On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng speaks with Cherif Mbodji, Co-Owner and Chief Operating Officer of Bludorn Hospitality Group (Bludorn, Bar Bludorn, Navy Blue, and Perseid). Cherif reflects on his journey from Senegal, where hospitality is a cultural way of life, to New York, where he honed his skills working with Chef Daniel Boulud. He shares how his time at Café Boulud led to a daydream with Aaron Bludorn about one day opening a restaurant together. That daydream turned into a leap of faith and a courageous move to Houston, where Cherif helped open four successful restaurants. Cherif talks about how human connection and the philosophy of teranga (hospitality) have always guided his work, and how he navigated the challenges of opening these restaurants, including during the pandemic. He also shares how his work with the Southern Smoke Foundation supports the hospitality industry.

Links

- Instagram - Cherif Mbodji: https://www.instagram.com/cherifmbodji/

- Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/

- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-32-cherif-mbodji

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