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.
Ortiz family
December 7, 2025, 7:54 am
Our heartfelt condolences to the family.
Pamela Peck
December 7, 2025, 8:31 am
I am so very sorry to hear of Ted’s passing. He was a wonderful, kind person. Praying for all who loved him and his precious children.
Lesa Caryl
December 8, 2025, 8:30 am
This is such a sad time in life, however I will be there to celebrate a wonderful person that I had the pleasure of knowing and spending time with during the days of The Mill.
I watched him enjoy building warm memories for so many.
Rest in Peace, Chef. We know you are looking after those you love. 💔
Aunt Sandy and Uncle Warren
December 8, 2025, 9:00 am
Prayers and comfort in the loss of this wonderful and talented young man.
Bella Garcia
December 8, 2025, 9:27 am
Best burger I’ve ever had in my life was at Sunshine City Tavern just a few months ago.
This happened way too fast.
Rest In Peace, Chef Ted.
Nancy, Samantha, Jackson & Lauren-
Our school and church community are with you every step of the way.
With love,
Bella, Max & Zack
🫶🏼
Carl Anderson
December 8, 2025, 10:23 am
Noemi and I are so sad at the loss of Ted, just as he was coming into his most productive years. We did not know him well but we admired him and his accomplishments in the restaurant business. Our prayers are for Ted’s soul and for his loved ones left behind.
Donna Kania
December 8, 2025, 10:34 am
Nancy and family we are so very sorry. Keeping you all in our prayers.
Love Bill and Donna Kania
Joe and Kellie Ackernecht
December 8, 2025, 12:28 pm
Sending our sincere condolences to you and your family. Ted was a wonderful man.
Mark S. Dewlow
December 9, 2025, 8:57 am
Although I didn’t know Ted well, I am so very sorry for your loss. Wishing his family strength and comfort.
Istvan Torok
December 9, 2025, 7:11 pm
My deepest condolences.
He was a true friend and an extraordinary soul—kind, big-hearted, forever smiling.
Rest in eternal peace, dear brother. You’ll live on in our hearts forever. 🕊️❤️
Lydia Thomas ( Chef Brezzy)
December 22, 2025, 4:49 pm
The man who mentored me. The man I considered my brother. He was so talented!! I’m so glad I got to meet him I’m so blessed I was able to learn from such a great man!!! My condolences to the family
Alvina Miller
December 30, 2025, 11:34 am
Ted was an extraordinary man, kind, thoughtful, and hardworking. He truly was a living treasure whose presence touched so many lives. May God bless Nancy and the entire family with comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Raymond Bourque
December 30, 2025, 1:09 pm
My life changed when I met Ted along with his former partner Jason when they were their new partnership and restaurant.
After my restaurant endeavor opened, Ted helped me with some sage advice to improve a couple of my menu items that were not coming out as I envisioned.
And Ted later helped me with team outing for my employees at The Club.
Lindsey Shah
December 30, 2025, 6:02 pm
Your talents, love, and kindness will forever be missed, my sweet cousin (Uncle Ted to Z). We will always look out for Jackson and Samantha. ❤️🙏🏼
Lindsey Shah
December 30, 2025, 6:03 pm
Your talents, love, and kindness will forever be missed, my sweet cousin (Uncle Ted to Z). We will always look out for Jackson and Samantha.
Tim Connors
January 2, 2026, 10:50 am
We lost one of the best chefs I’ve ever come in contact with and a great person. He loved his family and spoke about them often and he beamed with pride in all things he pursued. He’s leaving this place a little better than he found it and we will all miss him a great deal. Rest easy Ted
Cindy Nelson
January 4, 2026, 6:19 pm
I only knew Chef Ted for a short time but felt so much longer. I met him through my son, who knew Ted from The Club and then did some landscaping for him at Sunshine City Tavern. We visited the newly opened restaurant several times a week. Ted always made it a point to stop and talk with us. We grew very fond of him. His kindness, compassion and ambition was evident. His love for people shined bright, his smile was huge. Ted was great at what he did. He made a lasting impression.
Ted adored his family, his face lit up when he spoke of his children, Jackson and Samantha with great pride and love.
Ted called to let me know of his diagnosis. I was heartbroken for him but kept praying for him. We kept in touch. I’d check on him and hoping to keep his spirits lifted. Ted was an amazing person who will never be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chef Ted 💙