Michael Haefner

Mike Haefner is an accomplished culinary professional with a robust background in food and beverage management. As the Executive Team Chef for the Buffalo Sabres since August 2016, Mike has specialized in providing tailored nutritional offerings to athletes and coaching staff, while also mentoring over 150 culinary team members. Mike is recognized for initiating a COVID-19 relief program that supplied over 500 meals to laid-off employees and leading efforts to distribute thousands of grocery bags to underserved families in Western New York. Previous experience includes ownership of Nye Park Tavern, and positions as Executive Chef/General Manager at Hutch's Restaurant, and Co-Executive Chef at Oliver's. Mike holds a Bachelor's degree in Restaurant/Food Services Management from Buffalo State University and an Associate of Arts and Sciences in Culinary Arts from Niagara County Community College.