Renowned Georgia Chef and 'Dean of Southern Cuisine' Dies

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Joe Randall, an award-winning Georgia-based chef celebrated for his contributions to Southern cuisine and his work mentoring aspiring chefs, has died at his home in Savannah at the age of 72. Randall, known as 'Chef Joe' and the 'Dean of Southern Cuisine,' founded the Chef Joe Randall's Cooking School and co-authored a cookbook that was inducted into the James Beard Foundation's Cookbook Hall of Fame.

Why it matters

Randall was a pioneering figure in the Southern food movement, helping to elevate and celebrate the region's culinary traditions. His cooking school and mentorship of young chefs also left a lasting impact on the next generation of Southern cuisine.

The details

Randall got his start as a cook in the U.S. Air Force and refined his craft in kitchens across the country before opening his acclaimed cooking school in Savannah. He co-authored the book 'A Taste of Heritage: The New African-American Cuisine' in 1998, which was later inducted into the James Beard Foundation's Cookbook Hall of Fame. Randall was also known for his television appearances on networks like HGTV and the Food Network.

• Randall died on February 14, 2026, surrounded by his family at his home in Savannah.
• His cookbook 'A Taste of Heritage: The New African-American Cuisine' was inducted into the James Beard Foundation's Cookbook Hall of Fame two decades after its initial publication in 1998.