James Beard semifinalist chef Chad Johnson — whom you can see here eating chicken wings — will be stepping away from the kitchen at the Epicurean Hotel after nearly six years to assist the Bern’s restaurant group with the launch of Little Midway, an ice cream shop which will take over the former location of Chocolate Pi, at 1205 S. Howard Ave. in Tampa.

Not only will the chef continue to run the kitchen of Haven, but Johnson will also be in charge of events including Whiskey Tango Foxtrot and Bern's Winefest.

In a recent statement Joe Collier, president of Mainsail Lodging & Development, expressed his gratitude to the chef for his hand in the Epicurean's culinary program.

“Chad was instrumental in incorporating the Bern’s food and beverage DNA into the hotel’s design and culture, which drew national attention and numerous accolades. With the foundation that Chad built, we are now focused on finding a new executive chef that will continue to uphold the culinary legacy that is synonymous with the Epicurean and Bern’s Steak House.”

Johnson will stay on with the Epicurean crew until a new executive chef has been tapped.

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