Sarah Brannigan (B’28) is a first-year in the McDonough School of Business studying finance. She is a New York City native and Georgetown Storyteller who loves golfing, traveling, writing and Dunkin’ Donuts.
I remember hearing whispers about a club at Georgetown dedicated to food during my first campus tour while still in high school. I was immediately intrigued — a group that combined exploring new cuisines, discovering DC, and meeting new people? It sounded perfect! This fall, as I stepped onto campus for the first time as a student, I was hungry to sample new activities, meet new people, and dive into new opportunities that would season the next chapter of my life. That’s why I decided to apply for the Georgetown University Eating Society (GUES)!
A Taste of History
For those unfamiliar with GUES, let me introduce you to one of Georgetown’s most beloved student groups. Founded in August of 2016 by two sophomores with a shared passion for food, GUES was born out of a simple yet delicious idea — to create a community dedicated to connecting people through food. GUES become a sensation on campus by the following fall and attracted over 200 applicants, interviewed 100 students, and in the end welcomed 56 new members. Today, GUES is led by a 15-person student board and has over 150 members, each dedicated to exploring new flavors and creating unforgettable food-filled experiences.
Serving Up Bites & Beginnings
You might be wondering, ‘”What exactly does GUES do?” Well, let me give you a taste of what makes this group special. Our most popular events are our restaurant outings around DC, where we are able to secure reservations at some of the city’s most popular spots. Recent highlights include dinners at Vera, a unique fusion of Mexican and Lebanese cuisine, and Lapis, a modern Afghan bistro. Restaurants are usually picked by our board members, who research spots that are top-rated and trending. We have special dinner events where we try exclusive sample menus at a fixed price for each member, or others where members simply order what their heart desires off the menu and pay for their meals. While out to eat, GUES members have the unique opportunity to speak with chefs and restaurant staff to learn the stories behind these spots and the inner workings of the restaurants.
Most recently, I participated in our November Dinner With 7 Strangers Event. As a freshman, I find these monthly events where you go out to eat with GUES members that you may not know too well very exciting. Just a quick walk from campus, I enjoyed a beautiful dinner at Georgetown’s newest restaurant Osteria Mozza. I met four new members of the club that evening and we shared both great conversation and food! Over plates of fresh pasta and delicious salads topped with housemade dressings, we were able to see for ourselves why this new hotspot is on everyone’s mind. It is moments like this that remind me how GUES is about more than just food — it’s about building connections and community.
GUES hosts other events for members that foster connection and shared experiences. From cooking events with board members to potluck dinners, there is always something to do. Just last week I had a GU Farmers Market picnic with fellow members on Copley Lawn. These events have allowed me to connect with friends on a deeper level, whether through casual conversations over a home-cooked meal or working together on a fun, hands-on activity. They offer a chance to build friendships, exchange ideas and create lasting memories outside of the academic environment at Georgetown.
Beyond the Plate
GUES is deeply committed to giving back to our local community, particularly in the fight against food insecurity in DC. As a member, I’ve been fortunate to participate in several service projects that make a real difference. For example, just last week, I worked with GUES members to collect leftover food from the Leo O’Donovan Dining Hall as part of a project with the Food Recovery Network. The food was sent to a local food pantry to provide meals to those in need.
I am so grateful to be a part of the Georgetown University Eating Society. Not only have I been able to explore my new home in DC, but I have also met so many amazing people. Whether through casual gatherings, service projects or special events, GUES has introduced me to a vibrant community that I am proud to be a part of. Eat up!
