Obamas dedicate restaurant to White House chef who tragically drowned

Barack and Michelle Obama have revealed the name of a new restaurant, and it is a nod to their former personal chef who died in tragic circumstances.

The former President and First Lady opened the Obama Presidential Center (OPC) on Chicago's South Side on June 18, 2026, and named the restaurant Tafari's Kitchen.

The name is a sweet gesture to honour Tafari Campbell, who worked for the couple in the White House before becoming their personal chef.

He started out as a sous chef on the White House kitchen staff during Barack's presidency, before leaving with the couple and working from their Martha's Vineyard home.

Tafari tragically died in 2023 at the age of 45, after he accidentally drowned while paddleboarding close to their home.

The former first family was not home at the time of the incident.

Campbell left behind a wife, Sherise, and twin sons, Xavier and Savin.

On the new website for the Center, they paid tribute to Tafari, describing him as 'a warm, fun-loving, and selfless soul, with award-winning culinary talent.'

They described him as a talented chef who 'used his passion for food to spread joy and create community.'

The former POTUS paid tribute on the site too, writing: "Tafari Campbell showed us what true character looks like. He believed that actions speak louder than words. And he used his immense gifts to bring people together, provide comfort, and spread joy."

Several of the dishes which will be served at the restaurant were inspired by Tafari's recipes.

Curated by Chef Cliff Rome, the meals include 'Tafari's Famous Ribs' complete with potato salad or coleslaw, and the 'Obama Family Chili'.

There is another sweet tribute, called 'Mrs. Robinson’s Red Rice,', named after Michelle's late mother, Marian Robinson.

Her favourite dish featured sauteed shrimp, bacon and sausage.

At the time of his passing in 2023, the Obamas called Tafari 'a beloved part of our family' in a joint statement.

"When we first met him, he was a talented sous chef at the White House — creative and passionate about food, and its ability to bring people together," they said.

"In the years that followed, we got to know him as a warm, fun, extraordinarily kind person who made all of our lives a little brighter."

"That’s why, when we were getting ready to leave the White House, we asked Tafari to stay with us, and he generously agreed. He’s been part of our lives ever since, and our hearts are broken that he’s gone."