Owner of Garden Grille and Wildflour Cafe, Robert Alan Yaffe, Dies at Age 70
+Robert Alan Yaffe, age 70, of Providence, RI, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 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, her husband Jesse Kalb and his grandchildren, Bleecker and Declan Kalb, all of Providence, RI; Uschi Yaffe of Munich, Germany who he shared a meaningful chapter of his life; his sister, Cheryl Kiser and her husband David of Weston, MA; his brother Eric Yaffe of Cranston, RI; nephew, Ross Kiser of Denver, CO; niece Kenna Kiser of Boston, MA; 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 and the RI Food Bank, Berkshire South Regional Community Center are appreciated.
