THEO Kalogeracos’ story is typical of that of most children of migrant parents. It is one built on a strong work ethic and dedication to a craft – in this case, baking and pizza making.
From opening his small pizza shop, Little Caesars, in Mundaring 12 years ago, to being on the Australian team that took out the America’s Plate in New York in 2004, as well as claiming the Las Vegas Chef Wars title in 2006, the determined 42-year-old has carved out something of a cult following.
Most recently, he has seen his multiple award-winning pizza formula spread with the opening of a Little Caesars in Jakarta last year and another on the cards for Shanghai.
But it was his Greek-Macedonian grandmother who introduced a wide-eyed Theo to the pleasures of food in her North Perth kitchen and backyard, abundant with organic tomatoes, grapes and free-range chickens.
“Dad owned the international gaming centre above Plaka on James Street in Northbridge so I used to spend a lot of time at my baba’s, watching her,” Theo recalled.
“She worked as a bread carter and that’s where I was first introduced to the smells of foods.”
He now hopes to share his culinary journey with his new book, Theo & Co. The Search for the Perfect Pizza. Being of Greek origin, Theo’s world-beating success has raised eyebrows among Italian pizza purists.
“My Italian uncle said, ‘don’t tell anyone back home in Italy’. Having a Greek win is like blasphemy,” Theo laughed.
Then there are those who believe wood-fired pizza is far superior to that of Theo’s gas oven cooked product.
“I like the consistency of gas ovens… with wood, there is a slight chance of burning it and too many other elements,” he said.
While travel inspires Theo, music also helps fuel his creativity, with his popular dessert pizza – Mud Honey – named after a Seattle band.
Eskimo Joe, Snowman and Little Birdy pizzas have also found their way onto the menu, all paying homage to Perth’s music scene.
Despite overseas expansion, Theo plans to keep the Mundaring store as a singular icon in Perth – “a bit like Alfred’s Kitchen in Guildford”.
“I hope to open in Hong Kong and other markets, but it’s just really exciting that it’s originated in the Perth hills, not Melbourne,” he said.
“That comes from being a fan of Perth music… they have shown that you can do it from here.”
nTheo & Co. The Search for the Perfect Pizza is available at selected book stores.