Photo by Walker Evans.

The restaurant group who opened The Crest Gastropub, Alchemy and The Market Italian Village have come together to create another concept. TRISM, an event space, bar and eatery is set to open in May at the Gateway.

The purpose of the space is unlike many that go into the University District. Co-owner Abed Alshahal said that while they’ll be catering to the student population, that isn’t their main focus. Rather, they’re hoping TRISM can draw people in from the rest of the city who usually avoid the campus area.

“I went to Ohio State University, and I wasn’t the kind of person that went to the sports bars and like, went out late at night,” Alshahal said. “I feel like there is a missing void for that — just a healthy, vibrant social life that’s not sports-heavy, that’s not just drinking-heavy, but that’s balanced, and that’s really what we’re going for here.”

TRISM will be transformative, changing throughout the day based on who gathers there. In the morning, students, residents and OSU faculty can stop by the walk-up window and grab breakfast. They’ll offer smoothies, juices, coffee, as well as gluten-free and vegan donuts, among other items.

During lunch hours their menu will become more “Alchemy-esque,” Alshahal said. Savory, “worldly-slash-superfood-inspired” bowls will be on the menu. Described as fusion, their food doesn’t have a specific ethnic identity, but is simply a blend of styles and ingredients from all over.

When the sun goes down and people hit the town, that is when TRISM will truly transform. The 6,000 square foot space is “ample room for medium-sized events,” which could include anything from poetry slams to book releases to late night dance parties, improvisational art shows, music events and more. Community activists, artists and musicians will be encouraged to create their own events.

When the bar opens, they’ll offer liquor, beer and wine, and their house cocktails, like the cold pressed mimosa flight, will have an Alchemy twist to them. They’ll have brunch as well, and they’re considering a late night menu.

TRISM will open in mid- to late-May at 1636 N. High St. Their eatery will open at 9 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. daily. Their bar will be open from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m on Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

For more information, visit trismcbus.com. To inquire about event scheduling, email [email protected].