Born in Luxembourg in 1980, Joel Schaeffer spent his early formative years in Mondercange where he attended elementary school.

In 1996, he enrolled in the Lycée Technique Alexis Heck to pursue a diploma in the hospitality business. During his years at the hotel school, he worked as a trainee in Champagne, Paris and in Provence with Alain Ducasse.
 
Following his graduation from hotel school, he worked in the Restaurant Paulus in Mertert for six years. He then took charge of this restaurant at the age of 26. For the past two years, he has managed the restaurant which has doubled its personnel and increased its profits.
 
Joel Schaeffer has participated in a number of competitions, placing third in "Meilleur Apprenti d'Europe" in 2001. He also won the "Concours Vatel" in Luxembourg in 2002 and  was selected to represent Luxembourg in the Bocuse d'Or final held in Lyon in 2005.