Chef Ted Dorsey to Open New St. Pete Tavern in January

Chef Ted Dorsey is one of Tampa Bay's most recognizable culinary professionals. In January 2025, he'll bring a 1990s vibe to a new casual eatery he's opening in St. Petersburg. The establishment, Sunshine City Tavern, at 4351 Fourth St. North, is the former home of Oaks on 4th.  The tavern will open daily for lunch and dinner and feature a sumptuous brunch on the weekend with 10 of Dorsey's signature dishes. Creating Sunshine City Tavern is a long-awaited dream come true. Dorsey said he's wanted to operate a neighborhood bar in St. Petersburg for over two decades. “What excites me about this concept is it will be a throwback to an era where people felt like they belonged and were able to let life slip away for a moment or two,” he said in an interview for the website St. Pete Rising. “Think of it as a modern-day Harvey's.” His fondness for the 1990s era comes alive in Sunshine City Tavern's interior — "'Saved by the Bell' meets 'Vice City," he noted. While Dorsey isn't ready to give away all that he'll prepare in the kitchen, he confirmed that his team will create the dishes in-house. A large smoker in the back of the tavern, a nod to previous barbecues joints that have operated at the location, and a meat carving station in the dining room will showcase the daily special. A full liquor bar will have what Dorsey promises to be the "most aggressive happy hour in the city." In addition to Sunshine City Tavern, Dorsey has opened some of the St. Petersburg area's most popular restaurants, including Boca, Copperfish, and The Mill. Restaurateur Teddy Skiadiotis joins Dorsey as co-owner of his new establishment. Renovation work is expected to wrap up this month in time for a January 2025 opening.