The Schäffer dynasty: culinary heritage and family fighting spirit!

The Schäffer dynasty: culinary heritage and family fighting spirit!

The Schäffer family from Bruck an der Mur is a real prime example of passion for culinary art. The dynasty consists of three talented chefs: Sepp, Thomas and Markus. Sepp, who worked as a cook for over 46 years, worked in the Feiel in Bruck for almost three decades and is considered a model for his two sons. Despite his retirement, he now helps his son Thomas in the Gasthaus Schäffer in Neuberg and discovered a new passion for collecting food in the forest. Cooking always has a high priority in the family, even if it is often hectic.

Thomas, who chose independence in 2015, had decided at the age of 14 to take the cooking profession. He completed his apprenticeship in the Gasthof Hubinger and quickly made a name for himself. He took part in various cooking competitions and achieved considerable success. In contrast to Thomas, Markus only started cooking after leaving his interests behind. He has been working in the restaurant "How Sa how" in Turnau since July 2024 and has previously gained practical experience in the restaurant of his brother.

challenges in cooking

chef is much more than just cooking recipes. The challenges are diverse and range from the planning and calculation of food offers to the purchase and storage of food to the preparation and the serving of dishes. In addition, chefs must be able to organize work processes and advise guests competently. This makes the job both exciting and demanding. In Austria, training as a cook is usually created for three years and includes practice and theory in vocational schools. Further training opportunities are open after training, for example as a kitchen master or in specialized areas of the catering trade. Experiences abroad are also of great value in this professional field.

A special event in the world of gastronomy are the German Youth Championships of the hospitality training professions that take place every year. These championships are characterized by competition and teamwork, and the best talents from Germany show their skills. The next edition will take place from October 18 to 2025 in the Steigenberger Icon Grandhotel & Spa Petersberg in Königswinter, where the participants not only receive medals and certificates, but also have the chance of material prizes and valuable further training, such as [dehoga-bundesverband.de] (https://www.dehoga-bundesverband/aus-------- informed.

For the Schäffer family, cooking also means spending time together. Family celebrations are often made or grilling, and even if the three do not cook together often, it is always a happy affair when they do it. "Eating together" remains a priority, even if it is often only for 20 minutes. This shows that with all passion for gastronomy, family cohesion and the fun of cooking come first.