Chad Keith Johnson's Obituary
Chad Keith Johnson, 47, of Tampa, Florida, unexpectedly passed away in his sleep on July 9, 2026.
Born and raised in Paducah, Kentucky, Chad graduated from Heath High School before heading to New York City to attend the French Culinary Institute. What followed was an extraordinary culinary career built on talent, relentless hard work, creativity, passion and an unwavering drive to be great.
Chef Chad Johnson was the celebrated Executive Chef of Tampa's legendary Bern's Steak House and one of the most influential culinary talents in the Tampa Bay area. Long before taking the helm at Bern's, Chad was already helping shape Tampa's evolving food scene as the creative force behind SideBern's, which later evolved into Haven. At the time of his passing, Chad was pouring his creativity and vision into a highly anticipated new concept, Peddler + Potter Oyster House.
Throughout his career, Chad earned countless accolades and the respect of chefs, colleagues and guests. A regular Best of the Bay winner, he was twice named a James Beard Award semifinalist in 2012 and 2014 for Best Chef: South and had the rare honor of cooking at the James Beard House three times.
Chad was fiercely competitive, hardworking, passionate and endlessly creative. He was incredibly smart and possessed an almost ridiculous ability to retain both useful and completely useless information at the same time. He could be firm and demanding, but he cared deeply. He appreciated great food, a great IPA and probably had a strong opinion about both. To countless chefs and hospitality professionals, Chad was more than an executive chef - he was a mentor, a supporter and the person who pushed many to become better than they thought they could be.
Long before the awards, the restaurants and the accolades, there was Ashley. Chad and Ashley began dating in high school and went on to build a life together that took them far beyond Paducah. Throughout Chad's culinary journey, Ashley was by his side. Their story began as teenagers and grew into a 21 year marriage building a wonderful family and life in Tampa.
But for all the experiences and accolades Chad accumulated during his life, none of them came close to his greatest accomplishments: his daughters. Chad was incredibly proud to be a Girl Dad. Addyson (13) and Harper (9) were the brightest parts of his life. No award or career achievement could ever compete with the pride and love he had for his girls.
Chad is survived by his loving wife, Ashley; his daughters, Addyson and Harper; his parents, John and Bryna Johnson of Brooksville, Florida; his brother, Todd Johnson (Keyla) of Louisville, Kentucky; and a community of family, friends and colleagues whose lives were better because Chad was part of them.
Chad's life was far too short, but it was certainly not small. He leaves behind an incredible culinary legacy through the countless guests he delighted, the unforgettable meals he created and the people he mentored along the way. His influence will live on in kitchens throughout Tampa Bay and beyond.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that support be made to the Frogman Feast in Chad's memory. https://events.humanitix.com/frogman-feast-2026/tickets
Visitation will be held at Boza & Roel Funeral Home at 4730 N Armenia Ave, Tampa, FL 33603 on Monday, July 20, from 4:00 to 5:30 PM with a service to immediately follow. Casual attire is welcomed.
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