History of Wolfgang Puck in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 13, 2026

Wolfgang Puck is an Austrian-American chef and restaurateur renowned for his culinary innovation and entrepreneurial success. He revolutionized American cuisine by introducing French techniques and Asian flavors, notably through his restaurant Spago in Los Angeles. Puck's empire includes restaurants, cookbooks, and a successful catering company, establishing him as a prominent figure in the culinary world and a celebrity chef. His influence extends beyond the kitchen through television appearances and brand endorsements.

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Full Timeline Success & Recognition

July 8, 1949: Wolfgang Puck's Birth

On July 8, 1949, Wolfgang Johannes Puck (né Topfschnig) was born in Austria. He later became a renowned Austrian-American chef and restaurateur.

Others born on this day/year

1973: Move to the United States

In 1973, at the age of 24, Wolfgang Puck moved to the United States after training in Europe.

1981: Publication of Modern French Cooking for the American Kitchen

In 1981, Wolfgang Puck published his first cookbook, "Modern French Cooking for the American Kitchen", which was based on his Ma Maison recipes.

1982: Co-founding Puck-Lazaroff Charitable Foundation

In 1982, Wolfgang Puck co-founded the Puck-Lazaroff Charitable Foundation, which supports the annual American Wine & Food Festival benefitting Meals on Wheels.

1982: Opening of Spago

In 1982, Wolfgang Puck opened the restaurant Spago on the Sunset Strip.

1983: Marriage to Barbara Lazaroff

In 1983, Wolfgang Puck married interior designer Barbara Lazaroff.

1991: Opening of Granita Restaurant

In 1991, Wolfgang Puck opened his fourth restaurant, Granita, a seafood restaurant in Malibu, California.

1993: Induction into the Nation's Restaurant News Fine Dining Hall of Fame

In 1993, Spago Hollywood was inducted into the Nation's Restaurant News Fine Dining Hall of Fame.

1997: Spago Relocation

In 1997, Wolfgang Puck and his then-wife Barbara Lazaroff moved the award-winning Spago to Beverly Hills.

1999: U.S. Citizenship

In 1999, Wolfgang Puck became a U.S. citizen.

2001: Daytime Emmy Award

In 2002, Wolfgang Puck received the 2001–2002 Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Service Show, "Wolfgang Puck".

2002: Daytime Emmy Award

In 2002, Wolfgang Puck received the 2001–2002 Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Service Show, "Wolfgang Puck".

2003: Divorce from Barbara Lazaroff

In 2003, Wolfgang Puck divorced interior designer Barbara Lazaroff.

2003: Syndication of Recipes

Since 2003, Wolfgang Puck's recipes have been syndicated worldwide to newspapers and websites by Tribune Content Agency.

2004: Spago Recognized as Top Restaurant

Since 2004, Spago has been recognized as one of the Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S.

2005: James Beard Foundation Outstanding Service Award

In 2005, Spago Beverly Hills received a James Beard Foundation Outstanding Service Award.

2005: Closure of Granita

In 2005, Wolfgang Puck's seafood restaurant, Granita in Malibu, California, closed.

2007: Michelin Star for CUT Beverly Hills

In 2007, CUT Beverly Hills was awarded a Michelin star.

2007: Marriage to Gelila Assefa

In 2007, Wolfgang Puck married Gelila Assefa, a model and designer from Ethiopia.

2008: Michelin Stars in Los Angeles Michelin Guide

In 2008, Spago Beverly Hills was awarded two Michelin stars in the Los Angeles Michelin Guide.

2009: Michelin Stars in Los Angeles Michelin Guide

In 2009, Spago Beverly Hills was awarded two Michelin stars in the Los Angeles Michelin Guide.

2013: Induction into the Culinary Hall of Fame

In 2013, Wolfgang Puck was inducted into the Culinary Hall of Fame.

July 2016: Michelin Star for CUT at Marina Bay Sands

In July 2016, CUT at the Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, was awarded a Michelin Star.

April 26, 2017: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

On April 26, 2017, Wolfgang Puck received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his work in the TV industry, located at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard.

May 20, 2017: IFMA Gold Plate Winner

On May 20, 2017, Wolfgang Puck was named the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) 2017 Gold Plate Winner.

June 2022: Recognition on Global 100 in Hospitality

In June 2022, Wolfgang Puck was recognized by the International Hospitality Institute on the Global 100 in Hospitality as one of the 100 Most Powerful People in Global Hospitality.