Chef Cliff Rome Tapped to Lead Food Services at Obama Presidential Center in Chicago
A New Era of Dining in Jackson Park
Chef Cliff Rome of Peach’s Restaurant has been selected to bring South Side flair and flavors to the forthcoming Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park. The Obama Foundation announced on Thursday that the restaurateur and Bon Appétit Management Co. will oversee a restaurant, cafe, and catering services at the center, set to open in 2026.
A Collaboration of Flavors
The partnership between Rome’s Joy Companies and Bon Appétit, branded as BAMJoy, is expected to yield quality food and employment opportunities for locals. “It’s a great collaboration,” said Rome, 53, who grew up in Englewood. “The presidential center is just a perfect opportunity to work with the community and bring a whole bunch of folks along for the ride.”
A Menu of Eclectic Delights
While the menu is still in flux, Rome said patrons can expect items that are eclectic, clean, scratch-made, and locally sourced and inspired. “It’s food heaven,” he said. “That’s what it’s going to feel like.” Rome doesn’t know enough about former President Barack Obama’s favorite foods to add them to the lineup, but he said, “From what I’ve heard, he likes simple [cuisine]. It has to be good and consistent, though.”
A Personal Connection
Rome hosted a private dinner for the politician and the Obama Foundation’s executive committee last year at the Bronzeville-based Blanc art gallery, another endeavor under Rome’s Joy Companies. “He’s super cool, just super laid-back,” Rome said. “I didn’t realize how chill he was until I got to talking to him. He’s a great storyteller. And he’s funny.”
A Legacy of Community Engagement
Rome’s Joy Companies won’t be the only local food company serving the presidential center. The Home Court athletic and programmatic center on the library campus will feature meals from several other local vendors. Rome underscored the significance of getting the opportunity to not only work at the presidential center but inspire others as a Black-owned business on the South Side.
“This gives us an opportunity to use workforce development as a vehicle to be able to expose more and more people to food service,” he said. “And I think that we can use this as a landing spot for some of those aspiring artists who really want to get into cuisine. And then it just opens doors for all types of things.”
FAQs
* What can we expect from the menu at the Obama Presidential Center?
+ Eclectic, clean, scratch-made, and locally sourced and inspired dishes
* Will Chef Cliff Rome add any of President Obama’s favorite foods to the menu?
+ No, but he mentioned that President Obama likes simple cuisine that is good and consistent
* What other local food companies will be featured at the Home Court athletic and programmatic center?
+ Big Delicious Planet, ChiFresh Kitchen, Amazing Edibles, Food for Thought, Hyde Park Hospitality/Fuze Catering, Fanfares Catering, Limelight Catering, and Paramount Events
Conclusion
Chef Cliff Rome’s partnership with Bon Appétit Management Co. will bring a new era of dining to the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park. With a focus on local and sustainable ingredients, eclectic dishes, and a commitment to community engagement, this partnership is set to delight visitors and locals alike.
