Remembering Wolfie Pizem: Legendary restaurateur and community stalwart
With the passing of Wolfie Pizem, a beloved restaurateur whose influence on the city’s dining scene is unparalleled, Sydney has lost a Jewish community and culinary icon.
Wolfie Pizem Courtesy: The Australian Jewish Historical Society
Simson Wolf Pizem passed away at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy that extends beyond the restaurants he built to the vibrant Jewish community he nurtured. His exceptional contributions to the food industry and his deep commitment to the community will be remembered by many.
A Culinary Trailblazer
As noted in his eulogy, “Wolfie had an incredible way of making people feel so special and it was during this time where his undeniable flair for hospitality shone through in everything he did.” Wolfie Pizem was best known as the creative force behind several renowned establishments, including The Coachman Restaurant in Redfern, which he opened in the early 1960s alongside Joseph Malek. The restaurant quickly became a favourite among locals and celebrities alike, known for its warm atmosphere and exceptional dining experience. Over the decades, Pizem continued to shape Sydney’s culinary landscape with establishments like The Waterfront Restaurant in The Rocks and Wolfie’s Restaurant and Grill, further solidifying his status as a pioneering figure in the hospitality industry
Celebrity chef Neil Perry described him as “incredibly generous and smart.” Perry credited Pizem with helping him launch Rockpool in the 1980s, a pivotal moment in his career. “If it wasn’t for him, I probably wouldn’t have had Rockpool,” Perry stated.
Famed chef Guillaume Brahimi echoed these sentiments, recounting how Pizem charmed him with his charisma and hospitality. “It was because of Wolfie that I discovered Australia. I will be forever grateful,” Brahimi shared on Instagram.
His outstanding achievements in the hospitality industry led to Wolfie being the first ever person to be inducted into the Hall of Fame for Hospitality and an OAM in 1988 for services to tourism.
Community Commitment
Newtown’s Rabbi Eli Feldman, synagogue’s president Wolfie Pizem, Sir Frank Lowy and the Central’s Rabbi Levi Wolff at the synagogue’s 100th anniversary
Beyond his success in the restaurant industry, Wolfie Pizem was a passionate supporter of the Jewish community, and he played a vital role in the Newtown Synagogue. Following ongoing involvement for many years, at the age of 88, Wolfie took on the role of Board President in 2017 and served until 2022. During his tenure, he was instrumental in pushing for the synagogue’s rebuild, showcasing his commitment to preserving and revitalizing Jewish traditions in Sydney.
Newtown Synagogue Vice President, Toby Raphael, who worked alongside Wolfie for 25 years, said: “He was an amazing man, he just did so much for the community. He could, he could actually just picture things in his mind, and then, and he would not stop until they came to fruition…. He was a true visionary.”
Frank Lowy and Wolfie Pizem at the Newton Synagogue’s 100th anniversary
Wolfie Pizem was a constant supporter of the Jewish community, playing key roles in the establishment of Emanuel School as a member of the original Foundation Board. He was also instrumental in the move of Moriah College from Bellevue Hill and Rose Bay to Queens Park.
Rabbi Mendel Kastel of Jewish House also paid tribute to Wolfie’s commitment to the community. “As well as Jewish House, he helped the Chevra Kadisha and the Ohel at Northern Suburbs cemetery. He was kind and warm to everyone he came in contact with and took a real interest in trying to help people”.
In addition, he and his wife, Karen, hosted the annual Hebrew University dinner dance for 25 consecutive years, an event that raised significant funds for scholarships.
Reflecting on his contributions, Executive Council of Australian Jewry deputy president Robert Goot described Pizem as “one of the great personalities of the Sydney Jewish community.” “He was committed, vivacious, philanthropic, and had a particularly strong association with the Newtown Synagogue which he pushed to rebuild with great dedication and tenacity,” Mr Goot said. “Wolfie was wonderful company, had a great sense of humour and will be sorely missed.”
As noted in his eulogy, Wolfie was a family man through and through, showing ‘the same deep love and dedication to his parents as he did to his children Bianca and Darian, and his beloved wife, Karen. His contributions to both the culinary world and the community will not be forgotten. His warmth, generosity, and passion for life will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him’.
