Community remembers renowned Savannah chef Joe Randall

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Friends, community leaders and members of Savannah’s culinary scene are remembering Chef Joe Randall as a pioneer, mentor and friend following his death Saturday at the age of 79.

Randall died surrounded by loved ones. His cause of death has not been publicly released.

For more than 50 years, Randall helped shape Southern cuisine in Savannah and beyond. He was inducted into the James Beard Foundation Cookbook Hall of Fame for his cookbook, “A Taste of Heritage: The New African American Cuisine.” His work is also featured at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington.

Kenneth Brown, owner of Sisters of the New South restaurant in Savannah, said Randall laid the foundation for many local restaurant owners.

“It’s one thing to say that you were a great cook or a great chef, but he was a great person,” Brown said. “Because of him, we’re able to survive and strive and say Savannah’s the place that you want to go if you want real Southern cooking.”

Randall also founded the Chef Joe Randall Cooking School in Savannah, where he trained aspiring chefs from around the world as well as local students. Though the school has since closed, those he mentored say its impact continues to be felt throughout the community.

Savannah Mayor Van Johnson called Randall not only a culinary icon, but a friend.

“His influence can be tasted not only in the kitchen, but in the lives he touched,” Johnson said.

Randall also had ties to WTOC, where he previously hosted a cooking show.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Randall; his children, Christopher, Kenneth and Cari; a grandson; and his sisters.