Chef Cliff Rome & Bon Appétit Management bring local flavor to the Obama Presidential Center

Long before leading kitchens, Chicago Chef Cliff Rome learned family recipes with his grandmother on the South Side of Chicago. Today, he’s a beloved culinary force and entrepreneur, known for transforming neighborhood ingredients into unforgettable experiences.

As the Obama Presidential Center prepares to open in 2026, Chef Cliff Rome and Bon Appétit Management Company will lead food service and catering in the Center’s public restaurant and café, as well as for private events. This partnership, operating as BAMJoy, brings together deep local roots and world-class hospitality to shape a dining experience that reflects the South Side’s culture, history, and future.

Chef Rome, a native of Englewood, is the founder of Rome’s Joy Companies, which includes Peach’s Restaurant, Rome’s Joy Catering, and the Parkway Ballroom. With over three decades of culinary experience, he remains a passionate mentor and community leader. 

This is partnership more than food. It’s a South Side story being told on every plate and a point of pride for the entire community. We can’t wait to welcome you to the table in 2026.