2018, Jan-June | Bavarian Inn

Bavarian Inn Restaurant sponsors TRI-BAVARIA Weekend

Nationally-sanctioned triathlon event combines swimming, biking, running

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – June 13, 2018 – Thousands of athletes and spectators will be taking to the streets and riverbanks of Frankenmuth as the Bavarian Inn Restaurant sponsors the TRI-BAVARIA Weekend, taking place Friday, Aug. 3 through Sunday, Aug. 5.

The triathlon events include timed swimming competitions ranging from 200 meters to 1.2 miles on the Cass River, 10K through 56-mile cycling races along nearby rural roadways, and a 3.1-mile foot race on the streets of Frankenmuth.

Beginning with registration on Friday, Aug. 3, the TRI-BAVARIA Weekend continues with the Little Bavaria Kids Splash & Dash on Saturday morning, Aug. 4, followed by seven adult triathlon and aqua bike events on Sunday morning, Aug. 5.

The TRI-BAVARIA Weekend is organized by the national sporting events company 3 Disciplines, and is sanctioned by USA Triathlons. More information is available at www.3disciplines.com .

About Bavarian Inn Restaurant
Celebrating 130 years of service in 2018, the Bavarian Inn Restaurant has become a Michigan landmark. Generations of diners, lodgers and tourists from around the globe have discovered true Bavarian hospitality thanks to Dorothy and her late husband William “Tiny” Zehnder. Guests experience the old-world European charm of the Bavarian Inn – whether it’s the famous chicken dinners, fresh baked goods or Michigan’s greatest selection of German beer. Bavarian Inn also prides itself on being one of the top consumers of Pure Michigan agricultural products. Nestled within a backdrop of authentic German architecture, a variety of shops and other fun activities, a trip to Frankenmuth would not be complete without a visit to the Bavarian Inn Restaurant. Learn more at www.bavarianinn.com.

Bavarian Inn announces 2018 Matinee Dinner Show season

‘The Edsels’ singing 50s favorites
Smooth sounds at Michael Bublé tribute show
Spend an afternoon or evening with Barbra Streisand song stylist

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – May 22, 2018 – The Bavarian Inn Restaurant has announced the performing lineup for its upcoming 2018 Matinee Dinner Show season, which kicks off Wednesday, June 13 with The Edsels, featuring original member James Reynolds.

The season runs until November 28. Shows include:

The Edsels – Wednesday, June 13, 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. – This classic “doo-wop” tribute quartet takes Bavarian Inn guests for a trip down memory lane, with hits like “Rama Lama Ding Dong,” “What Brought Us Together,” “Do you Love Me,” and many more. Original member James Reynolds is joined by Maurice Jones, Danny Friendly, and Reuben Robinson.

“A Bit O’ Bublé” – Wednesday, Sept. 19, 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. – Performer Bryan Dixon is wowing audiences all over Michigan with his high-energy, smooth-sounding salute to crooner Michael Bublé and his many internationally-renowned recordings.

Simply Streisand – Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., and Wednesday, Nov. 28 at 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. – Songstress Carla DelVillaggio, complete with the trademark hair and iconic concert gowns, is “Simply Streisand” in every way. Experience comedic onstage fun in this exciting recreation of Barbra Streisand’s most powerful hits.

In addition, the Bavarian Inn’s own Linda Lee will be performing at all Matinee Dinner Shows.

Ticket prices are $45 per person, which includes a hearty chicken plate meal, the show, milk, tea, coffee or fountain drink, tax and gratuity. Reservations and prepayment are required. Book a reservation for the Edsels or a future show by calling 1-800-BAVARIA or (989)652-9941.

‘Who?’ Bavarian Inn presents a musical murder mystery

Enjoy a family-style dinner while solving 1930s ‘whodunit’

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – May 17, 2018 – Be a detective at a trillionaire’s “party of the century” as the Bavarian Inn Restaurant presents “Who?” This murder mystery dinner show will take place on Saturday, June 16 beginning at 6 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar cocktail reception.

