Obama Presidential Center Honors Chef Tafari Campbell with Dining Tribute

The Obama Presidential Center plans to honor the late chef Tafari Campbell with a comfort-food restaurant. Campbell, a close family friend and former White House chef, passed away in 2023. The Obama Foundation has announced this tribute to celebrate his contributions and memory.

Campbell, 45, tragically drowned while paddle boarding on the Edgartown Great Pond near the Obamas’ Martha’s Vineyard home in July 2023. Police reported he was not wearing a life vest at the time. The Obamas have described Campbell as a ‘beloved part of our family.’

The new dining establishment, Tafari’s Kitchen, will offer dishes inspired by the Obamas’ personal stories. One such dish is ‘Mrs. Robinson’s Red Rice,’ a family recipe from Michelle Obama’s mother, Marian Robinson. Chicago-based chef Cliff Rome, along with Bon Appétit Management, will lead the culinary effort.

Campbell’s illustrious culinary career began during the George W. Bush administration when he worked as a White House chef. He continued his service during the Obama presidency, eventually becoming the personal chef for the Obama family upon leaving the White House in 2017.

Tafari Campbell was celebrated for his warm personality and passion for food, which brought joy to those around him.

The Obama Presidential Center, located on Chicago’s South Side, will host a grand opening on June 19. It has been in development for over ten years, facing scrutiny over design, expenses, and taxpayer contributions. The infrastructure costs for roads, transit, and utilities around the campus have been substantial.