Bờm Hospitality has been a shining beacon on Vietnam’s F&B landscape since 2022 introducing a breath of freshness under the brand Bờm Kitchen & Wine Bar. Instead, it is a place you should go on a culinary exploration, finding fancy Asian cuisine in a chic Western setting.
Born with a lineage of business acumen, Jon Do, the founder of Bờm Hospitality, has paved his own path to elevate Vietnam to a leading position in the service industry. His father, Do Cao Bao, is a distinguished entrepreneur and co-founder of FPT Corporation – the largest technology conglomerate in Vietnam. Famous for his book “Vietnam’s Aspiration: Why Are We Still Poor?”, Do Cao Bao has inspired young entrepreneurs to pioneer Vietnam's transformation into an economic powerhouse.
From a young age, Jon Do was guided to follow in his father’s footsteps in the technology field. However, alongside his rigorous studies, Jon Do spent many precious hours in the cozy kitchen with his mother, helping her cook and take care of the family. Over time, he realized that apart from the aspiration to uplift Vietnam, he also had a passionate love for cooking and bringing joy to others.
With his ambitions, Jon Do decided to pursue his dream. He set off to the United States to broaden his horizons and hone his skills. Jon Do’s goal was to return to his homeland after completing his studies and contribute to Vietnam’s economic development through the hospitality and culinary industry.
The journey of conquering ambitions from the lowest starting point
Carrying a burning ambition to conquer the culinary world, Jon Do arrived at Boston University, where his dreams took root. Quickly recognizing the value of practical experience, Jon Do chose to start his journey from the lowest point – as a dishwasher at a seafood restaurant near Harvard.
With diligence and high determination, Jon Do quickly proved his abilities. Within a few months, from the position of a dishwasher, Jon Do was trusted to take on the role of head chef. Gaining substantial experience, Jon Do moved to a higher-end restaurant to expand his professional knowledge before returning to Vietnam to fulfill his ambitions. However, the sudden outbreak of Covid-19 posed significant challenges to the F&B industry.
Returning to his homeland amidst the pandemic, Jon Do witnessed the devastation Covid-19 inflicted on the restaurant industry, with numerous establishments worldwide and in Vietnam forced to close. Understanding the situation clearly, Jon Do realized that his position as a chef was insufficient to save any business. He chose the vibrant Saigon as the next stop for his culinary journey. Here, he founded Bờm Gastronomy – the first restaurant, marking a significant milestone in his career.
After the dark days of the Covid-19 pandemic, the gloomy atmosphere of economic recession spread everywhere. With sharp strategic vision, Jon Do recognized that difficulties always hide opportunities. The closure of numerous restaurants due to the pandemic opened up new gaps in the culinary market, simultaneously increasing customer volume for Bờm Gastronomy.
Understanding the impact of the economic crisis on people’s lives, Jon
Do adjusted his business strategy. Bờm Gastronomy was renamed Bờm Kitchen & Wine Bar, with a more accessible menu and service style, while still maintaining a certain level of sophistication.
This bold change achieved resounding success. Bờm Kitchen & Wine Bar quickly became a favorite destination for locals and international tourists, contributing to enriching the diverse culinary landscape of Saigon.
With the spirit of "dare to think, dare to do," Jon Do continually innovates and creates his products, offering customers unique and high-class culinary experiences.
Deserved fruits of extraordinary effort
In the summer of 2023, the history of Vietnamese cuisine marked a golden milestone when the Michelin Guide – the world’s most prestigious restaurant award – officially arrived in Vietnam. Bờm Kitchen & Wine Bar was honored to be listed in the first Michelin Selected for Vietnam with three culinary masterpieces: Bờm Set, Bo Kho Tart, and Black Sesame.
The acclaim of Bờm Kitchen & Wine Bar resonated widely, motivating Bờm Hospitality team to expand with a second project, Sóno restaurant. Inspired by its name, which means "echo" in Latin, Sóno offers an authentic Vietnamese culinary experience, spreading the essence of Vietnamese ingredients, culture, and people to the world.
Located in a quiet yet luxurious corner of Thao Đien, Sóno hides like a precious gem, attracting sophisticated diners with its meticulousness in every detail. Unlike Bờm Kitchen & Wine Bar, Sóno aims for a high-end experience at a reasonable price, quickly becoming a favorite destination for successful Saigon youth.
At Sóno, each dish tells a story, a harmonious combination of tradition and modernity. Diners will enjoy the freshest ingredients, prepared by an experienced and dedicated team of chefs. The restaurant space is elegantly and luxuriously arranged, providing diners with a cozy and comfortable feeling.
Besides operating high-class restaurants, Bờm Hospitality also brings value to partners needing support in the F&B sector. A prime example is the collaboration with Galaxy Studio to introduce Galaxy Cinema Thiso Mall – the first premium cinema experience in Ho Chi Minh City. For the first time, movie lovers can order food right at the cinema and enjoy alcoholic beverages, elevating the entertainment experience to a new level. Bờm Hospitality is currently the official F&B partner, overseeing and providing specialized consulting for the F&B function of the cinema.
The partnership with Galaxy Cinema Thiso Mall is just one example of the value Bờm Hospitality brings to the Vietnamese market through the service industry. Currently, the company also operates several offices for startups and is nurturing many potential expansion projects in other sectors of the industry.
The prestigious Michelin award is a testament to the unwavering efforts of the talented founder, Jon Do.
The impressive achievements are a testament to the talent and burning passion of Jon Do – the founder of Bờm Hospitality. Under the leadership of this talented and perceptive captain, Bờm Hospitality is not only a successful business but also a symbol of Vietnam’s aspiration – the aspiration to rise, the aspiration to assert oneself on the international market. Thanks to the spirit of "dare to think, dare to do", Bờm Hospitality has continually innovated and created, bringing unique and high-class culinary experiences to customers.
The story of Bờm Hospitality and Jon Do is a testament to the belief in Vietnam’s bright future. With talented, dedicated, and ambitious individuals like Jon Do, Vietnam can confidently step onto the international stage and achieve resounding success.
