Obama Presidential Center to Honor Chef Tafari Campbell with New Restaurant

The Obama Presidential Center plans to honor the late chef Tafari Campbell, a cherished friend and personal chef of the Obamas, with the opening of a comfort-food restaurant in his name. Campbell, who tragically passed away in 2023, was celebrated for his culinary achievements and warm personality.

The Obama Foundation announced the restaurant, Tafari’s Kitchen, in a press release. It will feature dishes inspired by the Obamas’ family stories, including ‘Mrs. Robinson’s Red Rice,’ a recipe from Michelle Obama’s late mother, Marian Robinson. The initiative aims to celebrate Campbell’s legacy and contributions to the Obama family.

In July 2023, Campbell drowned while paddleboarding near the former president’s Martha’s Vineyard residence. Reports indicated he was not wearing a life vest during the accident. The Obamas described Campbell as a ‘beloved part of our family.’

Tafari Campbell served as a White House chef for two presidents before becoming the personal chef to the Obamas after their administration. His career began with the George W. Bush administration and continued through the Obama presidency. Known for his creativity and passion for food, Campbell forged a deep friendship with President Obama, who requested him to remain as their personal chef after leaving the White House in 2017.

The restaurant will also feature artwork by Kate Capshaw, celebrating Campbell’s life and contributions. The menu will be led by Chicago-based chef Cliff Rome, in collaboration with Bon Appétit Management.

The Obama Presidential Center, located on Chicago’s Southside, is set to open on June 19 after a decade of development. It has faced scrutiny over design and taxpayer costs, with public infrastructure expenses totaling hundreds of millions of dollars. These costs included updates to roads, transit, and utilities around the center.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Obama Foundation for further comments on the matter.