Richard Peabody, a narcissistic trillionaire known for treating his servants shabbily, invites Bavarian Inn guests to his fabulous mansion for the so-called “party of the century.” Once there, some shady characters appear, and the “party of the century” soon becomes the crime of the 1930s.

The dinner show features a family-style menu including Frankenmuth^®Chicken, Hunter’s Schnitzel, Kasseler Rippchen, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Key Largo Vegetable Blend, Buttered Noodles, and Lemon Tart with Fresh Berries.

Guests are encouraged to come dressed in 1930s period attire, as prizes will be awarded for the best costumes.

Price of the dinner show package is $60 per person, which includes hors d’oeuvres, dinner, the show, tax, and gratuity. Prepayment is required, and reservations may be made by calling 1-800-BAVARIA or (989)652-9941.

Frankenmuth’s Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Lodge offering Mother’s Day dining delights

Restaurant’s special menu with signature entrees

Lodge’s Mom’s Day buffet: A sumptuous spread

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – April 16, 2018 – Sunday, May 13 is Mother’s Day, a chance to bring families together to honor moms everywhere. Here in Frankenmuth, the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and the nearby Bavarian Inn Lodge are offering moms and families a fun-filled day of dining, shopping, and spending time together.

The Bavarian Inn Restaurant, with founding matriarch and two-time cookbook author Dorothy Zehnder celebrating her 68^th year in the kitchen, will be serving all its signature entrees on Mother’s Day from 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Choices include the popular Frankenmuth^® Chicken, Chicken and Shrimp Combo, and the Ultimate Five-Meat Family Style Bavarian Dinner. Reservations are being taken at 800-BAVARIA or 989-652-9941.

Over at the Bavarian Inn Lodge, a bountiful Mother’s Day buffet awaits, served from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. in various banquet and dining rooms. The menu includes a wide variety of breakfast items, salads, main course selections, side dishes and desserts, with live entertainment rounding out the experience. The buffet is priced at $24.50 for adults, $10.99 for children 9-12, and $8.99 for children 5-8. Kids under 4 dine free. Six percent sales tax and 15 percent gratuity will be added to the check. Reservations may be made by calling 888-775-6343.

Mother’s Day gifts available with dinner, buffet

In addition, the Bavarian Inn Restaurant is offering special gift items with unique themes. The gift packages are being offered Mother’s Day and on Saturday, May 12, and will be delivered to the woman of honor at her reserved table. Orders for gift packages are required at least two days in advance and must be prepaid. Guests can use credit cards to preorder gifts at 800-BAVARIA or 989-652-9941 and may choose from:

The “Chocolate Lover’s Gift Basket,” which includes ½ lb. homemade fudge, ½ lb. homemade truffles, ½ lb. chocolate clusters, and 2 chocolate covered pretzel rods.
The “Bread & Jam Gift Basket,” which includes stollen (fruit & nut bread), apple cinnamon raisin bread, two half-pints of jam, and homemade truffles.
The “Jam Trio,” which includes three jars of assorted homemade jam with a serving spoon.
A copy of Dorothy Zehnder’s cookbook, “From My Kitchen to Yours,” featuring many of her favorite recipes.
Send a special message to mom by choosing either the Frankenmuth Torte or Black Forest Torte and having it personalized.
Families may also have a spring flower arrangement in a vase, a single rosebud, or an orchid corsage presented to mom at her table.

In addition to delicious food and unequaled shopping, families are encouraged to celebrate Mother’s Day all weekend long at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Bavarian Inn Lodge.

The Bavarian Inn Lodge: Nestled along the Cass River in one of Michigan’s top tourist destinations – Frankenmuth – is one of the state’s largest Indoor Water Park Hotels! The Lodge has 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, an adult-only pool and whirlpool, two gift shops, two lounges and two restaurants — all under one roof. The expansive 35,000 square feet Family Fun Center houses two dramatic waterslides, three pools and two whirlpools, over 160 video and redemption games, a two-story children’s play village and Willy’s Kingdom indoor mini-golf course. Guests can also enjoy live, year-round, nightly entertainment and test their own musical skills during weekend family karaoke shows. In 30 years of business, the Bavarian Inn Lodge has been an important destination for travelers, evidenced by the 1.25 million room-nights that have been booked there since its opening, along with its top rating on TripAdvisor^®. Learn more at www.bavarianinn.com.

