Written by: Alondra Nicole
If you have ever basked in the ambience at Yamashiro Hollywood, or laid low on staycation at The Kodō Hotel – BHG has underpinned the fullness of your special experience. Boulevard Hospitality Group, founded in 2009, upholds its philosophy of mindfully creating establishments that vibrate at the intersection of opulence and innovation.
The Los Angeles based hospitality empire is led by former film executive Freddy Braidy. Since making his career transition from the silver screen to becoming a venture entrepreneur – Braidy has constructed the revered success of The Royal Hawaiian Restaurant, Cork & Batter, Yamashiro Hollywood, and countless other hot spot venues. “BHG is a ‘more than what meets the eye’ hospitality group,” said Freddy, “BHG is a force that has molded a new golden standard for developing modern luxury. Our venues thrive at the epicenter of exclusive dining, futuristic entertainment, and emerging sensation.”
The powerful range of BHG’s venues extend from The Hollywood Hills into the LA Arts District, sailing over into the currents of Laguna Beach. In total, the BHG network is the home of over twenty notable establishments, including The iconic TCL Chinese Theatre [IMAX] and The Hollywood Hills Hotel – as well as various Sugar Factory locations splashed across the United States, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and The Bahamas. The BHG roster also includes Mr. Tempo Cantina, The Coco Club, and illustrious Ocean Ave. restaurant – LAYLA. Most recently, BHG opened the Nice & Sweet Bakery on Sunset Blvd. – crowned by critics as ‘LA’s Hottest New Bakery’.
Rated at five stars, Nice & Sweet bakery & cafe is known across Los Angeles for its inviting energy and fresh-baked creations. Baked delicacies available at the pastel painted bakery include the Gala Apple danish, The Kouign Aman, and the Dipped Pan Au Chocolate. “Nice & Sweet treats are hand-crafted to make your spirit feel as good as how our menu tastes. We blend together expertise across a variety of skill sets,” shared founder Freddy Braidy, “Our chefs are top-notch, and passionate about culinary exploration.” On the menu, Braidy even has an artisan sandwich named after him called ‘The Freddy’. The hearty creation is a marriage of roasted turkey topped with smoked Provolone, and crispy bacon. The Cranberry spread found within the warm walls of the sandwich pair immaculately with caramelized ginger aioli, fresh shredded iceberg lettuce, and thinly sliced tomatoes.
“A typical day for me starts with my children, and ends with my children, no matter what,” expressed Freddy. The business-driven father is as dually connected to his family as he is to entrepreneurial projects. “BHG is a legacy organization. Conducting ourselves with discipline and voracious vision is our founding prerogative.” Meeting the mark each time, BHG promises clients an unforgettable experience through its web of intricate details. Masterful hospitality plans are cemented with industry leading experts across disciplines of architecture, research, and international prestige.
The complex aspects of each BHG development vary, but are ultimately born from the same steam of genius. For instance, BHG’s ‘Kodō’ means “heartbeat” in Japanese – intentionally named to reflect the essence of cultural fusion that permeates the spatial layout of the Kodō Hotel. The property itself was once an avant-garde fire station from the 1920’s – transformed by the brilliance of interior designers Jen Whitaker and Emi Kitawaki of Gry Space, along with acclaimed architect Matthew Royce. When designing the hotel, Royce citied the Kodō hotel as a prime example of the Japanese concept: “omentanashi”.
BHG innovation continues to shine forth at Yamashiro Hollywood. The Japanese terrace at Yamashiro seats guests under a custom-wood canopy, protecting the ambiance from heat, while still inviting the rays of the mountain sun to peek in. Guests may stroll through the ornate gardens that overlook the LA skyline, or bask in the midst of peaceful koi fish ponds while dining at Hollywood Hills’ most extravagant palace. The landmark establishment was built in 1914 by the Bernheimer brothers (whose primary motive for purchasing the palace was to use it as storage for their extensive Asian art collection). Now, one century later, Freddy Braidy keeps its magic alive under the umbrella of BHG.
As you consider future plans for experiencing greatness, keep BHG in mind –at the nucleus of every development, the visitor has been considered holistically long before their arrival.
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