After nearly four years with the Fortitude Valley restaurant, Adam Wolfers has announced he is stepping away from his role as executive chef.
Wolfers has experienced numerous health battles over the past year and a half, including a stroke.
He says the decision comes with the need to put his family first and concentrate on his recovery.
“I did not come to this decision lightly. I tried to persevere, but not being able to do the job that once came naturally to me the way I did before led me to the realisation that I need to concentrate on my recovery and family. They come first,” he said.
Wolfers joined the Middle Eastern restaurant in 2019, after his East Coast project Etelek and work across Sydney’s top venues including Monopole, Est., Marque and Yellow.
In his statement, Wolfers also thanked the Gerard Bistro team for their support through his health battles.
“I want to thank Gerard’s Bistro owner Johnny Moubarak and General Manager Judith Hurley for their unwavering support, loyalty and friendship, especially over the past year and a half, and the whole Gerard’s team for stepping up, their encouragement and assistance whenever I needed it,” he said.
“I have loved every minute of my time at Gerard’s.”
On Instagram, Wolfer also emphasised the decision to put his family first.
“I gave it my all, and it hurts me deeply that I have to walk away. This is not me giving up, it is a choice to put my health first, I want to see my kids grow up,” he wrote.
“I feel like I have nothing to be ashamed of, it’s just a new path I am going to go down. When I do something I feel like I need to give it 110% or nothing, and my body simply can’t get their working in a very busy stressful environment.”
He also added how he hopes to return to the industry once able.
“Whether my career is in restaurants or in the food industry still, I know for sure my creative mind will be back, and I look forward to the next chapter,” he also wrote.
Gerard Bistro Owner Johnny Moubarak also commented on the strength of the kitchen team and how Wolfers’ presence will be missed.
“We have an amazingly strong kitchen team, who kept things going whilst Adam was recovering, so I know they will continue to uphold the high standard of food we are renowned for,” said Moubarak.
“On behalf of the whole Gerard’s team, we wish Adam all the best. He will be missed.”
Gerard’s Bistro will continue to run as usual amidst the search for a new executive chef.
