Chef Lance Buchinger Elected President of Local ACF Chapter
Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth is pleased to announce that Lance Buchinger has been elected President of the Flint/Saginaw Chapter of the American Culinary Federation (ACF), effective January 2026. Lance previously served the chapter as Treasurer from 2018–2020 and as Vice President from 2022–2026.
Lance began his career with Zehnder’s in 2008 as a member of the Z Chef’s Café culinary team, where he excelled in supporting special events including Sunday Brunch, Friday Night Fish Fry, and The Fortress BBQs. While working full time, Lance pursued his culinary education and earned his Culinary Arts degree from Mott Community College in June 2011.
In 2012, Lance achieved his Certified Culinarian designation and, in 2014, transitioned to the Main Kitchen Grill, where he quickly established himself as a dependable and consistent opening chef. His continued growth and leadership led to his Certified Sous Chef (C.S.C.) certification in 2016, along with expanded responsibilities throughout the Main Kitchen and Zehnder’s overall culinary operations.
Lance is currently working toward earning his Certified Executive Chef (C.E.C.) certification.
Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth is proud of Chef Lance’s professional accomplishments, continued growth within the culinary field, and his unwavering dedication to the organization over the past 17 years.
