2021, July-Dec | Bavarian Inn

Michigan on Main Bar and Grill kicks off new year with fun Friday food special

“2 for 22” is a great way to try a taste of the Bavarian Inn Restaurant’s bar and grill

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – Dec. 29, (2021) – Kick off the new year right with some great food as the Bavarian Inn Restaurant’s Michigan on Main Bar and Grill offers a “2 for 22” special throughout January.

Each Friday in of the month (Jan. 7, 14, 21 and 28) guests can enjoy a two-sandwich special for just $22 in total. The meal includes an appetizer to share, soup and two sandwich entrees from the Michigan on Main’s current menu.

The January special will be offered from 11 a.m. until close on each Friday.

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

Other specials that Michigan on Main guests can enjoy include half-off appetizers on Tuesdays (5 p.m. to close); “Adult Happy Meal Night” on Wednesdays that includes a half-pound burger, fries and one Michigan craft beer for only $11.99; and 50-cent Buffalo wings on Thursday (5 p.m. to close).

For more information, visit www.bavarianinn.com, or contact the Bavarian Inn Restaurant at 1-800-BAVARIA or (989) 652-9941.

About Michigan on Main Bar and Grill

Located 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, featuring a select barrel of Maker’s Mark Bourbon distilled exclusively for Bavarian Inn. Tuesdays are half-off appetizers from 5 p.m. to close. Wednesdays are Adult Happy Meal Nights; from 5 p.m. to close, enjoy a half-pound burger, fries and a Michigan craft beer on tap for $11.99. On Thursday nights, guests can enjoy Wings and Beer, featuring Buffalo wings at 35 cents each from 5 to 8 p.m. and $1 off Michigan craft beers from 5 p.m. to close.

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. 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.

Christmas Eve, Day Takeout Dinner Offered by Bavarian Inn Restaurant

Orders must be received by Dec. 17

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. Dec. 1, 2021 – Celebrate Christmas Eve or Christmas Day this holiday season with a special takeout family dinner prepared by the fine culinary team at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant.

The holiday meal features 10 wonderful items but orders must be received by Friday, Dec. 17 (while quantities last) and picked up on Dec. 24-25 at designated pickup times near the Castle Shop Bakery (use north entrance).

The entire holiday meal includes a 10-12-pound whole spiral ham along with one quart each of mashed potatoes, gravy, baked dressing, buttered noodles, Blue Hubbard squash and cole slaw. Also included is a quart of cranberry relish, a loaf of Bavarian Inn homemade bread and a jar of homemade strawberry jam.

The cost for the Bavarian Inn meal is $139 (including tax) and is designed to serve four people. To enhance the holiday meal guests can also add a large apple or cherry pie for $15.

To order a holiday dinner call the Bavarian Inn Restaurant at (989) 652-9941.

About Bavarian Inn Restaurant: Celebrating 133 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.

Michigan on Main Bar and Grill hosts return of ‘12 Days of Milkshake Stout’

A dozen holiday-themed beers tapped nightly, Dec. 1-12

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – Nov. 22, (2021) – The holiday season begins a bit early for Michigan craft beer lovers as the Bavarian Inn Restaurant’s Michigan on Main Bar and Grill hosts the return of “12 Days of Milkshake Stout.”

Beer lovers better hurry, though, for the daily tapping of these holiday-themed kegs begins on Wednesday, Dec. 1 and ends Sunday, Dec.12.

The progressive tap takeover features Rochester Mills Brewing Company, famed for their original milkshake formulas known for smooth texture and surprisingly light body. Guests may purchase a variety of Milkshake Stouts during the free admission event.

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

The first keg will be tapped on Dec. 1 at 5 p.m. For each day after that, Michigan on Main will tap the keg of a new flavor of stout until each keg runs out. In addition, representatives from Rochester Mills will be on hand select nights to pass out brewery swag and offer patrons a chance to win an invitation to a future new-release party at its brewery.

This year’s “12 Days of Milkshake Stout” limited-edition flavors, in random order, include:

Imperial White Russian
Peanut Butter Cup
Udder Enjoyment
Blueberry Pancake
Chocolate Cheesecake
Triple Layer Decadence
Michigan Apple
Cookies & Cream
Oatmeal Raisin
Raspberry Milkshake
Imperial Hazelnut Coffee

For more information, visit www.bavarianinn.com, or contact the Bavarian Inn Restaurant at 1-800-BAVARIA or (989) 652-9941.

