Chicago Pizzamaker Triumphs Over Cancer, Celebrates Big Win

Jonathan Goldsmith, owner of the acclaimed Chicago restaurant Spacca Napoli, recently reflected on a year marked by significant professional recognition and personal challenges. In January, during the annual Jean Banchet Awards, Goldsmith and his wife, artist Ginny Sykes, were awarded Chicago’s best pizza for their renowned Neapolitan pies. The award, determined by community votes, was a highlight in a year that also brought serious health concerns for Goldsmith.

Just days after accepting the award, Goldsmith underwent surgery to remove a tumor from his stomach. Prior to the operation, he remarked on how much the award boosted his spirits. “To have the recognition from within the community itself… it felt good and, in some ways, needed,” he stated. This recognition came at a time when he faced uncertainty about his health and future work.

Recovery After Cancer Surgery

In mid-November, I visited Spacca Napoli again, where Goldsmith, now 70, greeted familiar faces in the cozy dining room at the corner of Sunnyside and Ravenswood avenues. Sykes shared that their situation has improved significantly since January. Following a successful surgery, doctors confirmed that Goldsmith is now “cancer clean.” Sykes explained, “They don’t like to say you’re cured at this stage, but we have gotten a clean report up until this point. That’s a big worry off our shoulders.”

The path to recovery was not without its difficulties. Goldsmith was initially scheduled for four rounds of chemotherapy, but he experienced severe side effects after the first session. His doctor decided to halt further treatments in favor of regular check-ups and a CT scan to monitor his health. Sykes described the experience as “like having a wrecking ball come through your life,” acknowledging the emotional toll and unexpected challenges throughout the treatment process.

Looking Ahead Amid Industry Challenges

After a period of uncertainty, Goldsmith was able to fulfill his long-held dream of traveling to Italy over the summer. “No matter what, that was my goal, to make it,” he said, his eyes welling up with tears. He and Sykes have also traveled to New York and California recently, embracing a return to normalcy.

Despite personal triumphs, the restaurant industry has faced formidable challenges, particularly concerning immigration policies and import tariffs on essential ingredients. Sykes expressed frustration over these additional stressors, stating, “We’re just trying to keep this beautiful business running and serve the community, and it’s really frustrating to have to address this on top of it.”

Goldsmith is actively engaging with fellow restaurateurs to navigate the shifting landscape of federal and local policies that affect their businesses. “I really still don’t have an understanding of where this will go. I really, really don’t,” he admitted, underscoring the uncertainty that looms over the industry.

Despite these challenges, Goldsmith and Sykes remain committed to their restaurant and its role in the community. “With the meaning we have to our community, I don’t like the idea of saying, ‘OK, I’m just going to call it because it would be easier for me,’” he said. Even as he navigates the complexities of running a restaurant during turbulent times, Goldsmith finds solace in his work, describing Spacca Napoli as his “happy place.”

Reflecting on the past year, Goldsmith expressed gratitude for the recognition he received and the resilience he has shown. “This year gave me a chance to reflect and feel appreciative of how much we’ve done and how much value we’ve created,” he concluded, leaving the door open to a hopeful future.