Boulevard Hospitality Group and the Vision of Freddy Braidy: Reinventing Experience Through Space and Innovation

Boulevard Hospitality Group (BHG) is one of Los Angeles’ most powerful forces in dining, entertainment, and hospitality. The leader of this enterprise is Freddy Braidy, a former film executive whose move into the world of hospitality has changed some of Southern California’s most recognizable venues for the better. With a founder’s drive for improvement, Braidy has created a brand whose influence stretches from the Hollywood Hills and the Arts District to the ocean views of Laguna Beach – and now to the skyline of Miami.

Since launching BHG, Braidy has established and revitalized a series of iconic venues, including Yamashiro Hollywood, the TCL Chinese Theatre, Rokusho LA, Kodō Hotel & Restaurant, and numerous others. Under his leadership, BHG has become known for imaginative concepts that bring together history, art, architecture, and cuisine. As a management company that owns and operates a diverse network of entertainment, dining, and hotel food and beverage ventures, BHG is responsible for more than a dozen prominent establishments. However, beyond the scale of BHG’s portfolio, the company’s successes stem from the idea that the guest experience always comes first.

BHG’s influence across greater Los Angeles can be seen in the breadth of its portfolio. The company’s reach spans multiple neighborhoods and communities, from Hollywood landmarks that have defined generations of entertainment culture to modern social hubs in the Arts District. Their lineup includes Osa Rooftop, Durango Cocina, the Royal Hawaiian, Udatsu Sushi LA, and Cork & Batter Road House, each upholding BHG’s high standards. The unifying thread is the details at each venue, including lighting, sound, menu curation, and design, all meant to immerse guests. 

This concept has now taken BHG outside of California for the first time. For instance, Yamashiro Miami, which opened its doors recently at the Gale Miami Hotel & Residences, is a significant milestone for the brand. Located at 159 NE 6th Street, the restaurant occupies a 9,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor space with panoramic views of downtown Miami. Its design is similar to its legendary Hollywood predecessor, incorporating traditional Japanese architectural elements such as koi ponds, bonsai trees, fire pits, flowing water features, and a bar space modeled after a Japanese temple. The environment feels like a dialogue between Yamashiro’s history and Miami’s high energy.

Bringing Yamashiro to Miami needed a careful balance between tradition and modernity. Under the leadership of Partner and Chef Charbel Hayek and Executive Chef Gustavo Montes, Yamashiro Miami’s menu features beloved signatures from Hollywood with new creations that reflect South Florida’s culinary taste. Here, guests will find staples such as the wagyu tomahawk, yuzu saikyo black cod, toro tartare, robata-grilled delicacies, and the famed Maine lobster tempura. Alongside these classics, exclusive Miami dishes highlight the region’s fresh seafood. Both chefs emphasize that the menu will change with the seasons, adapting to Miami’s produce and coastal specialties while maintaining Yamashiro’s high standards. 

Yamashiro Miami is just one example of how BHG is succeeding in the hospitality industry. Take the Kodō Hotel and Restaurant in the Arts District, which reflects Braidy’s commitment to restoration. Kodō, meaning “heartbeat” in Japanese, occupies a historic 1920s fire station that has been turned into a boutique hotel. Guided by designers Jen Whitaker and Emi Kitawaki of Gry Space, the project features industrial elements with Japanese-inspired minimalism, fitting into the surrounding creative neighborhood. The restaurant beneath the hotel offers a selection of contemporary Japanese dishes, small plates, sushi, cocktails, and wine. The space is warm and intimate, yet retains the sophistication expected of a BHG venue.

The revitalization of the TCL Chinese Theatre, the stewardship of Yamashiro Hollywood, and the ongoing success of long-standing favorites like the Royal Hawaiian in Laguna Beach also prove Braidy’s vision. His hands-on leadership style distinguishes BHG from traditional hospitality chains. Braidy is involved in every stage of development, from conceptual stages and design to menu direction and guest experience planning. Whether preserving the authenticity of Yamashiro’s historic gardens, refining the omakase menu at Udatsu Sushi LA, or evaluating architectural features at new venues, he prioritizes authenticity over formula. This approach has helped BHG to build a network of destinations that maintain their character while upholding a cohesive high standard.

Ultimately, the success of Boulevard Hospitality Group lies in its impressive portfolio as well as its dedication to the magic of hospitality. Under Freddy Braidy’s leadership, each venue is an experience of cultural appreciation and care for the guests who walk through its doors. As BHG continues to grow across states and communities, its influence is setting new benchmarks for what hospitality can look like in today’s world.