We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Chef Charles Phan, a culinary trailblazer and longtime friend of Niman Ranch. The New York Times described Chef Charles as a “food world star…whose sleek restaurant helped change America’s perception of Asian food.” Charles played an important role in Niman Ranch’s history; he was one of the very first chefs in San Francisco to take a chance on our business and farmer network by putting our beef and pork on the menu. By combining the traditional Vietnamese dishes he grew up eating with the best ingredients—including Niman Ranch—Charles served some of the best cuisine in the country.
“Charles was a great friend, not just to Niman Ranch but to me personally,” shared Paul Willis, Niman Ranch’s founding hog farmer. “He believed in the quality and mission Niman Ranch offered.” Chef Charles was a featured chef at two of Niman Ranch’s legendary Hog Farmer Appreciation Dinners, first in 2006 and then in 2018 at the 20th anniversary dinner. Held in Des Moines, Iowa, the annual dinner hosts hundreds of Niman Ranch’s network of small independent family farmers for amulti-course meal prepared by some of the country’s top chefs. Charles loved cooking at this dinner, a unique event that celebrates family farmers and bridges diverse communities through a shared appreciation for great food.
As has been made clear in his many tributes, Charles was a dedicated mentor and friend to others in the industry. Countless chefs trained under Charles and learned about the importance of thoughtful sourcing from family farmers. His legacy lives on through the chefs, diners, farmers, friends, family and neighbors he touched with his generous and kind spirit.
