Sonia El-Nawal

Sonia El-Nawal is a talented and innovative chef who has made a name for herself in the Las Vegas culinary scene. Here's a brief overview of her career and accomplishments:

Culinary Background

Sonia El-Nawal is an experienced chef with a diverse background in the food industry. She attended the New York Restaurant School, which laid the foundation for her culinary career.27

Entrepreneurial Ventures

Rooster Boy Café:: El-Nawal owned and operated Rooster Boy Café in Desert Shores, Las Vegas, where she introduced her version of a New York bagel sandwich in 2020.1

Rooster Boy Granola:: Two years prior to her LinkedIn profile update, El-Nawal launched her brand Rooster Boy Granola, which she sold at the Downtown farmers market on Fridays.2

Bodega Bagel:: El-Nawal's most recent and notable venture is Bodega Bagel, which she launched in Henderson, Nevada. The restaurant opened on September 6, 2022, and operates Tuesday through Sunday from 7 am to 3 pm.3

Culinary Philosophy

El-Nawal is passionate about creating "healthy, delicious beautiful food".2 Her approach to cooking is influenced by her diverse experiences, including running a coffee shop in Belgium in the early 1990s.4

Bodega Bagel Concept

Bodega Bagel is described as a "love letter to New York," showcasing El-Nawal's take on classic New York-style bagels and sandwiches.5 The restaurant is the culmination of her experience with bagels, which began at her previous establishment, Rooster Boy Café.1

Innovative Approach

El-Nawal is known for her willingness to experiment with new ideas. For instance, at Bodega Bagel, she planned to try out vegan gravlax, possibly made with carrots.6 This innovative spirit is also evident in her participation in the Vegas Test Kitchen project, where she showcased her bagel concept before opening a permanent location.16

Sonia El-Nawal's culinary journey reflects her passion for food, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to bringing unique dining experiences to the Las Vegas area.