations, the popular Santa Monica Boulevard hangout is set to unveil its revamped space at a grand reopening event on Tuesday. Owners Erik Braverman and Jonathan Cottrell, alongside their dedicated team, invite the community to join them in celebrating the completion of a transformative project that promises to elevate the GYM Bar experience while preserving its neighborhood charm.
Since taking ownership in May 2024, Braverman and Cottrell have been on a mission to enhance the venue at 8918 Santa Monica Blvd., formerly known as Gym Sportsbar & Grill. The duo, who hold an 80% stake in the venture alongside partners Jeff Healy, John Manelski, Jordan Brusso, and Justin David, first reopened the bar under its new name last spring with a “Raising the Bar” banner and ambitious plans. Now, nearly a year later, those plans have come to fruition with a renovation that’s been as complex as it’s been exciting.
Throughout the process, GYM Bar WeHo remained a steadfast community hub. While the kitchen was closed for upgrades, the bar stayed open—keeping the drinks flowing and the good vibes alive. “The love and support we’ve felt over the past year has meant the world to us. These big remodel projects are never easy, but hitting the finish line makes it all worth it,” Braverman shared in a social media post last week. He credited his husband, Cottrell, for juggling the project’s many moving parts like a “rockstar,” ensuring every detail came together seamlessly.
So, what’s new at GYM Bar WeHo? The renovations are nothing short of a glow-up. Guests can look forward to an expanded menu featuring fresh offerings—lunch options are on the horizon, too—alongside upgraded facilities like expanded restrooms. The bar’s tech game has also leveled up with a complete overhaul of the AV system and the addition of a state-of-the-art video wall, perfect for game nights, fight screenings, or just soaking in the WeHo energy. These enhancements build on the “minor tweaks” the owners made in their first six months, reflecting their commitment to creating an even better space for their loyal patrons.
The grand reopening on March 18th isn’t just about showing off the updates—it’s a love letter to the community that’s rallied around GYM Bar since day one. “You are the heart of GYM Bar,” Braverman wrote in November, thanking the bar’s investors, staff, and guests for their unwavering support. That gratitude shines through in the team’s efforts to maintain the venue’s welcoming, neighborhood feel amid its sleek new look.
Braverman and Cottrell, known for their infectious enthusiasm, are pulling out all the stops for the celebration. “We can’t wait to welcome you all into the new & improved GYM Bar WeHo—come celebrate with us this Tuesday or stop by soon!” Braverman posted, hinting at a night filled with music, drinks, and the signature GYM Bar spirit. With the bar now fully operational—kitchen and all—there’s no better time to swing by and see what’s new.
GYM Bar WeHo’s journey from its re-opening under new ownership to this grand reveal has been a labor of love, and the payoff is clear. Whether you’re a longtime regular or a first-time visitor, the updated space promises something special: a place to live, laugh, and love in the heart of West Hollywood. So, mark your calendars for March 18th, grab a drink, and toast to the next chapter of this WeHo institution. See you there!
GYM Bar WeHo is located at 8918 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood. Follow their social media for the latest updates and event details.
