Chef shot dead was restaurant workers’ ‘big brother’

Madjid Elbert was a “great man with an even bigger heart,” Sampson said.

Known to many as “Magic” or “Uncle Magic,” Elbert, 46, was killed early Tuesday after being shot during an argument on the patio of Del Denby’s Tavern, 1553 Hertel Ave.

Buffalo police said they believe Elbert was shot once around 1:11 a.m. by someone he knew. The two men had been drinking inside the bar, then went outside and began arguing, Chief of Detectives Craig Macy said at a news conference Tuesday.

As of Wednesday afternoon, no arrests had been announced.

Sampson, owner-operator of Jack Rabbit on Elmwood Avenue, said working in the “trenches” of a kitchen brings many co-workers, like him and Elbert, closer together.

Elbert worked for Metz Culinary Management, the food service provider for Erie County Medical Center, a hospital spokesperson said.

Over the years, he had worked with many cooks and chefs in the Buffalo area and was a “big brother type” who cared about others, Sampson said.

“He always supported all of us,” he said.

Although they stopped working together 11 years ago, Elbert and Sampson remained in touch.

Sampson and his wife are musicians, and Elbert has remained supportive, attending various of their shows. He would text every now and then to check in.

Elbert was a talented chef with a big smile and a big laugh, Sampson said.

City officials closed Del Denby’s later Tuesday after a review by police and other city departments. Bar owners will have to report to the Permits and Inspections Department.

The bar was the scene of a shooting in June 2021, according to police data.

Police are asking anyone who may have information about the homicide to call or text the department’s confidential line at 716-847-2255.

As of April 30, 43 people have been shot in Buffalo this year, according to Buffalo police. Nine of these victims died from their injuries.

This is the second lowest number of people shot in the first four months of the year since 2011, according to police department data. Only 2019, when 37 people were shot during that four-month period, recorded fewer. During this period in 2015, 43 people were also shot.