Chef Joseph 'Joe' Randall, trailblazing 'Dean of Southern Cuisine,' dies at 79 - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Brad Johnson

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Chef Joseph 'Joe' Randall, the esteemed culinary figure known as the "Dean of Southern Cuisine," passed away at 79 in Savannah, Georgia. Renowned for his advocacy of Black culinary traditions and his mentorship to young chefs, Randall leaves behind a lasting legacy in the food industry. His life was dedicated to celebrating and preserving Southern cooking's African roots, making him a pivotal figure in redefining perceptions of the genre. Born in Pennsylvania, Randall began his career as a dishwasher in his uncle Richard's Pittsburgh catering business. This early exposure to the hospitality world laid the foundation for his future endeavors. After serving in the Air Force and attending UC Berkeley, he went on to work under pioneering African American chef Robert W. Lee, who inspired him to champion Black culinary contributions. Randall's career included stints as executive chef at several prominent restaurants, including Fishmarket in Baltimore, before founding Chef Joe Randall’s Cooking School in Savannah in 1989. A visionary for recognizing Black chefs' contributions, Randall founded the African American Chefs Hall of Fame in 1993 and co-authored *A Taste of Heritage: The New African American Cuisine* with historian Toni Tipton-Martin. This cookbook became a cornerstone in redefining Southern cuisine as a rich, inclusive tradition deeply rooted in Black history. In 2016, his work was showcased at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, alongside other trailblazers like Edna Lewis and Leah Chase. Randall's efforts extended beyond professional achievements; he became a trusted mentor to many chefs, including the author of this summary, who recalls his guidance during the early days of their Southern restaurant in Los Angeles. Randall's influence reached far beyond the kitchen, as he worked tirelessly to ensure that Black culinary traditions were no longer overlooked or misrepresented. Chef Joe Randall's passing is a significant loss for the culinary world, but his legacy lives on through his teachings, the chefs he mentored, and the institutions he established. His work not only elevated Southern cuisine but also played

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/23/2026