News Summary
Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish, a treasured restaurant in St. Petersburg, has proudly served the community for 74 years. Known for its signature smoked mullet and nostalgic atmosphere, this family-owned restaurant has become a beloved local institution. Founded by Ted Peters in the 1940s, the restaurant has maintained its charm and traditional recipes, drawing in customers with its unique offerings and rich history. As it prepares to celebrate a milestone anniversary, the restaurant continues to honor its legacy and commitment to quality.
St. Petersburg, Florida – Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish, a beloved landmark in St. Petersburg, has proudly served its community for 74 years. Known for its signature smoked mullet and a nostalgic atmosphere, the family-owned restaurant has become an integral part of the local culture.
Founded in the 1940s by Ted Peters after moving to Florida with his family, the restaurant initially opened as the Blue Anchor Inn before relocating to its current Pasadena Ave location in 1951. The establishment’s success was partly due to Peters’ discovery of an old fish smoker at a local dump, which he utilized to create the distinctive taste that patrons have come to love. Peters cleverly placed the smoker out front, drawing in customers with the irresistible aroma of smoked fish.
Through the years, Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish has stayed true to its family roots. Ted’s nephew, Michael Lathrop, began working at the restaurant with the expectation of a short-term stint, which has now turned into a remarkable 54-year career. The operation is currently managed by Richard Carroll, who is married to Ted Peters’ great-granddaughter, signifying the involvement of a fifth generation in this family legacy.
At the heart of the restaurant’s enduring appeal is its adherence to a traditional formula for success. Richard Carroll emphasizes that the essence of the establishment has remained consistent despite the changing world around them. Customers often describe the restaurant as a time capsule, filled with the flavors and atmosphere reminiscent of their childhoods. Its consistent menu, unchanged decor, and straightforward presentation using simple “ugly cafeteria plates” have contributed to its nostalgic charm.
Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish is renowned for its smoked mullet, which is traditionally smoked for four to six hours over native Florida Red Oak. This method enhances the dish’s rich flavor, earning it a special place in the hearts of locals. In addition to the smoked fish, the restaurant serves up hearty German potato salad, cold draft beer in frozen mugs, and is famous for its delicious Key Lime Pie, frequently recommended as a perfect meal conclusion.
The restaurant operates solely on a cash basis, although there are discussions regarding the potential acceptance of credit cards in the future. During the busy peak season, Ted Peters processes an impressive 2,000 pounds of fish weekly, a testament to its popularity and demand among locals and visitors alike.
Despite numerous offers from interested buyers over the years, the restaurant’s management has made it clear that they have no intention of selling, valuing its family-run character above all else. Plans are underway to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the restaurant’s iconic sign, further cementing its status as a cherished local institution.
Recognized by Southern Living as one of Florida’s most legendary restaurants, Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish continues to thrive while honoring its rich history. The mullet served at the restaurant has a fascinating background, having once been utilized as fertilizer before evolving into a popular local delicacy.
As the restaurant moves forward, it remains dedicated to preserving the traditions established by Ted Peters nearly three-quarters of a century ago, ensuring that generations to come will enjoy the timeless flavors and atmosphere that have made it a St. Petersburg icon.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News: Smokin’ Generations St. Pete Landmark
- Wikipedia: Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish
- I Love The Burg: Ted Peters
- Google Search: Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish
- Southern Living: Legendary Florida Restaurants
- Google News: Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
