Back in 2019, Aaron Bludorn left his post as executive chef at Michelin-starred Café Boulud to head to his wife Victoria Pappas Bludorn’s hometown to open their own restaurant along with front-of-house extraordinaire Cherif Mbodji, who’d worked with Bludorn at Café Boulud. Of course, down in Texas, the Pappas name is synonymous with restaurants, as Pappas Bludorn’s family currently has more than 100 of them across eight states. The trio started their Houston restaurant group with the Bludorn restaurant, serving new American fare with Gulf ingredients and exceptional service. They followed with Navy Blue, leaning into seafood, and then created their version of a high-end neighborhood restaurant with Bar Bludorn. Next, they’re preparing to open an all-day bistro at the forthcoming Hotel Saint Augustine. The Bludorn Hospitality Group currently employs 300 people across restaurants and operations, and the leadership stays engaged with the community, with Mbodji serving as a board member for Southern Smoke. They’ll also bring culinary talent from around the country down to Houston to host a chef series launching in 2025.
