In memoriam — confirmed facts from 10 Tampa Bay, WTSP, Tampa Bay 28, and Tribute Gists.
Chad Johnson Tampa obituary notices are honoring the longtime Executive Chef of Bern’s Steak House, the legendary Tampa restaurant whose death was confirmed Friday, July 10, 2026. 10 Tampa Bay, WTSP, Tampa Bay 28, and Tribute Gists all reported the passing, which drew tributes from Tampa Bay’s culinary and hospitality community.
Passing
According to 10 Tampa Bay’s Facebook post on July 11, 2026, Chad Johnson, the executive chef of Tampa’s legendary Bern’s Steak House, has died. WTSP confirmed the news at 5:21 p.m. EDT on July 10, 2026, reporting that Tampa’s legendary Bern’s Steak House is mourning the death of its longtime Executive Chef. Tribute Gists separately confirmed Johnson’s death was confirmed Friday by the iconic Tampa restaurant.
Bern’s Steak House Legacy
Bern’s Steak House, located on Howard Avenue in Tampa’s SoHo district, is one of America’s most iconic steakhouses. Founded in 1956 by Bern Laxer, the restaurant is renowned for its massive wine list (one of the largest in the world), dry-aged steaks, and the elaborate dessert room upstairs. David Laxer, Bern’s son, now owns and operates the restaurant. As executive chef, Chad Johnson oversaw the kitchen that has served presidents, celebrities, and generations of Tampa families.
Owner’s Statement
David Laxer, the owner and president of Bern’s Steak House, released a statement on Johnson’s death, per Tampa Bay 28. The statement reflected on Johnson’s contributions to the restaurant and the Tampa Bay culinary community. The exact contents of Laxer’s statement — including details about Johnson’s tenure, his culinary philosophy, and any memorial arrangements — were shared with the restaurant’s staff and the broader Tampa Bay hospitality community.
Community Tributes
Tributes poured in from across Tampa Bay’s culinary and hospitality community following Johnson’s death. 10 Tampa Bay’s “REST IN PEACE” post drew reactions from local chefs, restaurant industry professionals, and longtime Bern’s patrons. The Tampa Bay restaurant community is tightly knit, and the loss of an executive chef at one of the region’s most storied institutions reverberated across the local food scene. Bern’s Steak House has not yet announced memorial arrangements at the time of publication.
Career Highlights
Johnson’s role as executive chef placed him at the helm of one of the most demanding kitchens in American fine dining. Bern’s Steak House is famous for its tableside preparations, its extensive menu of dry-aged steaks cut to order, and the legendary dessert room where guests are served by their own dessert chef. The executive chef position requires deep expertise in beef aging, sauce preparation, and the management of a large brigade-style kitchen — skills Johnson developed over years in the Tampa Bay restaurant industry.
Conclusion
Chad Johnson’s Tampa obituary honors the longtime Executive Chef of Bern’s Steak House, whose death was confirmed July 10, 2026. With owner David Laxer’s statement and tributes from across Tampa Bay’s culinary community, Johnson’s legacy at one of America’s most iconic steakhouses is secure. Bern’s Steak House has not yet announced memorial arrangements; check wtsp.com and tampabay28.com for updates.
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