Press Room: https://bavarianinnlodge.logos-communications.com

Grains or grapes? Bavarian Inn Restaurant presents

‘Beer vs. Wine Dinner’ Friday, May 4

Five-course feast pairs bold brews and award-winning vintages

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – April 13, 2018 – Trying to choose between a beer or a glass of wine with dinner? Guests can enjoy both at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant’s “Beer vs. Wine Dinner” on Friday, May 4, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The five-course dinner will feature award-winning wines from Bowers Harbor Vineyards on Grand Traverse County’s Old Mission Peninsula, and a selection of beers from Anderson Valley Brewing Company in Mendocino County, California – one of America’s most highly awarded craft breweries.

What’s on the menu? The starter is chicken confit ravioli with fennel and asparagus, served with Bowers Harbor’s Brut Rosé (silver medal winner of the 2017 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition) and Anderson Valley’s Gin and Tonic Gose.

Next comes a gruyére and artichoke grilled cheese with roasted tomato basil soup, paired with Bowers Harbor’s Cooper White Wine and Anderson Valley’s Boont Amber Ale, a gold medal winner at the 2014 Brussels Beer Challenge.

With the next course of a classic smoked salmon Caesar salad, guests will enjoy Bowers Harbor’s #1 selling wine, its Pinot Grigio and Anderson Valley’s Eetah! IPA.

The main course is a Brazilian chimichurri steak over a chorizo and white bean fricassee, accompanied by Bowers Harbor Red Blend wine and Oatmeal Stout.

Finally, dessert will be Dorothy Zehnder’s famous Baked Alaska, served with Bowers Harbor Medium Dry Riesling and Anderson Valley Anderson Valley Wild Turkey Bourbon Barrel Stout.

The $60 cost per guest includes the meal, listed beverages, tax, and gratuity. Reservations and prepayment are required and may be made by calling 1-800-BAVARIA or (989) 652-9941.

Twist and Shout: National Pretzel Day Thursday, April 26 at Bavarian Inn Restaurant

Michigan on Main Bar and Grill has a special deal

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – April 10, 2018 – Soft or crunchy, dipped in mustard or stuffed with cheese, pretzels are one of America’s favorite snacks, with the average American consuming two pounds of the twisty treat each year. And, what better place to enjoy a pretzel than the Bavarian Inn Restaurant?

To celebrate National Pretzel Day on Thursday, April 26, the Bavarian Inn is offering a beer and pretzel special at its Michigan on Main Bar and Grill. That day, guests can enjoy a large soft pretzel along with one of the bar and grill’s extensive selection of Michigan craft beers for just $8. Dipping cheese for the pretzels is available for only 50 cents more.

The Bavarian Inn served more than 18,000 housemade pretzels to its guests just last year. This year is a special landmark for the restaurant, as it marks their 130^th year of service.

National Pretzel Day originated in Pennsylvania when Governor Ed Rendell, whose state boasts an abundance of German family pretzel bakers, declared it an official observance in 2003.

Michigan on Main Bar and Grill inside the Bavarian Inn Restaurant is a casual and contemporary dining space showcasing Michigan-sourced food along with Michigan craft-brewed beers, Michigan wines and specialty Michigan cocktails.

For more information on National Pretzel Day at Bavarian Inn Restaurant, call 1-800-BAVARIA or 989-652-9941. You can also visit www.bavarianinn.com and click on “special events.”

