the story of
For us, it's not just about stupid good food and drinks. It's also about how we were raised. Walking into a Filipino home, you don't get hosted so much as absorbed into the family. Someone's asking if you've eaten before you've taken your shoes off. Someone's already making you a plate. It's not politeness. It's how we show love.
We wanted a bar that worked the same way. Stupid good food and drinks, woven together by the flavors, colors, stories, and hospitality passed down through generations. Naming the bar came easy. The feeling you get when you walk in came even easier. It’s who we are.
Bobo is named after Chef Jacob's dad, Bho. It’s a nickname that’s stuck for so long people forget his name is actually Rob. In Jacob’s family, the name was always spoken with affection, while in Tagalog, bobo is a word used to describe something so good it's ridiculous. Stupid good. So when we sat down to name the bar, there wasn't really another option.
please, come in. Have you eaten?
Don't be shy, have one more.
zubair mohajir
EXECUTIVE CHEF + CO-FOUNDER
Zubair Mohajir is an award-winning chef, restaurateur and culinary storyteller known for redefining South Asian cuisine through a modern, globally influenced lens. Born in Chennai, India, raised in Doha, Qatar and later settling in the Chicago area, Mohajir’s culinary perspective reflects a lifetime of cultural exploration and a passion for connecting people through food. Mohajir is the chef and founder behind celebrated Chicago concepts including Coach House, Lilac Tiger, Mirra, Sarima Cafe and Muhājir. His work has earned multiple James Beard Award nominations, national recognition and appearances on Bravo’s Top Chef and Food Network. Across each of his restaurants, he explores the intersections of history, migration and culture, creating experiences that honor tradition while embracing innovation. Through every dish, he invites guests to experience the stories, flavors and journeys that have shaped both his life and his vision for modern hospitality.
jacob dela cruz
EXECUTIVE CHEF + CO-FOUNDER
Jacob Dela Cruz is a Filipino-American chef and hospitality leader whose work is rooted in culture, community and storytelling through food and beverage. As Chef de Cuisine of Coach House and co-founder of Muhājir + BOBO and Sarima Cafe, Jacob has become an integral part of a new generation of culinary talent helping shape Chicago’s dining landscape. His approach blends technical precision with a deep respect for heritage, drawing inspiration from Filipino flavors, family traditions and vibrant energy of neighborhood gathering places.
RICHARD BELTZER
BEVERAGE DIRECTOR
Richard Beltzer is a hospitality professional whose career has been defined by passion for thoughtful service, creative beverage programming and building memorable guest experiences. With years of experience working across some of Chicago’s most respected hospitality concepts, Richard has developed a reputation for blending technical expertise with genuine hospitality, creating spaces where guests feel both welcomed and inspired. A key creative force behind BOBO, the spirited cocktail bar hidden within Muhājir, Richard helped shape a beverage and hospitality program that celebrates bold flavors, cultural storytelling and a sense of discovery. Inspired by the vibrant energy of Filipino street markets and nightlife, BOBO embraces a playful and unconventional approach to cocktails while maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality and execution.
david mor
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
David Mor is an award-winning bartender, hospitality professional and entrepreneur whose innovative approach to beverage programming has helped shape some of Chicago’s most exciting dining destinations. As the creative force behind the beverage programs at Coach House, Lilac Tiger, TRUCE, Mirra and Muhājir + BOBO, David is known for crafting distinctive cocktail experiences that balance technical precision, thoughtful storytelling and exceptional hospitality. Recognized as one of Chicago’s hospitality professionals to watch, David continues to push the city’s cocktail scene forward through his commitment to innovation, collaboration and genuine guest experiences. Whether designing a menu, mentoring a team or welcoming guests at the bar, he believes great hospitality begins with creating meaningful moments and lasting connections.
BEENA VAidyan
GENERAL MANAGER
With more than 20 years of experience in hospitality, Beena Vaidyan has built her career around creating exceptional guest experiences and fostering strong service-driven teams. Her background spans restaurants, hotels, entertainment venues and large-scale hospitality concepts throughout Chicago, where she has held leadership roles in operations, guest relations, training and team development. Born and raised in the Chicago area to parents from Kerala, India, Beena feels a personal connection to many of the flavors, traditions and cultural influences that inspire Muhājir. Her leadership style is rooted in care, connection and creating an environment where both guests and team members feel welcomed, valued and respected.
team bobo
Alex Silva
Kenny Cordero
Emmi Shearman
Katie Chmiel