Ted Jameson Dorsey

Ted Jameson Dorsey, of St. Petersburg, FL, passed away peacefully on November 6, at age 43, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Ted leaves behind a beautiful legacy as a devoted father to his two children, Jackson and Samantha. He was a talented and accomplished chef, and a loving son, brother, uncle, cousin, mentor, and friend to the many whose lives he touched.

Born on September 21, 1982, in Atlanta, Georgia, Ted grew up in the Tampa Bay area, surrounded by the love of his parents, Steven and Nancy Dorsey, sister Mandy, and brother Miles. He graduated from Sickles High School and went on to earn a Culinary Arts degree from Le Cordon Bleu in Orlando. Early in his culinary career, Ted was mentored by several local chefs, who helped shape his skill and passion for the art of cooking.

Over the years, Ted founded and led several of Tampa Bay’s most celebrated restaurants, including Ciro’s Speakeasy and Supper Club, Boca Kitchen Bar and Market, Copperfish Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar, Castile at St. Petersburg’s Hotel

Zamora, The Mill downtown St. Pete/South Tampa, The Club on Treasure Island, Sonata at the Mahaffey Theater and most recently Sunshine City Tavern on 4th Street St. Pete. He often credited his earliest inspiration to his grandmother, from whom he learned to prepare soulful Southern dishes. Ted’s culinary artistry earned him numerous awards and accolades, including nominations for Best Chef of Tampa Bay, and the admiration of diners and critics alike.

While Chef Ted measured ingredients with precision, he filled the plates of his guests — and the hearts of those around him — with generosity and love. Known for exuding kindness and humility, he was often described as someone who would “give the shirt off his back” to help others. Ted mentored countless young chefs, helping to shape their careers with patience, encouragement, and passion. Even in his final days, he continued to care deeply for the well-being of his family and friends.

He is survived by his two beloved children, Jackson and Samantha Dorsey, his mother Nancy Dorsey, and his sister & brother-in-law Mandy & Mark Hambrick, all who will forever cherish his love, laughter, and the light he brought into their lives.

Ted was preceded in death by his father, Steven Dorsey, brother, Miles Dorsey, paternal grandparents, Bob and Janey Dorsey, and maternal grandparents, James and Martha Terry.

A celebration of life will be held at the Mahaffey Theater on Saturday January 3rd, 2026, from 2:00PM-4:00PM.

The family is requesting that all chefs wear their chef attire to the celebration, as a tribute to the profession Ted loved.