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.

Chef Clayton, Executive Chef

Born and raised in Katy, Texas, Clayton made a bold pivot from owning an AV & automation business to pursue a career in the kitchen. After being accepted to the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley, he converted his work van into a tiny home and headed to California—balancing school while working at Thomas Keller’s Ad Hoc & Addendum. His externship brought him to Bludorn in early 2021, where he started on the garmo station shucking oysters. Within weeks, he was running the station—handling prep, managing orders, and making a lasting impression as a young cook. After completing one more semester in California, he returned to Houston—and to Bludorn—for good. He worked through every station in the kitchen before becoming a sous chef in 2023, executive sous in early 2024, and as of May 2025, steps into his newest role as Executive Chef at Bar Bludorn. Clayton is excited to carry forward the foundation laid by Chef Allie, honoring her influence while beginning to weave in his own perspective. When he’s not at the restaurant, you’ll find him spending time with family or working on old-school cars—a nod to his hands-on spirit.

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

Originally from Dallas, David Coker began his hospitality career in 2015 at Rapscallion—a casual fine dining restaurant in Dallas known for its focus on live fire cooking. Over his seven years there, he developed a deep respect for the craft of service and the culture of the dining room. In 2022, he relocated to Houston and joined the opening team at Navy Blue as a server, and also spent a short time at Bludorn, drawn to the opportunity to work under Chef Aaron Bludorn and Cherif Mbodji. He stepped into a leadership role as part of the opening team at Bar Bludorn in 2024, where he served as Assistant General Manager. Now as General Manager, David brings his love for hospitality to the Bar Bludorn experience, leading and training the team on the floor each day. Outside of the restaurant, David is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys fishing, hiking, and hunting, and he serves as a chapter lead for Ben’s Friends in Houston, a support group for industry professionals navigating sobriety.

Evan White, Wine Director

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.

Liz Bravo, Private Dining and Events Coordinator