Obama Presidential Center to Feature Comfort-Food Restaurant Honoring Late Chef Tafari Campbell

The new Obama Presidential Center will feature a special tribute to the late chef Tafari Campbell through the launch of a comfort-food restaurant. Campbell, a cherished friend and personal chef to the Obama family, passed away in 2023. He tragically drowned while paddle boarding near Martha’s Vineyard without a life vest, according to police reports.

The Obama Foundation expressed that Campbell was seen as a ‘beloved part of our family.’ The restaurant, named Tafari’s Kitchen, will offer dishes that carry personal significance to the Obamas. This includes ‘Mrs. Robinson’s Red Rice,’ a recipe from Michelle Obama’s late mother, Marian Robinson.

A portrait of Campbell by artist Kate Capshaw will be displayed in the restaurant. The menu will be crafted by Chicago-based chef Cliff Rome and Bon Appétit Management.

Campbell’s career as a chef began with the George W. Bush administration before he continued with the Obamas. His journey includes serving as their personal chef after leaving the White House in 2017 when Obama’s term ended.

Upon his passing, the Obamas released a statement highlighting Campbell’s creativity and warm persona. ‘When we first met him, he was a talented sous chef at the White House,’ they noted, appreciating his ability to unite people through food.

The Obama Presidential Center, located on the Southside of Chicago, is set to open its doors on June 19. The project has been under development for over a decade, with significant attention paid to its design and the public funds used for infrastructure improvements surrounding the venue.