Bronzeville, Chicago · Since 2000
Good Food.
Greater Purpose.
Lasting Impact.
Bringing together food, hospitality, culture, and opportunity to create experiences that nourish communities and open doors.
Who we are
More Than Hospitality.
Rome’s Joy brings people together through food, hospitality, entrepreneurship, and community investment. Founded by Chef Cliff Rome in 2000, our home base is King Drive in Bronzeville — and our work reaches across Chicago.
“When you eat a well prepared meal you should without question order it again.”Our story
The family
Five companies. One table.
Our philosophy
“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.”
- 01
Hospitality with purpose
Restaurants, catering and events that put care into every plate.
- 02
Opportunity through experience
Mise En Place and Clean Habits create job pathways across Chicagoland, especially for young people of color.
- 03
Investing in Bronzeville
Reinvesting in a historic neighborhood with deep roots.
- 04
Meaningful partnerships
From BAMJoy at the Obama Presidential Center to fifteen community partners.
People & purpose
Creating Opportunity Through Hospitality.
Mise En Place is a culinary and hospitality training program that helps at-risk youth get jobs in the culinary field. Trainees go on to work with employers including the University of Chicago, Northwestern University and Bon Appétit.
Food & experiences
News & stories
Leading food service at the Obama Presidential Center.
The Rome’s Joy and Bon Appétit Management Company partnership leading food service at the Obama Presidential Center.
Let’s Create Something Meaningful.
Whether you’re planning an event, exploring a partnership, or interested in the work we’re doing in our community, we’d love to connect.