The Obama Presidential Center will pay tribute to the late chef Tafari Campbell by opening a comfort-food restaurant in his honor. Campbell was a close friend and trusted member of the Obama household, and his culinary talents were admired during his time as a White House chef.

Campbell, aged 45, tragically lost his life in July 2023 while paddleboarding on Edgartown Great Pond near the former president’s residence in Martha’s Vineyard. Police reports indicated he was not wearing a life vest at the time of the accident. The Obamas affectionately referred to Campbell as a “beloved part of our family.”

“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,” the Obama Foundation stated.

The restaurant, named Tafari’s Kitchen, will serve dishes connected to the Obamas’ personal stories. Among these is “Mrs. Robinson’s Red Rice,” a family recipe from Michelle Obama’s late mother, Marian Robinson. The menu will be crafted by Chicago-based chef Cliff Rome, in collaboration with Bon Appétit Management Company.

Campbell began his White House career during the George W. Bush administration and continued throughout Barack Obama’s presidency, eventually becoming Obama’s personal chef. He left the White House at the end of Obama’s administration in 2017 but remained a close friend.

The Obamas released a statement following Campbell’s death, highlighting his creativity, passion, and kindness. They expressed their sorrow over his passing and recounted his positive impact on their lives.

The Obama Presidential Center, situated on Chicago’s Southside, is scheduled to open on June 19. Its development spanned over a decade and faced public scrutiny over its design and financial implications for taxpayers. Public funds amounting to hundreds of millions were used for infrastructure projects surrounding the center.