Wolfgang Puck is the Chef who Crafted Gold-Dusted Chocolate Oscars for Celebs; Here's His Net Worth

What is Wolfgang Puck's net worth?

The culinary genius behind the gold-dusted chocolate Oscars at the Academy Awards 2023, Wolfgang Puck is an Austrian-American celebrity chef and restaurateur, who has earned a net worth of $120 million. Born on July 8, 1949, in Sankt Veit an der Glan, Austria, Puck stands out for blending Asian and American influence with French cooking techniques. He has also bagged two Michelin Stars, and has built a fine-dining and catering empire.

What are Wolfgang Puck's sources of income?

Cooking is Wolfgang Puck's most treasured talent and the primary source of his wealth. His revenue streams are made up of more than 20 restaurants, celebrity catering services, packaged foods, and cooking-related products. Puck's feats that helped him make money, also include authoring cookbooks, acting, and hosting television shows.

Wolfgang Puck's culinary journey began in France, where he honed his skills in prestigious restaurants such as Maxim's in Paris, the Hotel de Paris in Monaco, and the Michelin 3-starred L'Oustau de Baumanière in Provence. Seeking new opportunities, he ventured to the United States and started at La Tour in Indianapolis from 1973 to 1975. It was in Los Angeles at Ma Maison that Puck gained recognition as a sophisticated gourmet chef, attracting the attention of the rich and famous. His expertise in Californian cuisine and culinary finesse elevated Ma Maison's status. In 1982, Puck took a bold step and opened his own restaurant, Spago, on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood. The venture was an instant success, paving the way for the establishment of more restaurants, including Chinois on Main in 1983 and Postrio in San Francisco's Union Square in 1989. The growing popularity of Spago led to its relocation to an elegant setting in Beverly Hills on Cañon Drive in 1997.

Over the years, Puck expanded his influence with establishments like Chinois, Postrio, Granita, and a series of restaurants in Las Vegas, including CUT at The Palazzo. He founded Wolfgang Puck Companies, comprising Wolfgang Puck Worldwide, Inc., Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group, and Wolfgang Puck Catering. Puck's influence extends beyond restaurants, with a cooking school, a line of houseware, and consumer products like organic coffees and soups.

Real estate and total assets

Puck's total assets include real estate properties and business investments, such as two impressive homes, owned by him and his wife. In 2013, they acquired Villa Les Violettes in Los Angeles with eight bedrooms, an outdoor kitchen, a swimming pool, and a spa nestled in 1.25 acres, for $14 million. In 2003, Puck had purchased a 6,025-square-foot, five-bedroom residence in Beverly Hills for $3.67 million, which he listed for sale at $8.49 million in 2015.

Social media following

Personal life

As for personal life, Puck has been married thrice. He first exchanged vows with Marie France Trouillot in 1975, and after their divorce in 1980, he wed Barbara Lazaroff in 1983. Puck and Lazaroff had two sons before divorcing in 2003. In 2007, he married designer Gelila Assefa, and they have two sons together. Beyond the kitchen, Puck is passionate about philanthropy. In 1982, he co-founded the Puck-Lazaroff Charitable Foundation, organizing the annual American Wine & Food Festival, benefiting Los Angeles Meals-on-Wheels programs.

Awards and honors

Wolfgang Puck's culinary prowess has garnered numerous accolades including,

- James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Chef of the Year (1991, 1998)

- James Beard Restaurant of the Year Award for Spago Hollywood (1994)

- Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Service Show for "Wolfgang Puck" (2002)

- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (2017)

FAQs

How did Wolfgang Puck start his culinary career?

Puck began his culinary journey in France, training under renowned chefs, and later gained fame at Ma Maison in Los Angeles.

What is the extent of Wolfgang Puck's restaurant empire?

Puck's restaurant empire has 20 establishments, including Spago, Chinois, Postrio, and CUT, with locations in the U.S. and internationally.

What philanthropic initiatives is Wolfgang Puck involved in?

Puck actively supports philanthropy through the Puck-Lazaroff Charitable Foundation, organizing the annual American Wine & Food Festival to benefit Meals-on-Wheels programs.