ACF Flint-Saginaw Valley Chapter

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American Culinary Federation

Flint-Saginaw Valley Chapter

34th Annual Professional Chef Competition and Tasting

A premier professional chef competition that will take place on February 23, 2026, at the Bavarian Inn Lodge.

Make it an overnight experience, when you book an overnight at the Bavarian Inn Lodge you will receive a room discount.

* Must purchase at least 2 tickets for deal to apply.

2026 Chef Competition Tickets

Chef Entry Application

Chefs, to guarantee your table in our competition, get your entry in now!

Entry Deadline is Monday, February 16, 2026

ACF is the culinary leader in offering educational resources, training, apprenticeship and programmatic accreditation designed to enhance professional growth for all current and future chefs and pastry chefs. In addition, ACF operates the most comprehensive certification program for chefs in the United States.

ACF Flint - Saginaw Valley Chapter
Bi-monthly Membership Meetings are the third Monday of the months January, March, May, July, September, and the second Monday of November.

Chapter Chef of the Year

Jason Wellnitz CEC

Every year our chapter recognizes an outstanding culinarian. This person has demonstrated the highest standard of culinary skills, advanced the cuisine of our Region and has given back to the profession through the development of students and apprentices.

Past Chefs of the Year

Chapter Officers

The Chapter officers are committed to leading the area cooks, chefs, and pastry chefs in advancing the cuisine of our region.

Elected Chapter Officers for the 2026-2027 term of office are:

President - Lance Buchinger CSC

1st Vice President - Jason Wellnitz CEC

2nd Vice President - Tyler Stark
Secretary - Jacob Austin
Treasurer - Maria Austin
Chairman of the Board - Rob Waskoviak CEC

*Each officer is elected to a two year term with the Immediate Past President appointed as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

2025
American Culinary Federation
Professional Chef's Competition & Tasting

Congratulations to our competing chefs, our volunteers, our sponsors, and the Bavarian Inn Lodge staff on another successful event. Planning has already begun for next years completion.