2020, Jan-June | Bavarian Inn

Bavarian Inn Restaurant to reopen dining rooms, patio and retail June 3

Plan includes details for keeping guests and staff safe during pandemic response

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. June 1, 2020 – The Bavarian Inn Restaurant will begin reopening its dining facilities Wednesday, June 3, following an announcement from the State of Michigan temporarily suspending certain COVID-19 emergency orders for Saginaw County.

Under guidance from the state, restaurants in the county like the Bavarian Inn will be allowed to serve guests, including those without access to personal food preparation due to flooding, as long as appropriate precautions are taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19. State guidelines for maintaining 50% indoor capacity, conducting employee health checks and other requirements will be followed to the full extent.

The Bavarian Inn Restaurant’s plan includes opening up its main dining room areas beginning on June 3, as well as the patio on Main Street and offering full retail options in the Castle Shops. The temporary hours of operation will be from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily for both dining and retail.

Takeout and curbside pickup will continue to be available as well.

As part of the reopening the plan includes key measures to ensure a safe dining experience. These include changes to the dining room physical layouts to ensure appropriate distancing between parties, the use of disposable menus (or access to a QR code) and hand sanitizer dispensers throughout high traffic areas.

Face coverings will be required for all Bavarian Inn employees, who will also undergo daily wellness checks.

Restaurant guests are being asked to wear a face covering at all times while inside the building until seated at a table, and to practice frequent hand washing and sanitizing as well as practicing six-foot social distancing with anyone outside of their household.

While not required, reservations to dine are being highly encouraged by the Bavarian Inn team. To make a reservation or place a carryout order call (989) 652-9941 or 1-800-BAVARIA.

About Bavarian Inn Restaurant

Celebrating over 130 years of service, 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, striving to serve more Michigan-grown and produced foods and Michigan-produced beverages than any other restaurant. Nestled within the 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 Restaurant Honors Mothers and Mother’s Day with a Takeout Dinner

Full meal includes 2.5 lb. pork tenderloin, 10 pcs chicken and more; individual dinners also available

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. April 28, 2020 – Celebrating Mother’s Day in Frankenmuth just got even better thanks to the team at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant led by one of the community’s great matriarchs, Dorothy Zehnder.

Inspired by Dorothy’s desire to honor and celebrate mothers, even during this challenging time, the Bavarian Inn Restaurant is offering a safe and delicious takeout dinner with all the trimmings that people have come to expect from Frankenmuth. The one-time Mother’s Day orders need to be placed by Wednesday, May 6, for pickup on Sunday, May 10.

The culinary staff at the Restaurant has outdone itself and is spreading love and joy with a dinner that includes: a 2.5-pound herb-rubbed pork tenderloin, 10 pieces of famous Frankenmuth Chicken, 1 quart of mashed potatoes (with 1 pint of gravy), 1 quart of baked dressing, 1 quart of buttered noodles, 1 pint of chicken pasta salad, 1 pint of coleslaw, Bavarian Chicken Seasoning and a loaf of Bavarian Inn homemade bread. Dessert is a spring lemon cake. A half-pound box of assorted chocolates can be added on for $10.

This one-time meal serves four people and is available for $99, including taxes. Two full meals, enough for eight, can be ordered for just $179, including taxes. Substitutions are not available.

Individual dinners are also available for order at $13.99 each. The dinner is a 3-piece mixed Frankenmuth chicken plate served with dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy and coleslaw.

Orders placed by May 6 can be picked up at the Castle Shop Bakery, located in the lower level of the Bavarian Inn Restaurant, on May 10. Customers should enter through the north entrance.

To place a holiday dinner call (989) 652-9941 or 1-800-BAVARIA by May 6.

About Bavarian Inn Restaurant

Bavarian Inn’s Michigan on Main Bar and Grill welcomes in spring with great beer and food events

St. Patrick’s Day Festivities March 14; Bell’s Oberon 2020 Release Party planned for March 23

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. March 5, 2020 – Craft beer lovers and everyone with a fancy to celebrate the luck of the Irish will get a chance to ring in spring during events at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant’s Michigan on Main Bar and Grill.

Two special parties will take over Michigan on Main in March – a St. Patrick’s Day celebration on Saturday, March 14 and the annual party celebrating the springtime release of Bell’s Brewery Oberon Ale on Monday, March 23.

Anyone ready for some St. Paddy’s festivities can head over to Michigan on Main the Saturday before and enjoy a day of green beer, Irish food features and some St. Paddy’s swag. At 7 p.m. Frankenmuth’s own Gemütlichkeit Club will perform German tunes with an Irish twist. Those attending can also register to win a St. Paddy’s Basket.

