Chevy Chase Hotel Dedicates Bar To Employee Who Died From Lou Gehrig's Disease

The Embassy Suites Hotel in Friendship Heights has opened its doors after a multi-million dollar renovation project with a new bar dedicated to a former hotel employee who passed away from Lou Gehrig’s disease.

The new bar commemorates the hotel’s admired sous chef, Wilfredo Benavides, who suffered from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis — commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease — and passed away last year.

His namesake, Willie’s Bar, is a new 22-seat, 2,000 square foot bar that will serve over 100 top-shelf spirits, wines, local draught and bottled beers, as well as a new small-plates menu.

During the hotel’s grand re-opening on Oct. 28, the regional chapter of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association — an organization that raises money for ALS research — honored Benavides’s family with a special dedication. The hotel has also decided to donate 1 percent of all bar proceeds from Willie’s Bar to the nonprofit organization.

The project, designed by the hospitality-based construction and design firms HVS Design and Jonathan Nehmer & Associates, also added an open main lobby with a water wall and an enclosed gas fireplace, an expanded restaurant and lounge, a new bar, upgraded guest suites and a state-of-the-art health club.

Photo courtesy of Embassy Suites Hotels

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