About Bavarian Inn

Celebrating 130 years of service in 2018, the Bavarian Inn Restaurant has become a Michigan landmark. Generations of diners, lodgers and tourists from around the globe have discovered true Bavarian hospitality thanks to Dorothy and her late husband William “Tiny” Zehnder. Guests experience the old-world European charm of the Bavarian Inn – whether it’s the famous chicken dinners, fresh baked goods or Michigan’s greatest selection of German beer. Bavarian Inn also prides itself on being one of the top consumers of Pure Michigan agricultural products. Nestled within a backdrop of authentic German architecture, a variety of shops and other fun activities, a trip to Frankenmuth would not be complete without a visit to the Bavarian Inn. Learn more at www.bavarianinn.com.

Bavarian Inn Offers Two Family Fun-Filled Luncheons in April

Superhero Luncheon features a magic show and more
Dine in the presence of royalty at the Enchanted Luncheon

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. March 23, 2018 – The Bavarian Inn Restaurant is offering two great options for family-friendly luncheons this April.

First, children and parents can spend an action-packed afternoon at our April 8 Superhero Luncheon. Starting at 11 a.m., this event will feature a superhero themed magic show from pros like Man of Steel and Spider Hero, along with a balloon artist, photo opportunities, and a superhero coloring page. Finally, a giveaway from the heroes themselves will make this an afternoon to remember.

But if the child in your life is more interested in princesses than superheroes, then the Enchanted Luncheon is the perfect afternoon for them. On Sunday, April 22 at 11 a.m., participants can dine with Cinderella, Mermaid Princess, Ice Queen, Wayfinder Princess and Beauty Princess. A magnificent show, photo opportunity, singing, dance performance, autographed photo and coloring page will all play a part in making this a magical afternoon.

Both events are $35 per person, and will feature a Frankenmuth^® Chicken Plate with mashed potatoes and gravy, buttered corn, dessert and coffee, milk, tea or soft drink. Reservations and prepayment are required, and can be made by calling 1-800-BAVARIA or (989) 652-9941. For more information, please visit www.bavarianinn.com.

About Bavarian Inn

Bavarian Inn Restaurant, Lodge offering two ways to celebrate Easter

Restaurant pulls out all the stops with signature menu options
Lodge provides bountiful buffet to guests

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. March 22, 2018 – Spend less time preparing food and more time with your family by spending your Easter with the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and the Bavarian Inn Lodge, who are both offering special Easter menus to choose from.

The Bavarian Inn Restaurant lets its family-style dining shine in its Easter Signature Menu, which is being offered on Sunday, April 1. In addition to the popular all-you-can-eat Frankenmuth^® style chicken dinner, the restaurant will be serving an all-you-can-eat Frankenmuth^® style chicken and ham dinner, and “The Ultimate Family Style Bavarian Dinner,” which includes a family of five meats: smoked pork loin, sauerbraten, bratwurst, schnitzel, and Frankenmuth^® chicken.

Also on the menu: broiled Lake Superior whitefish, wiener schnitzel, chicken cordon bleu, and grilled New York strip steak. There is also a combination plate of Frankenmuth^® chicken, schnitzel, and sauerbraten. Dinners are served with a range of sides, including cole slaw, buttered noodles, hot vegetable du jour and more.

Call 1-800-BAVARIA or (989) 652-9941 soon to reserve a table and preorder an Easter Basket.

Bavarian Inn Lodge is also offering a Bountiful Easter Buffet to guests who come between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on April 1.

This brunch buffet includes not only tasty breakfast items like fluffy scrambled eggs, buttermilk pancakes and banana bread, but also all the food that the Bavarian Inn is known for: famous Frankenmuth^®chicken, carved roast beef and ham, whipped potatoes with gravy, spaghetti with meat sauce, baked cod and delicious side dishes. Be sure to leave room for dessert – choices include Edelweiss torte, apfel strudel, chocolate mousse, and more.

Adults can take part in this Easter brunch for $24.50; children between 9-12 eat for $10.99 and children between 5-8 eat for $8.99; children under 4 are free. A 6% tax and 15% gratuity will be added to your check. Call 888-775-6343 to make your reservation today as times are limited.

