Founder of Charcoal Group restaurants dies at 93

In 1956, Del Wideman opened the restaurant that would become the Charcoal Steak House and a local institution

The founder of Charcoal Group of Restaurants has died. He was 93. Delmer Wideman, who went by Del, was launched into the restaurant business in 1956 through a 42-seat restaurant called the Charcoal Pit.

Del and his wife, Ortha Wideman, had been working at Kitchener’s HiWay Market — Ortha as a buyer of non-food items and Del as a grocery buyer. When the supermarket’s owner, Ralph Kraft, bought the restaurant next door he asked the couple to manage the operation — even though they had no restaurant experience.

After 14 months, the Widemans bought the restaurant and renamed it the Charcoal Steak House.

To keep up with the business’ growth, the Charcoal first moved above HiWay Market in 1961 as a 250-seat venue, and then moved to its current location on King Street East at Fairway Road North in 1976.

Wideman introduced The Library Lounge, now known as Martini’s, and cocktail nights hosted at the Charcoal Steak House. He also founded the Lower Deck, where Del’s Italian Kitchen is now located.

“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 posted to Facebook. “We will miss serving you Del, thank you for taking that leap so many years ago and we promise to always keep your legacy alive in all we do.”

Wideman played a big part in creating the Eat ‘n’ Putt restaurant and entertainment complex and was a partner in its successor, Pioneer Sportsworld, which became one of Waterloo Region’s most popular tourist draws in the 1980s.

It was all these business ventures that filled Wideman’s son Tom with admiration for his father, who he believes built the local foundation for hospitality and good food.

“I think it was just his work ethic and commitment to excellence,” said Tom.

Tom described Del as a great father, who looked after his kids and taught them well.

Aside from his focus as a businessperson, Del was a social butterfly who was loved and respected by those around him, said Tom.

Wideman retired in 1991 and his two sons, Tom and Tim, run the Charcoal Group of Restaurants today, with Jody Palubiski as the CEO.

Bauer Kitchen, Beertown Public House and Wildcraft also belong to Charcoal Group of Restaurants. Del was a regular guest at the restaurants.

When he wasn’t working, Del loved to get out into nature.

“He loved his golf and he loved his boat trips,” said Tom, whose fondest memories of his father go back to their Georgian Bay cottage.

After having a heart attack at the age of 91 and undergoing a triple bypass surgery, Tom said his father’s health fell to an infection.

Wideman leaves a daughter, Gail and sons, Tom, Tim and Barry.

Ortha Wideman died of liver cancer at 68 years old in 1998.

I think it was just his work ethic and commitment to excellence.

TOM WIDEMAN ON HIS FATHER’S ROLE IN BUILDING THE LOCAL FOUNDATION FOR HOSPITALITY AND GOOD FOOD