Sunshine City Tavern to Revive 90s Nostalgia in St. Petersburg
A new restaurant is set to open in St. Petersburg, promising a nostalgic journey back to the 1990s. Sunshine City Tavern, the brainchild of renowned local chef Ted Dorsey, is slated to open its doors in January at 4351 Fourth St. N., inhabiting the space formerly occupied by Oaks on 4th.
Dorsey, a St. Petersburg native, brings a wealth of culinary experience to this venture. His resume boasts an impressive list of Tampa Bay establishments. After graduating from the esteemed Le Cordon Bleu culinary school, Dorsey honed his skills under the guidance of award-winning chef Marty Blitz at Mise en Place in Tampa.
His career trajectory reflects a passion for creating diverse dining experiences. Joel Davis and Dorsey collaborated to launch Ciro’s Speakeasy & Supper Club, Boca Kitchen Bar and Market, and Copperfish Seafood Grill. Dorsey later established The Mill, a neighborhood favorite with locations on both sides of the bridge. His most recent endeavor, Sonata at the Mahaffey Theater, garnered attention for its stunning 23-foot moon installation by UK artist Luke Jerram.
A Culinary Trip Down Memory Lane
For Sunshine City Tavern, Dorsey is partnering with Teddy Skiadioti, the owner of the popular gluten-free Craft Kafe, which has locations in downtown St. Petersburg, west St. Petersburg, and Tampa.
Dorsey announced the concept on Instagram, stating: “Sunshine City Tavern will be paying homage to 1990s St. Petersburg, bringing a little bit of that past back to life.” This evocative description hints at a menu and ambiance that will transport diners back to a bygone era, evoking fond memories of the city’s vibrant culinary scene of the 1990s.
Details regarding the restaurant’s menu remain under wraps, but given Dorsey’s reputation for creating innovative and approachable cuisine, food lovers can anticipate a tasteful exploration of 90s-inspired dishes.
More Than Just a Meal
Beyond the food, Sunshine City Tavern aims to cultivate a warm and inviting atmosphere reminiscent of the casual dining experiences that defined the 90s. Dorsey’s vision extends beyond simply serving food; he seeks to recreate a sense of community and connection that resonated with diners two decades ago. The family-style concept suggests a focus on shared plates and convivial gatherings, encouraging laughter, conversation, and a sense of belonging.
What kind of food can customers expect at Sunshine City Tavern?
## Sunshine City Tavern: A Taste of 90s St. Pete
**[Host:]** Welcome back to the show! Today, we’re getting a sneak peek at a brand new eatery poised to open in St. Pete – Sunshine City Tavern. Joining us to dish on the details is Mr. Ted Dorsey himself, renowned chef and mastermind behind this exciting project. Ted, welcome!
**[Dorsey:]** Thanks for having me!
**[Host:]** So, Sunshine City Tavern is generating a lot of buzz. What exactly are you hoping to bring to St. Pete?
**[Dorsey:]** Well, for me, it’s all about celebrating our city’s history and vibe, especially that nostalgic 90s feel. Think classic arcade games, flavorful comfort food, and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for catching up with friends. [[1](https://stpeterising.com/home/popular-st-pete-chef-to-open-new-casual-eatery-sunshine-city-tavern-on-4th-street)]
**[Host:]** That sounds amazing! And you’ve got quite the impressive culinary background. How will that influence the menu at Sunshine City Tavern?
**[Dorsey:]** My experience at places like Mise en Place truly honed my skills, but this project is different. We’re focusing on elevated comfort food with a twist, dishes that evoke memories but with a modern touch. Think gourmet burgers, creative sandwiches, and maybe even some throwback 90s desserts!
**[Host:]** I’m already hungry! This location on 4th Street is a familiar one; what was it about that space that felt right for Sunshine City Tavern?
**[Dorsey:]** It’s a great location with a lot of history, and it felt like the perfect spot to create that neighborhood hangout I’ve always envisioned. Plus, inheriting the space from Oaks on 4th adds another layer to the story of this location. [[1](https://stpeterising.com/home/popular-st-pete-chef-to-open-new-casual-eatery-sunshine-city-tavern-on-4th-street)]
**[Host:]** Exciting stuff! When can St. Pete residents expect to grab a bite and soak up some 90s nostalgia?
**[Dorsey:]** We are shooting for a January opening, so stay tuned! We’ll be sharing updates on social media and through local channels.
**[Host:]** Ted, thank you for giving us a taste of what’s to come with Sunshine City Tavern. We can’t wait!
**[Dorsey:]** My pleasure! We’re really excited to be part of the St. Pete community.
