MAX LABHARDT

Executive Chef/Director of Food and Beverage
Delta Calgary South
Calgary, Alberta

Born in Switzerland, Max Labhardt began his culinary career at the age of 16 working at the Hotel du Signal in Pouidaux-Gare, overlooking Lac Geneva, in the summer, and at the Grand Hotel in Leysin during the winter season. This picturesque setting is where Max completed his apprenticeship. After working with a number of chefs in Switzerland, Max moved to Calgary, Alberta where his Canadian career began with a two-year stint at the Four Seasons Hotel. In 1983, Max joined the Shaw Conference Centre (then known as the Edmonton Convention Centre) as Sous Chef. Under the direction of Chef Rudy Blattler and Executive Sous Chef Peter Wiget, Max was involved in the entire planning process and grand opening, and the experience was a real eye-opener. In this exciting and thriving atmosphere, he developed his knowledge of the principles of set-up and management of large venues. Max returned to Calgary working at The 400 Club, a prestigious private oilmen’s club, under the supervision of Ernst Eggli. However, when opportunity knocked, he did not hesitate to open the door: believing the world is his "oyster," Max worked on a Caribbean luxury cruise ship, The Sea Goddess. Given the freedom and upscale food product to work with was inspiring and encouraged him to new levels of innovation. In 1985, Max started working for the Westin Hotel in Calgary under Executive Chef Fred Zimmerman. He counts the experience he gained with Fred Zimmerman as one of the best in his career. Four years later, Max transferred to the Edmonton Westin. Max returned to Switzerland in 1991 and worked at the Le Montreux Palace Hotel for a year. Always seeking opportunities to hone his skills, he then completed a two-year program at the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne before returning to Canada to become Executive Chef at The Calgary Winter Club. Ready for a more challenging position, Max accepted the position of Executive Chef of the Hyatt Regency Calgary, where he worked from 2001 to 2005. While continuing his professional career as Executive Chef/Director of Food and Beverage at Calgary’s Delta South, Max, a long-time culinary competitor, now contributes to Culinary Team Alberta as a team coach. As both a chef and award-winning international competitor, Max’s knowledge and experience add much to the coaching strength behind the team.

International Competition Resume

1982  1990 1998 1998 2000 2000 2002 2004

Calgary  Edmonton Luxembourg Luxembourg Erfurt Erfurt Luxembourg Erfurt

- - - Team Canada - Team Canada Team Alberta Team Alberta

Individual  Individual Individual Support Member Individual Support Member Member Member

Gold/Silver  Gold Silver Gold Bronze Grand Gold  Gold - World Cup Gold/Silver

Contact Information:

Delta Calgary South
135 Southland Drive SE
Calgary, Alberta T2J 5X5
Phone: (403) 225-8635
Email: mlabhardt@deltacalgarysouth.com






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