Twenty & Unstoppable

At just 20 years old, I’m living my dream of being the youngest restaurant owner in Aargau, Switzerland. My father inspired me. Coming from a family where food was central to our lives, I would stand beside him as a small child, watching and learning as he stirred pots and crafted meals. Over the years, I followed my passion, and after earning my chef’s diploma, I had the privilege of training under the two-Michelin-starred Chef Jeffrey van Zijl.

An essential moment in my journey occurred while working with Chef Jeffrey. He taught me how to truly understand the delicate balance of flavors, particularly how to achieve a dish’s perfect acidity and harmony. It was a moment of clarity for me—everything suddenly clicked. I realized that mastering these elements was vital to reaching the excellence I strive for in my cooking. That lesson has stayed with me and continues shaping how I approach every dish I create.

In April 2024, I took over a local restaurant, dedicating myself to using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and handcrafting everything from sourdough to various fermented products. I wanted complete creative freedom—building a restaurant that reflected my vision. But with that freedom came total responsibility. I didn’t have a boss to turn to—I became that person.

The challenges were immediate. The first few months were grueling: 16-hour workdays, no days off, and constant financial pressure. I had to learn the business side of things quickly—strategy, budgeting, and team management. We make almost everything from scratch, which is time-consuming but necessary for the quality I envisioned. I also had to earn the respect of older, more experienced staff, proving myself as a chef and leader.

Nearly a year after opening, I’ve found more balance, but I’m still learning how to maintain a successful business. My relentless drive to improve, innovate, and reach the highest level of service excellence while staying true to my roots keeps me going. My team sees this—they trust me, respect me, and appreciate the cooperation and leadership I bring, never making my age a factor. 

@ochsenschoeftland is just the beginning of my journey.