Until July 4th, the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream is showcasing voices of American citizens as they share their interpretations of the American Dream in 2026. Among the contributors is Wolfgang Puck, a prominent chef known for his restaurants, including Spago in Beverly Hills, where he has catered the Academy Awards after-party for many years.
I genuinely feel like I’m living the American Dream. Growing up in Austria, my family didn’t have much—there was no running water, and the toilet was quite a distance away in the backyard. Meat was a rarity, only appearing once a week for Sunday lunch. Now, I’m here in America, owning 30 restaurants, 80 in airports, and employing around 5,000 people.
I really believe that America is still the land of opportunity. If someone arrives here with a fresh idea, it seems people are ready to embrace it. Unlike in Europe, particularly in the culinary world, where there’s often a rigidity about what’s acceptable, here, people seem much more open-minded. I remember opening Spago and creating a pizza topped with smoked salmon—oh, had I tried that in Milan or Naples, I would have been met with outrage.
That’s one of the best things about America. There’s a willingness to consider new ideas and welcome those who wish to shake things up, more so than anywhere else.
In my opinion, the entrepreneurial spirit in the U.S. is unmatched because of the diverse population. In the food industry, this really resonates with me. A few decades ago, American restaurants were quite dull, and being a chef wasn’t held in high regard.
But now? Chefs are regarded as artists, almost like rock stars. There’s a wave of young, talented chefs elevating American cuisine worldwide, heavily influenced by television and other media.
The American Dream Video Project shares authentic narratives that highlight the journey to opportunity. This series, part of the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream’s efforts, celebrates America’s 250th anniversary. The MCAAD is a cultural institution in Washington, DC, offering engaging exhibits that explore the pursuit of the American Dream. For more details, visit mcaad.org.
