| 1850 |
Niederwald: born as youngest of 13 children of the mountain farmer (Johann) Anton Ritz and his wife Kreszentia, born Heinen. |
| 1865 |
Brig: The apprenticeship as waiter in the hotel Brig «Couronne et Poste» ends after a short time with a resignation. |
| 1867 |
Paris: The World exhibition and the hope of learning the profession of a hotelier lure the seventeen year old to the Seine, second apprenticeship as barman, porter and waiter. |
| 1868-1869 |
Sack, work in different restaurants. |
| 1869-1871 |
Paris: In the renowned restaurant «Voisin» he takes a new approach as assistant waiter and works successfully. |
| 1872 |
Paris: In the luxury hotel «Splendide» he works his way up from waiter, to head waiter and finally to maître d'. First contact with guests from overseas. |