About Bavarian Inn Restaurant

Bavarian Inn Lodge

Nestled along the Cass River in one of Michigan’s top tourist destinations – Frankenmuth – is one of the state’s largest Indoor Water Park Hotels! The Lodge has 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, an adult-only pool and whirlpool, two gift shops, two lounges and two restaurants — all under one roof. The expansive 35,000 square feet Family Fun Center houses two dramatic waterslides, three pools and two whirlpools, over 160 video and redemption games, a two-story children’s play village and Willy’s Kingdom indoor mini-golf course. Guests can also enjoy live, year-round, nightly entertainment and test their own musical skills during weekend family karaoke shows. In 30 years of business, the Bavarian Inn Lodge has been an important destination for travelers, evidenced by the 1.25 million room-nights that have been booked there since its opening, along with its top rating on TripAdvisor^®. Learn more at www.bavarianinn.com.

Bavarian Inn Lodge online press room: https://bavarianinnlodge.logos-communications.com/

Bavarian Inn Perks Club gets a perk-up

Popular guest loyalty program gets enhancements, new online platform to view accounts, access member discounts

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – March 12, 2018 – Guests of the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and the Bavarian Inn Lodge will soon be able to make their visits to Frankenmuth’s best attractions even easier, thanks to coming enhancements to the popular Bavarian Inn Perks Club.

The loyalty program, one of the country’s largest in the hospitality industry, boasts over 27,000 members. The Perks Club gets a new online platform, offering members quick and easy access to points accumulation throughout the year, and enhanced ability to take advantage of the many Perks Club member discounts at popular attractions throughout Frankenmuth. Perks members will continue to earn points and redeem rewards with their new membership cards.

Members will get details of the new improvements soon, along with new membership cards with instructions, according to Brandon Krick, Bavarian Inn Perks Club manager.

Perks Club benefits include earned points and bonus awards based on dollars spent at Bavarian Inn and Bavarian Inn Lodge properties, year-round members-only discounts and special promotions, reduced lodging rates at the Bavarian Inn Lodge on over 100 dates, and complimentary Family Style chicken dinner at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant during a member’s birthday month.

To become a Perks Club member, phone 1-877-737-5707, or visit www.bavarianperks.com to sign up.

About Bavarian Inn

Bavarian Inn Lodge

Girls’ Night Out Takes on a New Meaning at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant

Cocktail Therapy
Shopping, Makeup and More!

March. 8, 2018 – Frankenmuth, Mich. — Make a night to remember with your girlfriends by treating yourselves to Cocktail Therapy at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant. This special Girls’ Night Out takes place on Friday, April 6, 2018 at 6:00 pm.

For $50 per person, participants will get to indulge in a traditional Frankenmuth^® Chicken dinner and a flight of martinis, plus an additional drink while shopping after hours at several Frankenmuth River Place Shops including Girl Talk, Calla Lilies and Emilie B’s.

This fabulously fun night is guaranteed to reduce the stress in anyone’s life. The prescription for a successful evening of Cocktail Therapy includes:

Hors d’oeuvres
Fun and educational makeup sessions
Cocktail making
Photo opportunities
Entertainment and more!

Reservations and prepayment are required for all of the Bavarian Inn Restaurant’s events. To reserve a place, call 1-800-BAVARIA or (989) 652-9941. For more information, visit www.bavarianinn.com/play/calendar-of-events.

About Bavarian Inn Restaurant

Bavarian Inn ‘springing ahead’ with two big March events

German wine dinner, Easter Bunny luncheon slated for March

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – February 16, 2018 –The Bavarian Inn Restaurant is “marching” toward spring with upcoming events for food and wine aficionados, as well as families awaiting Easter’s arrival.

Enjoy a tasting tour of some of Germany’s most beloved wines as the Bavarian Inn Restaurant presents its ever-popular German Wine Dinner, which takes place Friday, March 2 at 6:30 p.m.

The Inn is teaming up with Cana Distributors of Farmington Hills, Mich. to present an exclusive collection of fine German vintages for guests to enjoy, with commentary from distributor representative Tom Fischer. Bavarian Inn Executive Chef Phil Fahrenbruch, a past Silver Plate Award winner, has planned a five-course feast featuring creative food and wine pairings.

