About Us
Chef-Driven Cuisine
We prioritize sourcing the freshest ingredients directly from Florida farmers and local suppliers. Our chef-driven approach ensures every dish is crafted with quality and care, delivering an exceptional dining experience. We are committed to supporting Florida's agriculture community and providing sustainable, flavorful options.
Fresh Florida Seafood
At Teal City Traditions, we specialize in chef-driven cuisine featuring the freshest Florida seafood. Our menu is crafted to highlight local flavors with sustainable ingredients sourced directly from Florida farmers and suppliers. We ensure every dish is both delicious and environmentally responsible.
Our Team
Owner
Joseph Lennon "Joey"
I was born in New Jersey, spent time in Virginia, and grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. The restaurant business has always been part of my life. My family ran restaurants at the Jacksonville Landing—back when it was one of the most popular spots in the city. I grew up around kitchens, watching the pace, the pressure, and the passion that came with it. That environment shaped me early, even before I fully understood it.
I didn’t take the traditional route into cooking. I never went to culinary school. Instead, I packed up my car and traveled across the country, staging in restaurants wherever I could. I worked for free, chasing knowledge, learning from anyone willing to teach, and building my foundation one kitchen at a time.
From there, opportunities started to open up.
I’ve spent the last five years working at the Masters Golf Tournament, cooking for BCC and operating in one of the most demanding environments in the industry.
Now, my career has taken me on the road.
I travel across North America as a touring chef, cooking for musicians, bands, and their crews. From backstage kitchens to tour buses, I create meals that keep artists fueled and performing at their best.
Catering Coordinator
Chelsea Lennon
With over 10 years in the hospitality industry and the last four spent touring around the world, Chelsea brings experience, creativity, and calm energy to every backstage environment she steps into. As the Catering Coordinator for Teal City Traditions, Chelsea oversees both the dining room and dressing rooms, personally managing artist dressing rooms while leading the dining room team alongside her assistant.
Most recently, Chelsea served as the Catering Coordinator on Cowboy Carter Tour, delivering high-level backstage hospitality for one of the world’s biggest productions. Throughout her touring career, she has also led dining rooms on tours for artists including Nine Inch Nails, Bad Omens, and Lorde, among many others.
Born at the beach and raised in Jacksonville, Chelsea brings an artistic eye and welcoming spirit into every setup she creates. Her dining rooms are known for their positive flow, thoughtful design, and relaxing atmosphere — spaces where crews and artists can truly recharge.
Dressing rooms are her specialty, where her attention to detail, organization, and ability to handle last-minute needs make her an invaluable part of any production.
Above all, Chelsea loves making people happy and creating environments that feel comfortable, seamless, and full of good energy.
And when she gets the chance, she’s always happy to sneak a peek at the show.
Culinary Director
Ryan O'Neal
Ryans culinary journey began in Jacksonville at just 14 years old, where he got his start washing dishes. From day one, he was driven by curiosity—observing, learning, and soaking up knowledge from every chef willing to teach.
Ryan developed his foundation in fast-paced, scratch kitchens, where he honed his skills and deepened his passion for food. His career took a defining turn when he moved into the country club scene, gaining exposure to elevated dining experiences like wine dinners, private events, and large-scale receptions. It was there that he discovered the artistry of being a chef—the ability to combine creativity, precision, and presentation to create something truly memorable.
In the past five years, Ryan has worked as a traveling chef, contributing to nationally recognized events such as The Masters, PGA Championship, Miami Grand Prix, and Super Bowl LIX. He has also toured globally, cooking for top artists including Zach Bryan, Madonna, Katy Perry, SZA, the Jonas Brothers, and Bad Omens.
Today, Chef Ryan brings that global experience back home to Jacksonville, where he is focused on creating elevated, personalized backstage catering experiences.
His approach blends locally sourced ingredients, bold creativity, and a commitment to unreasonable hospitality delivering events that are not only seamless, but truly unforgettable. Rooted in “Teal City” traditions and inspired by his journey, Ryan is passionate about raising the standard for catering and hospitality throughout Duval County.
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