Raised in Cairo, Romello learned early on the importance of perseverance. “I wasn’t the most popular kid,” he recalls, “but I was smart, and I learned to stay focused.” His passion for food began in childhood, watching his family cook Southern dishes with roots in Mississippi and Missouri. “While other kids played outside, I was in the kitchen,” he laughs. This love of cooking eventually turned into a business that would support him and his two daughters. But it wasn’t an easy journey.

After graduating from Cairo High School in 2015, Romello left the area for a couple of years, gaining experience in the food industry and learning valuable lessons in management. A pivotal role as a supervisor in a state correctional facility kitchen taught him the importance of teamwork and resilience. “I worked shoulder to shoulder with people who had a lot of life lessons to share,” he says. “It taught me to treat everyone with respect and to learn from every experience.”

A life-changing injury during his time working at a mental health facility refocused Romello’s ambitions. Unable to return to a traditional job, he saw an opportunity to turn his passion for cooking into a business. With his final worker’s compensation check, he launched a catering business that eventually became a restaurant, Cosmic Creations. “It was a leap of faith, but I realized this was my chance to make something happen,” he says. Today, his restaurant is a local favorite, known for its unique flavors and warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Romello’s success hasn’t distanced him from his community; instead, it’s strengthened his commitment to Cairo. He volunteers every Wednesday at Cairo Elementary, spending time with students, helping teachers, and offering a familiar face that kids can rely on. “I want my daughters, and every student here, to know that I’m here for them,” he says. “I’m not just a business owner or councilman—I’m part of this community.”

His presence at the school has become a weekly highlight for students of all ages. “When I walk the halls, every kid knows me,” he smiles. “It’s one of the most rewarding parts of my week.” Volunteering isn’t just an obligation for Romello; it’s an extension of the values he’s built his life around. “I get more out of this than anyone could pay me,” he says. “Seeing these kids thrive and knowing I’m part of their world is the greatest reward.”

As a City Councilman, Romello is committed to revitalizing Cairo. He’s particularly focused on economic development, working to attract new businesses and opportunities to the area. “I want people to see Cairo as a place of potential, not just as a small town with a past,” he says. His dedication to community improvement is evident in every project he takes on, from promoting local businesses to advocating for resources for youth and families.

Looking ahead, Romello’s vision for Cairo includes expanding his business while continuing his work in public service. He’s currently planning a second Cosmic Creations location in nearby Mound City, a venture that will create jobs and bring new life to a neighboring community. “It’s about creating opportunities for others,” he says. “This community has given me so much; I want to give back tenfold.”

For Romello, Cairo isn’t just a place; it’s a promise. “Love, opportunity, and community,” he says when asked to describe what Cairo means to him. He speaks of his hometown with the enthusiasm of a proud native and the determination of someone committed to making a difference. “When you love where you’re from, you do everything you can to make it better.”

Romello Orr is a reminder of the incredible impact one person can have when they lead with purpose and give back to the community that raised them. Through his work as a business owner, a councilman, and a school volunteer, he’s shaping Cairo’s future, one relationship, one opportunity, and one act of kindness at a time.