Aaron Bludorn, Chef, Partner

Chef and next-generation restaurateur, Aaron Bludorn’s mission is to create meaningful experiences through food and hospitality. Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Aaron was drawn to the kitchen at an early age during his first job working as a dishwasher and prep cook in a small diner on Bainbridge Island. Energized by the comradery demonstrated in restaurants, Aaron pursued a career in hospitality and began his journey at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park. His learnings at CIA led to a prosperous career working under the country’s most celebrated chefs including Michelin-starred Chef Douglas Keene and Daniel Boulud. While working as Executive Chef in Manhattan’s Café Boulud, Aaron met his now-wife, Victoria Pappas Bludorn, and was cast in Netflix’s blockbuster culinary competition show, The Final Table. That same year, he was honored by Star Chefs when he earned New York City’s Rising Star Community Chef Award. In 2019, the Bludorns moved to Houston and in 2020, they opened the eponymous restaurant, Bludorn. In the fall of 2022, Chef Aaron opened his second restaurant, seafood inspired, Navy Blue, in the heart of Rice Village. Chef Aaron has a devotion to his new city, where he supports many charities through special dinners and menu items.

Cherif Mbodji, Director of Operations, Partner

Cherif moved to the United States from Senegal in late 2000, to pursue his education in Business Management at Western Michigan University. While attending college, Cherif worked in restaurants as a busboy where he quickly developed a passion for restaurant culture and refined service. Over the years, his passion led him to work at the nation’s most prestigious establishments across the country including Michael Mina and 2 Michelin-starred Bouley Restaurant. Most recently, Cherif served as General Manager of Michelin-starred Café Boulud before working as Service Director at 2 Michelin-starred, Restaurant Daniel. When longtime partner & friend, Chef Aaron Bludorn, asked Cherif to join him in opening Bludorn, there was no hesitation. Cherif moved to Houston with his wife and three children. Cherif blends his prior experience of fine dining with the warm Southern hospitality he has grown fond of in his new hometown of Houston.

Victoria Bludorn, HR & Marketing, Partner

Following a successful career working in Manhattan’s bustling hospitality industry, Houston-native Victoria Pappas Bludorn, has returned home to open her first restaurant alongside her husband. Growing up, Victoria was surrounded by a large tight-knit family and was involved in Houston’s vibrant Greek community and culture. Victoria attended the University of Georgia before moving to New York to attend the acclaimed International Culinary Center (formerly known as the French Culinary Institute) in SoHo and spent a year refining her craft in various Manhattan kitchens. Her culinary journey eventually landed her a spot in Operations at Daniel Boulud’s management company, The Dinex Group, where she worked for 5 years. When moving back to Houston, Victoria began working with her husband on their next venture while also being a part of the Operations Team at Pappas Restaurants, Inc. focusing on Front of House Training and Banquets. Victoria now supports Aaron and Cherif in Business Operations, from Human Resources to Marketing.

Alexandra Pena, Executive Chef

Born and raised in Houston, Pena’s career trajectory has been invested with passion and achievement. Hers is a distinctly Houston story, reared in Mexican-American culinary traditions she learned at the hands of her grandmother and mother. After studying at Houston’s Culinary Institute LeNotre, she sharpened her kitchen chops at Kris Bistro and Kitchen and later at The Dunlavy. She joined the Bludorn team working in the vegetable station, graduating to fish and meat and eventually named sous chef. Recognizing her talents, Bludorn installed her as executive sous chef for it second restaurant concept, Navy Blue, working alongside executive chef Jerrod Zifchak. She has emerged as a key player in Bludorn restaurants and will now lead the kitchen crew at the hospitality group’s newest project, Bar Bludorn. She is the company’s first woman to oversee culinary at a Bludorn restaurant, a position that will be a showcase for her talents and unique flair.

Marie Riddle, Corporate Pastry Chef

Marie Riddle is Executive Pastry Chef at Bludorn Restaurant in Houston, Texas. A native of Asheville, North Carolina, Riddle started her professional journey working at a small family-owned Greek restaurant, where she fell in love with the passion, precision and dedication of chefs. After completing culinary school in 2009, she moved to New York City and quickly found her footing after answering an open call for a pastry position under Ghaya Oliviera at Daniel Boulud’s restaurant’s Boulud Sud, Bar Boulud and Restaurant Daniel. She later went on to work as sous chef under Eleven Madison Park’s Daniel Humm at The NoMad Hotel, followed by a stint with Christina Tosi, Chef/Owner of Milk Bar, to open Milk Bar NYC Flagship. Since moving to Houston in January 2022, she has fallen in love with the city’s diverse culinary scene. She is particularly excited to be part of a dedicated team of culinary professionals who have made the pilgrimage to Houston from acclaimed restaurants around the country for the opportunity to flourish at Bludorn.

David Coker, General Manager