Robert Yaffe, 70

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Robert Yaffe, of Providence, passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 12, 2025, at The Miriam Hospital after a brief illness. He was surrounded by family and loved ones.

Born in Miami, Florida, he was the son of the late Bertram and Erna (Jaffe) Yaffe. His early life was spent in and around Fall River and Dartmouth, Massachusetts, eventually graduating from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in 1977. He later settled in the Providence area, becoming a local entrepreneur and beloved fixture in the community.

He opened the Garden Grille restaurant in 1996, the Wildflour Cafe and Bakery in 2010 (both in Pawtucket) and The Grange restaurant, in Providence, in 2013. Prior to that, he operated The Golden Sheaf, his family’s natural foods market, in Providence. His lifelong passion for healthy eating and building community were the guiding principles behind his restaurants, which to this day are vibrant and vital local institutions.

Robert was a creative soul, whose other passions included writing and playing one of his many guitars.

He is survived by his daughter, Alyson Yaffe and her husband, Jesse Kalb; his grandchildren, Bleecker and Declan Kalb, all of Providence; Uschi Yaffe, of Munich, Germany, with whom he shared a meaningful chapter of his life; his sister, Cheryl Kiser and her husband, David, of Weston, Massachusetts; his brother, Eric Yaffe, of Cranston; nephew, Ross Kiser, of Denver, Colorado; niece, Kenna Kiser, of Boston, Massachusetts; and his beloved dog, Fred.

Private services will be held for the family. A celebration of life will be held at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to Southside Community Land Trust, the RI Food Bank or Berkshire South Regional Community Center are appreciated.