As Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Palm Beach Zoo, Garrett Hambuechen manages daily Zoo operations and revenue generating venues including the restaurants, gift shops and rides. In addition, he directs the maintenance of the Zoo's infrastructure and its 23 acres of property. He is also responsible for development and oversight of operational budgets and administration of institutional human resources. Mr. Hambuechen has served the Palm Beach Zoo at increasing levels of responsibility since joining the staff in 1995 as Food & Beverage Manager.
Prior to joining the Palm Beach Zoo team, Mr. Hambuechen was Owner, Operating Manager, Chef, & President of LS & JH Food Corporation in Port Jefferson, New York. He also served as Sales Manager and Representative for Habberstad Nissan and BMW in Huntington, New York, and Manager of The Original Schooner Restaurant in Centerport, New York. He worked at the Mercantile Exchange in New York, New York, where he was responsible for solicitation and management of major accounts.
Hr. Hambuechen is a Professional Fellow of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and a member of the National Restaurant Association. He attended the University of Tampa in Tampa, Florida.
Mr. Hambuechen's dedication to the Palm Beach Zoo is inspired, in part, by his two children, and his conviction that zoo's can serve a vital role in the education and inspiration of children and adults. As Chief Operating Officer, he works to ensure that the Zoo visit is always enhanced by the availability of exceptional food, safe rides, unique gift shops, and a courteous and professional work force.
Garrett and his family live in Tequesta, Florida.