Rein Trotzuk's Journey from Engineer to Michelin Star Restaurants
Episode notes
In this episode of The GOODNITE Show, Jordan sits down with Rein Trotzuk, a former oil and gas engineer who walked away from a stable career to pursue a completely different calling — becoming a chef. Rein shares his incredible journey from engineering into the culinary world, including studying and working long hours in Italy and across Europe, learning from chefs in Michelin-star restaurants, and committing himself fully to the craft of food.
That journey eventually led to the creation of Apprentice Café, a restaurant built around quality, precision, and care. Today, Apprentice Café is known for its exceptional coffee, ice cream, baked goods, and top-tier breakfast sandwiches.
Throughout the conversation, Rein talks about discipline, sacrifice, creativity, and what it really takes to build something great from the ground up. His passion for food is undeniable — and his story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to change direction and chase excellence. An inspiring episode for anyone thinking about career pivots, entrepreneurship, or mastering a craft.