Joachim Buchner, CMC
German-born and trained, Buchner began his culinary career as an apprentice to Master Chef Fritz Ring in his native Nürenburg. Upon completion of his apprenticeship, he worked at the Düsseldorf Hilton, and the ski resort town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. To broaden his horizons and in a quest for adventure, Buchner came to the U.S. in 1983. Through working in small specialty restaurants and large established hotels, he learned the ins and outs of the foodservice industry. His experience led him to open restaurants for several new hotels. For the past 20 plus years, Chef Buchner practiced his craft at private Clubs.

In 1987 he returned to Germany to complete coursework and testing for his German Master Chef certification. Three years later, he earned his Master Chef Certification from the American Culinary Federation, joining the ranks of fewer than 55 Master Chefs in the American Culinary Federation.

Throughout his career, he has actively competed in culinary competitions, winning numerous medals, awards, and prizes. Later in his career, he expanded his participation in culinary competitions by entering the realm of judging. He became qualified as an Official ACF Competition Judge in 1995. In 1999, he was named as an adviser to the U.S. National Culinary Olympic Team 2000, which represented the United States of America in October 2000 in Germany.

Chef Buchner continued his culinary competition activities, resulting in his earning a position on the U.S. National Culinary Olympic Team 2004, and 2008 which represented the United States in six international competitions, winning a total of 13 gold medals and 3 world championships.