Darnell Relford brings delicious casual food to 24th & Lake at Champions Cafe
Published: Wednesday, March 2, 2022
Darnell Relford was always destined to become a chef, shadowing his family’s rich history in the food industry dating back generations. His grandfather, Beatren “Humpie” Relford, cooked for Omaha’s legendary Skeet’s BBQ. His uncle, Arnold, was well-known for his finger-licking barbecue sauce.
At a younger age, Relford found himself at home in the kitchen. He worked for years behind the scenes at a number of casual and fast serve restaurants in Omaha.
Relford’s first break into the food industry started as a line cook, later advancing his career into a general manager position. His background ranges from breakfast foods to burgers and classic to southern.
The various trials in the kitchen skillfully molded his capabilities to cook and craft a wide array of flavorsome dishes.
Relford’s relatives would be proud to see how he continues their family cooking tradition down the line with nothing short of excellence.
Relford is a man of God and dedicated to his family. Of all of the roles that he plays, being a father to his son, Prince, brings him the greatest joy.
Darnell is committed to his community and lives the life of a servant leader. He’s an associate minister at Launch Church International under the leadership of Pastor Jalaal Wade and Apostle Edna Perkins.
He has a passion for ministry and also loves teaching the next generation about leadership, excellence and opportunities in the food industry. In 2021, he was a part of the Step Up Omaha culinary training team and received great reviews from the youth interns.
In addition to his cooking skills, Relford is an entrepreneur and has some of his own new business concepts that are coming soon.
“I grew up in this neighborhood,” said Relford. “It’s great to be back home doing what my family has always done…giving the people great food in a welcoming atmosphere and building up the community.”
Relford Brings Talents to Champions Cafe at the Revive Center
Champions Cafe at the Revive Center
In the Village at 24th and Lake
Open Tuesday – Saturday 11:30 am to 2:00 pm
In 2019, Darnell joined the team at the Revive Center at 24th and Lake. Initially, he worked with Willie and Yolanda Barney to help set up the front of the house.
As The Center began to hit its stride, the pandemic swept through the community, forcing businesses to shut down.
When businesses started to reopen, Relford stepped up to plate at The Center to roll out an all-new menu for its concept now referred to as “Champions Cafe.”
Owners Willie and Yolanda Barney say the cafe name was inspired by the great champions from North Omaha.
Revive Center’s co-owner Willie Barney had held a vision for 30 years to have a family-oriented restaurant where customers can catch a game while they dine on casual foods like wings, burgers and salads. He had also written a business plan for an event center starting as far back as 2001.
After hearing the inspiration and vision of the Barney’s, Relford quickly hit the ground running. He first created a burger menu including what he calls the Hawaiian and California burgers. The patties and toppings were instant hits.
“I love it. The California is my favorite,” reflects Don McPherson, owner of Styles of Evolution who carried on, “Man, with that pineapple and barbecue sauce.”
Next Relford added the Revive Burger and Big Lake. The Big Lake brings a smile to his face when he describes it.
“It’s not just the Lake, it’s the ‘Big’ Lake,” said Relford with a hearty laugh. “Burger, bacon, topped with an egg however you want it and a toasted bun.”
Relford jokes, “We don’t advise you eat it every day, but every once in a while, go ahead and enjoy yourself.”
The burgers all come with a side. Customers can select from fries, mac and cheese, corn, green beans or a side salad.
If your preference is more on the lighter side for a main course, Relford has come up with multiple salad options. The most popular are the Very Berry and the Cobb salads.
A number of customers have remarked and said the Cobb salad is the best they have ever had.
The original Very Berry salad was created by another Revive Center chef, Ms. Linda McKleny. The salad features fresh fruit including strawberries and cranberries.
Customers call it “a refreshing, but filling dish.” The salad is topped with a perfectly seasoned grilled chicken breast to top things off. Darnell has added his own twist to the salad as well.
Relford has also added a crispy chicken or grilled chicken salad which is amazingly tasty and rivals anything you would find at top restaurants around the city.
Foodies who prefer chicken over a burger will not be dissatisfied with their choice of the menu. Relford cooks up a specialty Northside Chicken Sandwich made from scratch with additional fixings.
Another highlight of the main menu for Champions Cafe is the Gametime Chicken Strips. As one of the best sellers, it comes with a choice of three or five chicken strips with four mouthwatering flavor options: lemon pepper, garlic, spicy or BBQ.
“We have consistently received great reviews from customers about the food,” said Yolanda Barney. “Darnell and the other chefs and cooks do a great job and we are excited to bring different food options back to this historic corner.”
“Darnell is amazing to work with, has a commitment to quality and he’s always looking for new food to bring to the customers. He’s also very open to feedback.”
The positive comments from customers continuously roll in. Relford has more items to add to the menu, but he said he’ll keep those as a secret for now.
“The pandemic and weather slowed things down in January, but get ready for an amazing spring and summer,” said Yolanda Barney.
“Last year we really hit our stride with a mixture of major community events and private events. Now we are preparing to expand the daily food options and the events are ramping up again in March.”
The Barney’s suggest to look out for more great food and products coming from Relford and others like him in the historic 24th and Lake District.
