Remembering our Founder. It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our founder and Charcoal Group patriarch, Mr. Delmer Wideman at the age of 93. It was 1956 when Del (with Ortha Wideman) first began operating a 42-seat eatery called the Charcoal Pit in Kitchener, Ontario. This thriving business was renamed as the Charcoal Steak House two years later and moved to a 250 seat venue above the HiWay Market in 1962 to accommodate its growing guest following. With great vision he was able to move the venue once again in 1976 to the 26,000 sq foot complex where the restaurant still operates today. It was in its current location that Del also developed The Library Lounge (where Martini’s sits today) and the Lower Deck (where Del’s Italian Kitchen currently resides.). Mr. Wideman was also central in creating the Eat ‘n’ Putt entertainment venue 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 has never strayed from his core beliefs of excellent service and top quality cuisine. His attention to detail, long-term vision and ability to build longstanding relationships within the community was unprecedented. These attributes continue to be deeply rooted in the value system that we, The Charcoal Group of Restaurants, carry on to this day. Del, although retired from the business since 1991, remained a regular guest who treasured the restaurant experience offering his perspective, wisdom & guidance to his son’s, Tim and Tom, who are the current generation of Wideman’s driving the Charcoal Group business today. From all of us at The Charcoal Group of Restaurants, we send our deepest condolences to the Wideman family & their many friends. 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.