Oberon will be on tap at Michigan on Main all day long on March 23, and from 5-7 p.m. there will be specials, giveaways, prizes and a chance to meet brewery representatives. Oberon Ale is one of the most popular seasonal brews produced by the Kalamazoo and Comstock, Michigan brewers. Available only until September, Bell’s Oberon Ale is a wheat ale described as a “classic summer beer,” with a spicy hop character blended with mild, fruity aromas.

Once again the Bavarian Inn Restaurant’s Michigan on Main is the only venue in the Frankenmuth area to host the Oberon Ale release.

For more information, go to www.bavarianinn.com and view the calendar of events.

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.

About Bavarian Inn Restaurant

Creative Scrapbook Weekend Returns to Bavarian Inn Restaurant

Scrapbooking fun and food planned for March 20-22

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – Feb. 25, 2020 – Bring out your creative side and make memories with other scrapbooking enthusiasts during the Bavarian Inn Restaurant’s annual “Scrapbook Weekend 2020” planned for Friday, March 20 through Sunday, March 22.

Designed for those of all ages who especially enjoy scrapbooking in a unique and creative atmosphere, this year’s theme is “Welcome to the 70s Disco Party.”

Beyond fun scrapbooking activities, all of the participants will get to enjoy many delicious Bavarian Inn specialty meals throughout the entire weekend. There will also be prizes awarded for the best decorated station and best dressed.

Registration for the weekend begins Friday afternoon at 3 p.m. Dinner at 6:30 p.m. will follow and scrapbooking continues into the evening until 2 a.m. Saturday begins with a breakfast buffet at 8:30 a.m., lunch at noon, a pretzel rolling experience at 1:30 p.m., traditional chicken dinner at 7:30 p.m. and scrapbooking until 2 a.m. On Sunday there is a continental breakfast at 8:30 a.m., lunch at 11:30 a.m. and more scrapbooking until 5 p.m. All weekenders will go home with a special “value pack” 10-piece chicken dinner with all the fixings.

“Scrapbook Weekend 2020” at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant costs $249 per person and includes all meals, pretzel rolling experience, 10-piece chicken takeout pack, tax, gratuity and use of room for scrapbook activities. Reservations are required and can be made by visiting www.bavarianinn.com or calling 800-BAVARIA or 989-652-9941.

The Bavarian Inn Lodge is offering overnight accommodations and reservations can be made by calling 888-775-6343. Use reference code 1314SJ.

About Bavarian Inn Restaurant
Celebrating over 130 years of service, 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, striving to serve more Michigan-grown and produced foods and Michigan-produced beverages than any other restaurant. Nestled within the 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 Hosts German Wine Dinner on March 6

Five-Course Feast Features Wine Pairings From Bavarian Inn’s Private Label

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. Feb. 21, 2020 – A taste of Germany beckons to wine lovers as the Bavarian Inn Restaurant offers its popular spring “German Wine Dinner” on Friday, March 6 beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Featuring an original menu designed and prepared by Silver Plate Award Winner Chef Phil Fahrenbruch (CEC), the evening includes a five-course dinner along with wine pairings from the Bavarian Inn’s Private Label of German wines.

The evening menu begins with a South Miami Cubano Sandwich served with Liebfraumilch. This will then be followed by a traditional Beef Rouladen, accompanied by Dornfelder Semi-Dry Red. The third course is a shaved Asparagus Salad with fennel and apple topped with poached salmon and accompanied by Riesling Kabinett.

Following a sorbet refresher, the main course will be a Tuscan Chicken in a creamy garlic sauce with kale and sun-dried tomato, served with a dry Riesling. For a sweet finish, guests will enjoy a Lemon Meringue Napoleon with ginger cream, accompanied by Piesporter Michelsberg Riesling Spätlese.

A guest speaker from Great Lakes Wine & Spirits will enliven the evening with insights about each of the wines, all of which can be found in the Wine & Beer Shop located in the Castle Shops at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant.

The event is $65 per person, which includes all food and listed wines, tax, and gratuity. Reservations and prepayment are required. Reservations may be made by calling 1-800-BAVARIA or 989-652-9941.

Special overnight accommodations are available at the Bavarian Inn Lodge by calling (888) 775-6343 and asking for the “BIRDIN” rate of only $149 (plus tax).

For more information on the dinner go to www.bavarianinn.com and view the calendar of events.

About Bavarian Inn Restaurant

Bavarian Inn team members support state and national charities through annual Company Giving Program

Over $21,000 collected by Restaurant and Lodge staff in 2019

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – Jan.28, 2020 – Team members of the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and the Bavarian Inn Lodge raised more than $21,000 over the past year to benefit four different state and national charity programs.

Through the annual Company Giving Program, together Restaurant and Lodge employees collected $21,449 for charities that included the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the American Cancer Society and Child Abuse and Neglect programs.

The year-long company campaign wrapped up in December, and the Restaurant’s fundraising total was announced at the annual post-holiday employee party on Jan. 6. Employees raised funds through a number of methods including a voluntary payroll deduction, candy sales, a holiday open house event and other activities throughout the year.

