Obama Presidential Center to Honor Chef Tafari Campbell

Former President Barack Obama’s presidential center is set to honor chef Tafari Campbell with a new comfort-food restaurant. Campbell, a cherished member of the Obama household, tragically passed away in July 2023.

The Obama Foundation announced that the restaurant will celebrate the life and contributions of Campbell, who was part of the White House culinary team and personal chef to the Obamas. Campbell, 45, drowned while paddleboarding near Obama’s Martha’s Vineyard residence. According to police, he was not wearing a life vest during the incident.

The Obamas have expressed their fondness for Campbell, describing him as a ‘beloved part of our family.’ As a tribute, the restaurant will feature a painting of Campbell by artist Kate Capshaw.

Tafari Campbell was known as a warm, fun-loving, and humble soul who used his immense gifts and passion for food to spread joy and bring people together, and a painting of him by Kate Capshaw will hang in the restaurant.

Tafari’s Kitchen will serve dishes inspired by the Obama family’s personal stories, including ‘Mrs. Robinson’s Red Rice,’ a recipe from Michelle Obama’s late mother, Marian Robinson. Chef Cliff Rome and Bon Appétit Management are leading the restaurant’s menu development.

Campbell’s career began during the George W. Bush administration when he joined the White House culinary team. He continued his role into Obama’s presidency and became Obama’s personal chef, maintaining a close friendship with him until leaving the White House in 2017.

During the investigation of his accident, a fellow paddleboarder reported seeing Campbell lose his balance and fall into the water.

The Obamas shared their sorrow over Campbell’s passing, remembering him as a talented sous chef dedicated to bringing people together through food. His presence brightened their lives, and they felt a profound sadness at his loss.

The Obama Presidential Center, located in Chicago’s Southside, faces public scrutiny regarding design and taxpayer costs. Its grand opening is scheduled for June 19, after over a decade of development.

Taxpayers contributed hundreds of millions of dollars towards infrastructure improvements around the center, including roads, transit, and utilities. Fox News Digital has sought comments from the Obama Foundation regarding these expenditures.