PHONE: 281-746-6466
25 Waterway Ave. SUITE 100, The Woodlands, TX 77380
MONDAY - THURSDAY | 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
FRIDAY | 5:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
SATURDAY – SUNDAY BRUNCH | 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
SUNDAY DINNER | 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
MEDIA INQUIRIES | bludorn@beccapr.com
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 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.
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.
Evan White is the newly appointed wine director for Bludorn Hospitality Group, chef Aaron Bludorn’s collection of Houston-based restaurants, where he brings nearly a decade of experience to his role. Evan began his career at Babbo Ristorante in New York City in 2017, quickly discovering a passion for hospitality and wine that led to his position as head sommelier. In 2021, Evan joined chef Daniel Boulud’s celebrated Dinex Group where he helped open the Michelin-starred Le Pavillon, as well as La Tête d’Or as head sommelier in October 2024. Evan holds coveted accolades and achievements including a Wine Spectator “Best of Award of Excellence” for the wine program he established at La Tête d’Or, a WSET Diploma, the Bolgheri e Bolgheri Sassicaia Prize for top score in the Americas, and he is also a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas. Evan is excited to work alongside the Bludorn Hospitality Group team, curating wine selections with a fun, thoughtful, guest-focused approach. When he’s not at the restaurant, he can be found exploring his new Houston home with his wife and two-year old son.
Malik McLemore is a familiar face within the local food scene thanks to his personal rose-through-the-ranks success story. Born and raised in Houston, McLemore’s restaurant career began at the renowned Pappasito’s Cantina, first as a server and bartender before transitioning to floor manager. Eager to play a greater role in the industry, he moved to the celebrated French American restaurant La Table, rising from bartender to service captain. After La Table closed during the pandemic, McLemore discovered that Bludorn opened in his childhood neighborhood. After dining at Bludorn he wasted no time in applying. In 2021 he joined the Bludorn team as a bartender and was promoted to assistant general manager. After overseeing the day-to-day operations at Bludorn, he became the GM at Navy Blue, ensuring that Bludorn Hospitality Group meets the high standards set at each location. He now oversees Bar Bludorn, the Woodlands, continuing BHG dedication to growth and excellence.
Melissa Fuentes serves as Director of Sales and Events at Bludorn Hospitality Group, bringing nearly 20 years of experience in Houston’s hospitality and events industry. After earning her undergraduate degree from Texas A&M and culinary degree from The Art Institute of Houston, Melissa began her career with City Kitchen Catering before joining Swift + Company in 2010. Over 15 years, she helped grow the company’s catering business while developing her expertise in event planning and design. Today, Melissa oversees private dining at Bludorn and Navy Blue, as well as restaurant buyouts and events across the hospitality group. She is passionate about creating memorable experiences and believes great hospitality means making guests feel welcome, cared for and understood. Melissa brings the warmth and love of gathering that she learned from her large Italian family to every guest experience she creates. Outside of work, Melissa enjoys reading, needlepoint, traveling and gathering around the table with family.