“Bavarian Inn has over 400 caring team members who give so generously each year to help those in need,” said Beth Weiss, chairperson of this year’s Bavarian Inn Restaurant’s Company Giving Program. “We look forward to an exciting year of giving in 2020.”

About Bavarian Inn Restaurant

Bavarian Inn Restaurant online press room: http://bavarianinn.logos-communications.com/

Bavarian Inn Lodge

Nestled along the Cass River in 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 foot Family Fun Center houses two thrilling water slides, three pools and two whirlpools, over 160 video and redemption games, a two-level children’s play village and Willy’s Kingdom indoor mini-golf course. Guests can also enjoy live, nightly entertainment year-round and test their own musical skills during weekend family karaoke shows. 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: https://bavarianinnlodge.logos-communications.com

Bavarian Inn Team Members Reach 70-Year Milestone

Dorothy Zehnder and Virgil Celebrate Seven Decades of Service

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – Jan. 7, 2020 – The Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Lodge are fixtures in the heart of the Frankenmuth community. Among the many men and women who work for this historic organization, there are also a number of “fixtures,” none more dedicated and long-running than Dorothy Zehnder and Virgil Diamond.

In 2020 Dorothy Zehnder, matriarch of the Bavarian Inn, and Virgil Diamond, a much-respected team member who has done nearly everything for the organization, are each celebrating 70 years of service to the Bavarian Inn and the community.

Dorothy is the true queen of the kitchen and has led the way since 1950. During her seven decades, she raised her family of three children, and now, at 98 years young, still works six days a week checking hundreds of details and mentoring many other team members.

Virgil started working at the former Fischer’s Hotel at age 15. He has done just about everything to help build the Bavarian Inn business during his years as a manager. He currently uses his talents at Frankenmuth River Place Shops with the maintenance and grounds team.

During this celebration year the entire Bavarian Inn team is thankful and excited to honor both Dorothy and Virgil and thank them for their years of dedication and loyalty.

“We consider ourselves lucky to work alongside such great examples of leadership and hard work,” said Amy Zehnder Grossi, general manager of the Restaurant. “What a blessing they have been to our family and our community.”

About Bavarian Inn Restaurant

Bavarian Inn Restaurant online press room: http://bavarianinn.logos-communications.com/

Bavarian Inn Lodge

Learn more at www.bavarianinn.com.

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

Frankenmuth River Place Shops: http://frankenmuthriverplace.com is an authentic re-creation of a Bavarian village located just minutes from the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Lodge. The outdoor mall features more than 35 unique shops and attractions at one location. Visitors enjoy architecture, floral gardens, streams, and waterfalls and, of course, great shopping opportunities.

Bavarian Inn Restaurant Hosts Unique Bourbon Dinner

Tasting Includes a Variety of Maker’s Mark Bourbons

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – Jan. 2, 2020 – Here’s a chance to sip on America’s ode to bourbon, Kentucky Straight Bourbon, all while experiencing a wonderful dinner at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant’s Bourbon Dinner on Friday, Jan. 17.

This delightful evening begins at 6:30 p.m. and includes a thoughtfully crafted five-course menu by Silver Plate Award Winner Chef Phil Fahrenbruch, accompanied by a variety of Maker’s Mark® barrel-age bourbons. The guest speakers for the evening will be Allie Dodson, Maker’s Mark event manager and 2007 Frankenmuth High School alumni, and Greta Harper, Maker’s Mark diplomat.

Maker’s Mark® began with one family’s quest to create a bourbon they enjoyed drinking and sharing with friends. That’s hardly revolutionary today, but in 1953 it changed an industry. Bill Samuels Sr.’s quest to create Maker’s Mark® began with his only copy of the family’s trusted 170-year-old recipe. The one the sixth-generation distiller promptly set on fire and started from scratch with a wheated mash bill that focused on a smooth flavor profile that “wouldn’t blow your ears off.”

The Bavarian Inn Restaurant’s bourbon experience begins with a taste of Maker’s Mulled Apple Cider, followed by an appetizer of Bourbon Glazed Chicken & Waffles and a Butternut Squash Bisque. These will be served with tasting of Maker’s Mark and Maker’s Mark 46.

A savory Kale Salad with Toasted Pecans, Bourbon Candied Bacon, and a Pecan Whiskey Vinaigrette is the next course, accompanied by Maker’s Mark 46 Highball.

Following a sorbet du jour, the main course will be Peach Glazed Beef Brisket served with a New York Sour, featuring Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Bourbon. To end your evening, a Banana Fosters Cheesecake will be served with a Maker’s Mark Exclusive Surprise.

The cost for this unique evening is $70 per person and includes the meal, listed bourbons, a Maker’s Mark red wax, hand-dipped glass, tax and gratuity. Reservations are required. Call 1-800-BAVARIA or 989-652-9941.

About Bavarian Inn Restaurant