The starter course is Pomme Rösti with Lox, accompanied by Dr. Hans VonMüller Dry Riesling from Germany’s Mosel region. Next comes a serving of Truffle Macaroni & Cheese served with Peter Mertes Platinum Riesling.

Chef Fahrenbruch is also preparing an Asian Thai Salad with Grilled Shrimp, served with Dr. Hans VonMüller Riesling Auslese, and Beer-Brined Cornish Hen and Crab-Stuffed Whitefish Roulade, accompanied by Bavarian Inn Piesporter. The dessert course is Chocolate Pot Pie, paired with Peter Mertes Platinum Dornfelder Sweet Red.

Cost for this special food and wine event is $60 per person, and includes meal, listed wines, tax, and gratuity.

“Hop down the bunny trail” with family and friends on Saturday, March 24 at 11 a.m. as the Bavarian Inn hosts “The Bunny Lunch.” Enjoy a Frankenmuth^® Chicken Plate lunch with the Easter Bunny, a magic show, photo opportunities, balloon artistry, and an Easter-themed coloring page. The price of $20 per person includes meal, activities, a gift from the Easter Bunny, tax, and gratuity.

Reservations and prepayment are required for all these events. For more information, call the Bavarian Inn at 1-800-BAVARIA or (989) 652-9941.

“Treat Your Sweetheart” at Bavarian Inn Restaurant

Direct-to-table surprises help make this Valentine’s Day one to remember

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – Feb. 7, 2018 – Bavarian Inn Restaurant is offering special packages for diners looking to add some extra romance to their Valentine’s Day celebrations this February 14-18.

Preordered treats will be delivered directly to diners’ tables and include:

A range of floral displays, from a single rose in a bud vase for $14.95 or 3 roses for $24.95 to a full bouquet for $30.
A special Valentine’s dessert: a 4-inch Bavarian Inn cheesecake (available in mocha chocolate or raspberry) for $8.99.
“Sweetie packages” that range from 1/2 lb. of boxed homemade truffles for $10.50; a “Sweetheart Basket” with Bavarian Inn signature homemade fudge, chocolate covered pretzel rods, and caramel corn for $17; a “Champagne & Chocolates” package consisting of a split of champagne and chocolate truffles for $12; or the “Sweet and Huggable” package featuring a gourmet turtle apple with a plush Valentine bear for $13.
A Valentine’s Day “Family Basket” that includes four bottles of Bavarian Inn Root Beer, a half-pound of Jelly Belly® jelly beans, salt water taffy, Bavarian Inn Butter Mini Twist Pretzels for $25.

The special Valentine packages are available from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dinner reservations and prepayment of these preordered treats are required by a minimum of 48 hours prior to dining. Please call 1-800-BAVARIA or (989) 652-9941.

About Bavarian Inn

Celebrating 125 years of service in 2013, the Bavarian Inn Restaurant has become a Michigan landmark. Generations of diners, lodgers and tourists from around the globe have discovered true Bavarian hospitality thanks to Dorothy and her late husband William “Tiny” Zehnder. Guests experience the old-world European charm of the Bavarian Inn – whether it’s the famous chicken dinners, fresh baked goods or Michigan’s greatest selection of German beer. Bavarian Inn also prides itself on being one of the top consumers of Pure Michigan agricultural products. Nestled within a backdrop of authentic German architecture, a variety of shops and other fun activities, a trip to Frankenmuth would not be complete without a visit to the Bavarian Inn. Learn more at www.bavarianinn.com.

Bavarian Inn Restaurant celebrates 130 years of dining hospitality

Special events planned year-round to mark historic anniversary

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. Feb. 5, 2018 — Beginning this month and continuing throughout 2018, the Bavarian Inn Restaurant will be celebrating its 130^th anniversary as a continuing business and dining favorite of hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Special menus and events are being planned over the next several months to mark the historic occasion, according to Bavarian Inn Marketing Manager Mandy Borsenik. Both regular patrons and those planning weekend getaways or vacations in Michigan are invited to follow the restaurant’s social media sites (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) for news about upcoming anniversary events.

