“My name is Terrence, but everyone calls me Teddy. My mama started calling me Teddy Bear, and the name stuck. Being mean or negative is impossible with a name like Teddy Bear. I’m a people person and love to laugh. 

My mom and grandmama were always cooking; I fell in love with it at an early age. I started cooking at McDonalds at 16 and worked my way up. Now I’m cooking at LoDa Bier Garten. The burgers here are way different. I mean way different. I just cooked the southwest chicken egg rolls with sesame ginger sauce before I went on break. You should try them. 

I like the adrenaline of the busy hours in the kitchen. We accomplish a lot during rush hour. I also like to get alone. I go to the park and sit under a tree to clear my mind. I’ve got to have my sanity out here, so I stay positive the best way I can. 

My dream is to have a food truck parked downtown. I am a chicken-parmesan-with-garlic cheesy bread guy. I’ve got to have that pasta. I cook almost every day at home for my girl, but sometimes I get lazy and hit a drive-through.

I also play the tuba. I started with a trombone in the 8th grade band. It was too small. I saw a tuba—an instrument my size—and learned to play it. Who doesn’t love a bass line? I played in the Bay City Brass Band for a few years. I want to play in a band again.

I have two young kids and one on the way. I am an excellent dad. They don’t want for nothing because I don’t want them asking anyone for anything. That means I get paid; then I’m broke the next day. I grew up without a father. It’s hard figuring out how to be a dad, but I keep pushing. I’m 34 and almost done paying off our home; it will belong to my kids someday. I want them to remember I was always there for them. Maybe one day they will help Dad out.”

Teddy