Chef Cliff Rome: The Obama Center Lands a Culinary Treasure

When former President Barack Obama walked into Peach’s Restaurant in Bronzeville earlier this year, he wasn’t just grabbing a plate of salmon croquettes and peach cobbler—he was spotlighting a South Side institution. But more than that, his visit signaled something bigger: a homegrown Chicago chef was being tapped for one of the most high-profile culinary roles in the country.

Chef Cliff Rome, owner of Peach’s and founder of Rome’s Joy Companies, has been selected as Executive Chef and Director of Food Services for the highly anticipated Obama Presidential Center, opening in Jackson Park in 2026. It’s a historic appointment—and a major win for Chicago’s South Side.

A Seat at the Presidential Table

Rome’s new role isn’t just ceremonial. As Executive Chef and Director, he’ll oversee every bite that’s served across the Center’s sprawling 19-acre campus. That includes a full-service restaurant, a café, event catering, and food operations for private gatherings, including “Home Court,” a unique basketball-themed venue within the Center.

Chef Rome won’t be doing it alone. His appointment is part of a joint partnership called BAMJoy—a collaboration between the national food service group Bon Appétit Management Company and Rome’s own firm, Rome’s Joy. Together, they’ll bring world-class food to one of the world’s most anticipated cultural centers.

Rome’s responsibilities include:

• Designing menus that reflect Chicago’s diverse and local food culture.

• Hiring and training kitchen staff from the community.

• Partnering with local vendors and farmers to ensure sustainability.

• Making sure the food program aligns with the Obama Foundation’s values of equity, access, and impact.

Why Chef Cliff Rome Was Chosen

The Obama Foundation launched a national search more than two years ago, reviewing proposals from major food operators across the country. But Cliff Rome stood out for a few key reasons.

First, he’s from here. Born and raised on the South Side, Rome knows the flavors, stories, and struggles of this city. His culinary style doesn’t just feed people—it uplifts them. His proposal to the Foundation emphasized authenticity, mentorship, sustainability, and community-centered hiring.

Second, he’s got the experience. Rome has run successful restaurants, catering companies, and hospitality venues for more than 20 years. His track record includes not only Peach’s, but also Parkway Ballroom and Rome’s Joy Catering. And his previous partnership with Bon Appétit at the University of Chicago gave him large-scale operational credibility.

Most importantly, his food tells a story. It honors tradition while welcoming innovation. It respects the South Side’s cultural legacy, and it’s rooted in hospitality with heart.

Peach’s Restaurant: Where It All Started

Ask any Bronzeville resident where to go for a soulful, Southern breakfast, and they’ll send you to Peach’s. Founded in 2015, the restaurant has become a local treasure. It’s the kind of place where you can overhear three generations talking over grits and hot coffee. It’s warm, welcoming, and unmistakably Black-owned.

Peach’s is best known for its comfort food classics—shrimp and grits, turkey sausage skillets, fluffy pancakes, and, of course, its namesake peach cobbler. When Barack Obama visited earlier this year, those salmon croquettes made national headlines.

But beyond the food, Peach’s has long served something even more nourishing: community. Rome has used the restaurant as a platform for job creation, mentorship, and cultural celebration. And now, those values will shape the food experience at the Obama Center.

The Obama Bump: Why a Visit Means Everything

When President Obama visits your restaurant, everything changes. The media shows up. The photos go viral. Customers pour in. But more than the publicity, what the Obama “bump” really gives is validation.

It says: Your work matters. Your story deserves a platform.

Obama has always been intentional about supporting local businesses. By appearing at Peach’s, he wasn’t just enjoying a good meal—he was making a statement about Black entrepreneurship, about believing in the people who built this city, and about who gets to be seen on the world stage.

That same philosophy is guiding the food program at the Obama Presidential Center.

What to Expect When the Obama Center Opens

The Obama Presidential Center is scheduled to open in 2026, and it’s designed to be much more than a museum. It will be a gathering place for community programs, educational opportunities, cultural events, and yes—remarkable food.

Here’s what you’ll find on your plate:

• A café for visitors, tourists, and neighbors to grab casual bites.

• A restaurant that showcases South Side flavors through the lens of fine dining.

• A catering service for events and special functions.

• Job opportunities for culinary talent from the surrounding neighborhoods.

• Menus rooted in sustainability, health, and cultural storytelling.

And leading it all? Chef Cliff Rome.

A Full-Circle Moment

For many South siders, this feels like a long-overdue homecoming. A Black chef. A local business owner. A man who grew up in the neighborhoods that shaped Barack Obama’s political and moral identity—now running the food operation at the center bearing his name.

Chef Rome’s story reminds us of what’s possible when talent, vision, and community alignment come together. It reminds us that excellence doesn’t have to come from somewhere else. It’s already here—in Bronzeville, in Englewood, in Auburn Gresham—waiting to be seen, trusted, and elevated.

And it reminds us that the best leaders are the ones who feed others—not just with food, but with care, culture, and legacy.

Want to Know More?

Keep up with Chef Rome and the Obama Presidential Center’s journey. As the opening nears, Bronzecomm will bring you stories, updates, and—who knows—maybe even a few menu previews.

📍 Visit Peach’s: 4652 S King Dr, Chicago, IL 60653
🍽️ Follow: Chef Cliff Rome on Instagram
🔗 More on the food partnership: Obama Foundation Announcement