The Bavarian Inn Restaurant was founded as the Union House Hotel in February,1888 by German immigrant Theodore Fischer and renamed “Fischer’s Hotel.” His family continued the business for the next two generations. It was Theodore’s son, Herman and wife, Lydia, who are credited with first promoting “Frankenmuth all-you-can-eat family style chicken dinners.” The couple passed their popular Fischer’s Hotel to their son, Elmer, in 1941.

The William & Emilie (Bickel) Zehnder, Sr. Family has been operating Zehnder’s Restaurant since 1928. Their son William Jr, whom everyone called “Tiny”, worked as a farmer. He would stop at Fischer’s to pick up garbage to feed the hogs on his farm. He inquired about the possibility of the Zehnder family purchasing Fischer’s. The sale to the Zehnder family was finalized February 9, 1950.

Tiny left farming, and he and his young wife, Dorothy (a former waitress at Fischer’s) became the managers of the new business. Almost immediately, they modernized the kitchen, installed dishwashing equipment, built a laundry, and improved and expanded the building design.

The expansion gave the restaurant a new viable focus, one that instilled ethnic pride. The new addition boasted an authentic Bavarian exterior-stucco walls, woodcarving, flower boxes and other German accents were blended with the new German entrees served by “Bavarian” costumed servers. A weeklong celebration with German entertainment was held in 1959, which today is known as the Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival.

Almost non-stop remodeling and expansion continued, transforming the interior and exterior of the building to match the Bavarian theme. In 1967, the stunning 50-foot Glockenspiel was added, topped with a 35-bell carillon. It became an instant Bavarian Inn landmark with its revolving figures that depict the legend of the Pied Piper of Hameln.

Dorothy Zehnder has been in this building since 1937, when she worked as a waitress at Fischer’s. She continues to work six days a week at 95+ years of age. Since purchasing the restaurant in 1950, she has routinely worked alongside family and team members. She has personally developed many of the recipes used in the restaurant and has taught thousands of employees the correct method to prepare all the food that is served in the 12 dining rooms that seat 1,200 guests.

Three generations of the Zehnder family are actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the restaurant. Dorothy is joined by son William A. (Bill), President, his wife, Karen and daughter, Amy Zehnder Grossi, Co-General Managers. Another daughter of Bill and Karen’s, Katie Zehnder, is also a Manager at Frankenmuth River Place Shops. Tiny & Dorothy’s daughter, Judy Zehnder Keller, is President of the Bavarian Inn Lodge. Judy’s son, Michael Zehnder, has joined her as General Manager at the Lodge and her husband, Don Keller, is the Corporate Treasurer. Judy and Don also have one other child involved in the family business – Martha Zehnder Kaczynski who is Vice President of Sales & Marketing at the Bavarian Inn Lodge.

About Bavarian Inn

The January 8, 2018 check presentation from the Bavarian Inn Company Giving Program to the Defeat MSA Foundation (l-r): Amy Zehnder Grossi (General Manager), Dave and Brenda Sievert (Local MSA Family), Phillip Fortier (Director of Defeat MSA), Kathy Walstad and Jim Dohrmann (Giving Program Co-Chairs), Kim, Dan and Makayla Moncman (Local MSA Family).

Bavarian Inn Restaurant, Lodge employees continue efforts to help others

Volunteer campaigns raise nearly $22,200 for charities in 2017

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – Jan. 26, 2018 – Through their Company Giving Programs, Bavarian Inn Restaurant employees and their colleagues at the Bavarian Inn Lodge raised nearly $22,200 in 2017 to benefit employee-selected charities.

Bavarian Inn Restaurant raised $15,403.76 in 2017 through its more than 31-year-old Company Giving Program. The benefiting charity was the Defeat MSA Foundation (Multiple System Atrophy).

