Acclaimed chef Aaron Bludorn and his restaurateur wife, Victoria Pappas Bludorn, have partnered with manager Cherif Mbodji for a yet-to-be-named concept that will debut in the former food hall in summer 2022, according to an Oct. 28 news release.
The trio comes to Rice Village with experience leading the Bludorn restaurant in the Allen Parkway corridor, just west of downtown Houston.
“From the moment we decided to relocate to Houston from New York, our goal was to open multiple concepts, and the opportunities we knew the city would provide to do that was key in choosing the Bayou City over other locations to plant roots,” Aaron Bludorn said in the news release. “We are so thankful for the unwavering support of a phenomenal team, who have created something incredibly special with Bludorn—against the odds of the pandemic—allowing us to take this next exciting step due to its success.”
The new concept will join an array of offerings in Rice Village, including Roma, Sof Hospitality Group’s Hamsa, Badolina Bakery & Cafe, and more.
“Rice Village is home to some of the most diverse dining offerings in Houston, and the addition of a Bludorn concept will further elevate our culinary culture,” said Morgan Lera, Investment Manager of Rice Management Company in the news release. “This chef-driven concept will bring great energy to an incredible corner in the Village with its original menu offerings and expansive outdoor patio space.”
Burdette Huffman, of The Blue Ox Group, represented Rice Management Company during the transaction.
"The addition of this Bludorn concept is a key component of the dynamic merchandising mix in Rice Village,” Huffman said in the release. “This will be the only one like it in the city, creating an incredible draw for foodies across Houston. We are thrilled to welcome Chef Aaron Bludorn and his phenomenal team to the Rice Village family.”
The Bludorns chose the Rice Village location for their second concept given the midcentury charm of the former food hall, along with its proximity to West University Place, Rice University, the Texas Medical Center, Hermann Park and the Museum District, according to the news release. www.bludornrestaurant.com
