Delmer Allen "Del" Wideman

Other Events:

• Business: Charcoal Steak House
• Interesting: business
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-225890

Notes:

Founder of Charcoal Group of Restaurants dies at 93

Delmer Wideman, who went by Del, started the 42-seat restaurant called the Charcoal Pit in 1956, renamed as the Charcoal Steak House two years later

KITCHENER - The founder of Charcoal Group of Restaurants has died. He was 93.

Delmer Wideman, who went by Del, started the 42-seat restaurant called the Charcoal Pit in 1956, renamed as the Charcoal Steak House two years later.

To keep up with the business' growth, the restaurant first moved above HiWay Market in a 250-seat venue and then moved to its current location on King Street East in 1976.

Wideman created The Library Lounge, and cocktail nights hosted at the Charcoal Steak House, which is known as Martini's today.

He also founded the Lower Deck, where Del's Italian Kitchen is now located.

Wideman also played a big part in creating the Eat 'n' Putt restaurant and entertainment complex and its successor Pioneer Sportsworld.

"It was Del's ability to 'think big' that solidified him as a hospitality industry icon who laid the groundwork for a thriving family business that never strayed from his core beliefs of excellent service and top quality cuisine," read a statement from Charcoal Steak House that was posted to Facebook.

Wideman retired in 1991 and his two sons, Tom and Tim, run the Charcoal Group of Restaurants today.

By Cheyenne Bholla

"Founder Of Charcoal Group Of Restaurants Dies At 93". 2022. Therecord.Com. https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/2022/06/08/founder-of-charcoal-group-of-restaurants-dies-at-93.html.

Delmer — Ortha Rudena Jutzi. (daughter of John J. Jutzi and Susanna Kennel) [Group Sheet]