Chicago Pizzamaker Jonathan Goldsmith Triumphs Amid Challenges

Chicago pizzamaker Jonathan Goldsmith has had a year marked by significant achievements and personal struggles. In January 2023, Goldsmith and his wife, artist Ginny Sykes, received the prestigious Jean Banchet Award for Chicago’s best pizza. This award, determined by the local community, served as a high point for the couple as Goldsmith prepared for a major surgery just days later.

On the evening of the awards ceremony, held in a downtown auditorium, Goldsmith shared his joy and gratitude with attendees. The couple had dedicated themselves to perfecting the art of Neapolitan pizza at their Ravenswood restaurant, Spacca Napoli, which has become a beloved establishment since its opening nearly 20 years ago.

Just days after the celebration, Goldsmith faced a tough battle. He underwent surgery to remove a tumor in his abdomen, a procedure that came with uncertainty about his recovery and future. During a visit to Spacca Napoli before his operation, Goldsmith expressed how the recognition from the community uplifted his spirits. “To have the recognition from within the community itself… it felt good and, in some ways, needed,” he reflected.

Returning to Spacca Napoli in mid-November, Goldsmith radiated a sense of relief and hope. “The surgery went well, and my doctors now say I am ‘cancer clean,’” he shared, with Sykes adding, “That’s a big worry off our shoulders.”

The road to recovery was not without its hurdles. Initially, Goldsmith was scheduled to undergo four rounds of chemotherapy, but the side effects proved too severe. His doctor recommended forgoing further treatments in favor of regular check-ups to monitor his health. “Going through cancer is like having a wrecking ball come through your life,” Sykes said. They both acknowledged the emotional toll of the journey but emphasized the positive outcomes of the surgery.

Prior to his surgery, Goldsmith was uncertain about how much of his stomach would be saved and how long he would be absent from work. He feared missing a planned trip to Italy in the spring. Fortunately, he was able to travel over the summer, fulfilling a personal goal that brought him immense joy. “To be able to do that was just a big thing, just to know that I was well enough,” he said, visibly moved.

In addition to their European adventure, Goldsmith and Sykes have traveled to New York and California, savoring moments of normalcy after a tumultuous year. Looking ahead, they plan to visit Mexico in the new year to spend more time together. “I’m hoping to find a little more ease in 2026 and just take the pace down a couple of notches,” Sykes remarked.

Despite the personal challenges, the restaurant industry has faced its own set of difficulties, particularly in 2023. Spacca Napoli relies heavily on international ingredients, and the recent volatility in tariffs on imported goods has added pressure to their operations. Sykes expressed frustration at having to navigate these issues while managing Goldsmith’s health recovery. “We’re trying to keep this beautiful business running and serve the community, and it’s really frustrating,” she stated.

Goldsmith has been proactive in discussing these challenges with other restaurant owners, seeking to understand the shifting policies affecting their businesses. “I really still don’t have an understanding of where this will go,” he admitted, acknowledging the uncertainty that looms over the industry.

Despite the challenges, both Goldsmith and Sykes remain committed to their community and to Spacca Napoli. “I don’t like the idea of saying, ‘OK, I’m just going to call it because it would be easier for me,’” Goldsmith emphasized, highlighting his dedication to the restaurant and its patrons.

For Goldsmith, Spacca Napoli continues to be a source of joy and solace. “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, embodying the resilience and spirit that has characterized both his personal journey and his culinary career.