Moe Baddourah
Dedicated to serving Columbia
Moe Baddourah began learning the ropes of business at an early age.
As a teenager, he took a job at Andy's Deli, the Five Points landmark owned by his uncle, Andy Shlon. “I think going to work at an early age gave me an understanding of business principles that I still carry with me today,” said Baddourah. “You’ve got to work hard, keep expenses as low as possible so you can keep customers’ costs down, and always listen to what the customers want to ensure their needs are met.”
Today, Baddourah is a businessman himself. He owns and runs Moe’s Grapevine Italian Restaurant on Rosewood Drive.
As a member of Columbia City Council, Moe's business experience is what sets him apart.
“I think more business people are needed in city government and at all levels of government,” says Baddourah. “Business people often have first-hand insights on financial matters, and on matters facing local businesses.”
Columbia City Councilman Moe Baddourah donates blood during the recent Palmetto Lifesavers blood drive.
Moe Baddourah hangs out with longtime Columbia television personality Joe Pinner during the St. Pats in Five Points kick-off celebration on March 1.
Moe Baddourah and his uncle, Andy Shlon. Andy owns Andy's Deli in Five Points. While working at Andy's Deli as a teen, Moe learned the ingredients to success in business.
Columbia City Councilman Moe Baddourah donates blood during the recent Palmetto Lifesavers blood drive.
Moe Baddourah, businessman
It was also during his time working at Andy’s Deli that he began honing his culinary talents. Baddourah gained an appreciation for a quality dining experience, and he carried that with him to USC's hospitality management program, also known as the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Administration.
"My uncle Andy first led me to get into the restaurant business," recalls Baddourah, now a 26-year veteran of the industry.
For about a decade Baddourah operated Eclaire Pastry Shop in Columbia. He sold the store and returned to USC to earn his master’s degree. After completing graduate school, he assumed the role of lead chef at the popular Mediterranean Tea Room in Shandon.
It was in 2002 that Baddourah embarked on his dream of opening an establishment all his own. After careful study, Baddourah, who lives in Shandon, decided his restaurant should be located in the Rosewood area. “I chose Rosewood simply because it’s a wonderful community,” he said.
Now in its eighth year, Moe’s Grapevine features Italian and Southern Mediterranean fare. Of course, Baddourah is the chef.
“One of the best things about operating a restaurant is the interaction with so many people in the community,” he says. “When you have a restaurant, you really have a feel for the pulse of the community.”
Columbia is ‘a special place’
As a 33-year resident of the area who received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from USC, Baddourah says he knows this community “inside and out.”
“Columbia's a special place,” he says. “I’ve always taken great pride in my city.”
Baddourah and his wife Carrie have two young sons, ages 3 and 1. Baddourah says he wants his sons to enjoy the same same opportunity he was blessed with. "I want them to know and enjoy the Columbia that I came to love," he says.
Something else that makes Columbia special: The Gamecocks. Baddourah is a huge Gamecock fan.
Community service
Baddourah is noted for his community involvement. In 2011, for example, he chaired the Rosewood Crawfish Festival, an annual event put on by the Rosewood Merchants’ Association. Aside from showcasing local businesses, the festival serves to draw the community closer together and help neighbors get to know each other a little better, Baddourah says. Importantly, the event also raises funds for charitable causes.
Through his restaurant, Baddourah also supports many charities that help the less fortunate. He’s a strong supporter of In-Vest USA, a local nonprofit organization that purchases bulletproof vests for law enforcement officers.
One of his favorite causes is the Mental Illness Recovery Center Inc. (MIRCI), which provides services for people recovering from mental illness. He recently hosted a fundraising dinner, which he dubbed "Patriotic Monday," for MIRCI.
Friends say Baddourah has left his mark on the community.
“I know Moe to be a man who is active in his church and his community and who truly cares about helping his neighbors,” said Columbia businessman Drew Theodore.
“For 30 years he has worked to make this community a better place, both as a businessman and citizen.”
A decision to enter public service
It’s Baddourah’s pride in his city and a desire to serve his community that led him to run for City Council.
As a member of City Council, one of his top priorities is public safety. He wants to find a way to curb pedestrian-related traffic accidents in Five Points, for example. ”And we must be sure the men and women of law enforcement have the support and the resources they need to do their jobs effectively and safely,” he says.
He also stresses quality of life issues, such as infrastructure. He wants City Council to stop raiding its water and sewer maintenance fund for other expenses in the budget, adding that a deteriorating water and sewer system is one of the city’s more pressing issues. Some residents have brown tap water due to the condition of pipes, he said.
Baddourah also says there are some common-sense reforms he wants to implement, including increased transparency. And he says there should be term limits for members of City Council. “When someone holds an office too long, they sometimes become part of the problem, rather than the solution,” Baddourah says. “On the other hand, fresh blood helps keep the political system healthy.”
Above all, he says he wants to help his neighbors. “Too many people run for office for the wrong reasons. I simply want to help my city.”