Stefano’s Trattoria

by Jill Duff-Hoppes

Chaz Morales and Johnn Rojas aren’t trendy guys – at least not when it comes to their career choices. The two 23-year-olds are sous-chefs at Stefano’s Trattoria, a delectable Italian restaurant in Winter Springs.

Alejandro Martinez, owner of Stefano’s, says today’s younger generation is more interested in trying to make easy money via social media, not in the hard work the restaurant business requires. So he’s especially proud of his dedicated young chefs.

“There’s a lack of young energy in the industry,” says Alejandro. “But these two guys are the exception. Chaz and Johnn really, really like the kitchen. They really like cooking and food presentation. Finding that in today’s world is just very, very rare.”

Both Chaz and Johnn have been interested in food and cooking since they were kids. Chaz, a graduate of Lake Howell High School’s culinary arts program, hopes to eventually become a private chef. Johnn, a native of Costa Rica, is studying culinary management at Valencia College in addition to working at Stefano’s.

Both are grateful for the positive, supportive environment that Alejandro has cultivated and for the opportunity to grow in a quality establishment that is a staple of our community. Chaz and Johnn also love the camaraderie between the restaurant’s 30-plus employees – on and off the clock.

“We’re all close, and Stefano’s is very family oriented,” says Chaz, who lives in Casselberry. “Johnn and I have a lot of passion and energy in the kitchen, and we’re learning a lot by working here.”

Johnn, an Oviedo resident, agrees adding that making customers happy is one of the things he likes most about working at Stefano’s.

“One of the best things that happens here is when you cook something and the customer appreciates it and says, ‘The food you cooked was amazing,’” says Johnn with a smile.