The year-long campaign concluded at the end of December and the grand total for fundraising was announced at the post-holiday employee party on January 8. According to Kathy Walstad, co-chairperson of this year’s Bavarian Inn Company Giving Program, employees raised funds for this charity through voluntary payroll deduction, candy sales, a holiday open house event and other activities throughout the year. “Bavarian Inn Restaurant,” Walstad added, “has over 400 caring team members who give so generously each year to help those in need. We look forward to an exciting year of giving in 2018.”

Restaurant employees have selected Wings of Mercy as this year’s Company Giving Program beneficiary. It’s a Michigan-based nonprofit that provides, through volunteer pilots, free air transportation to distant medical facilities for patients who cannot afford to fly to seek treatment. Learn more at www.wingsofmercy.org.

Bavarian Inn Lodge employee donations of $3,394 are being directed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Council, the American Cancer Society, and the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Coupled with dollar-for-dollar company matching funds, the campaign was able to raise nearly $6,800 for the three charities.

This marks the third year in a row that Bavarian Inn Lodge employees have surpassed the previous year’s donation totals. Total contributions rose 15 percent from 2016 levels.

Past charities aided by the Bavarian Inn Company Giving Programs include the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund, Hospice for Hope, Special Olympics, Special Days Camp and Saginaw Habitat for Humanity.

About Bavarian Inn

About Bavarian Inn Lodge

Nestled along the Cass River in one of Michigan’s top tourist destinations – Frankenmuth – the Bavarian Inn Lodge mixes business and pleasure seamlessly. The Lodge offers meeting and event space for up to 500 guests, 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, an adult-only pool and whirlpool, two gift shops, two lounges and two restaurants, along with an expansive family fun center with two water slides and over 160 games — all under one roof. Guests can also enjoy live, year-round, nightly entertainment and are just steps away from downtown shopping and attractions. In over 30 years of business, the Bavarian Inn Lodge has been an important destination for travelers, evidenced by the 1.25 million room-nights that have been booked there since its opening, along with its top rating on TripAdvisor®. Learn more at www.bavarianinn.com.

Bavarian Inn Lodge online press room: http://bavarianinn.logos-communications.comlodge/

Hearts and hearty laughs: Bavarian Inn Restaurant presents Valentine’s weekend comedy dinner show

Meals, magic, and mirth on Friday, Feb. 16

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – Jan. 24, 2018 – Love, laughter, and magic come together on Valentine’s Day weekend as the Bavarian Inn Restaurant presents a special Valentine’s comedy dinner show on Friday, Feb. 16. The fun begins at 6:30 p.m.

Headliners for the evening’s performances are comedian and magician Keith Fields and comedienne Melissa Hager.

Fields is truly an international performer. He was born in the Caribbean, brought up in England, and is now living in the USA. He is a diverse performer with the ability to play to any audience. One minute he is a stand-up comedian, the next a hilarious prop comic. He has written several books on comedy, performance techniques, and memory skills, as well as sitcom scripts for TV. He has worked with Robin Williams, Russell Peters, David Frost, Eddie Izzard, Dave Coulier and many more.

Hager, a mid-Michigan native and resident, is “local, loved, and laughable,” according to her biography. In the styles of Melissa McCarthy, Jim Carrey, and Will Ferrell, Hager’s light-hearted approach to comedy includes childhood tales, life in the country, and other life lessons turned hilariously upside down. She has also served as emcee at the Frankenmuth Comedy Series and has produced comedy shows across the region.

The evening’s dinner menu includes soup du jour, mixed green salad with a Bavarian pretzel, honey and herb roasted pork with apple-cranberry demi-glace, family-style noodles, vegetable du jour, and a special Valentine’s dessert.

Cost of the event is $50 per person, which includes show, meal, a non-alcoholic beverage, tax and gratuity. A cash bar will be available. Content is suitable for adults. Reservations and prepayment are required and may be made by contacting the Bavarian Inn Restaurant at 1-800-BAVARIA or (989) 652-9941.

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