About Michigan on Main Bar and Grill

Located 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. Tuesdays are half-off appetizers from 5 p.m. to close. Wednesdays are Adult Happy Meal Nights; from 5 p.m. to close, enjoy a half-pound burger, fries and a Michigan craft beer on tap for $9.99. On Thursday nights, guests can enjoy Wings and Beer, featuring Buffalo wings at 35 cents each from 5 to 8 p.m. and $1 off Michigan craft beers from 5 p.m. to close.

About Bavarian Inn Restaurant

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

Participants who find all 10 pickle ornaments can enter to win a prize during the Bavarian Inn Restaurant’s “Pickle in a Tree” contest.

“Pickle in a Tree” contest brings family fun to Bavarian Inn Restaurant throughout December

German holiday tradition comes to Frankenmuth for first time

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – Nov. 16, 2021 – This year’s holiday season in Frankenmuth features a fun family tradition as the Bavarian Inn Restaurant creates a unique “Pickle in a Tree” scavenger hunt for the community.

“Pickle in a Tree” is a German tradition where families decorate Christmas trees and hide pickle ornaments among the boughs. Children then hunt for the pickles and get a special gift from St. Nicholas if they find one.

At the Bavarian Inn this year participants of all ages can search the dozens of trees located throughout the restaurant looking for a pickle ornament. Only 10 of the trees will have a hidden pickle but those who find all of them will have a chance at a prize. The contest runs from Dec. 1 to Christmas Day (Dec. 25).

When a pickle is found, participants must write the answer found of the back of it to match the question on an entry form. The completed forms are then placed inside an entry box located in the castle shops or the main lobby for a chance to win $50 gift certificates from the restaurant and the Castle Shops located below the Bavarian Inn. Winners will be selected when the hunt is complete on Christmas Day.

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 online press room: https://bavarianinn.logos-communications.com/

Bavarian Inn matriarch, Dorothy Zehnder, celebrating 100^th birthday December 1

Wish Dorothy a Happy Birthday!

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – November 4, 2021 – It’s a big year! Dorothy Zehnder, co-founder of the family-owned Bavarian Inn Restaurant, will celebrate her 100^th birthday on Wednesday, December 1, 2021.

At 100 years young, Dorothy still works almost every day. “Dorothy loves people,” says granddaughter Katie Zehnder Weiss. “She loves to cook and bring joy to people with our many menu offerings.”

For more than 80 years, Dorothy has been instrumental with the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn and the many operations under that name. The diverse array of businesses includes the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Castle Shops, Bavarian Inn Lodge, River Place Shops, Covered Bridge Shop, Frank’s Muth, Frankenmuth Cheese Haus, a specialty line of food products, and an online store.

A recent Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame inductee and recipient of the Saginaw Lifetime Achievement Award, Dorothy is also the author of three cookbooks, “Cookies and Bars” published in 1986. “Come Cook with Me,” published in 2011, and the follow-up “From My Kitchen to Yours,” published in 2014. Her most recent cookbook “From My Kitchen to Yours” is filled with stories about Dorothy, cooking, her family and the German-themed restaurant they created.

Dorothy, growing up on a farm in nearby Reese, Michigan, founded the Bavarian Inn with her late husband, William “Tiny” Zehnder. At full employment the Bavarian Inn Corporation has approximately 1,000 employees, serves thousands of people in a day and approximately 900,000 meals annually, and ranks in the top 50 largest family-run restaurants in the USA. Dorothy’s children and their spouses, along with her grandchildren – a total of 9 family members – work alongside her every day to continue the success story of the Bavarian Inn. When not working, she spends time with her 3 children, 10 grandchildren, and 22 great grandchildren.

Fans of Dorothy are invited to send her birthday greetings by email: events@bavarianinn.com.

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. The Bavarian Inn Restaurant ranks #50 out of the top 100 independent restaurants in the USA and is the top rated restaurant in all of Michigan. 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 online press room: https://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.

See photos of Dorothy through her decades-long career at https://bavarianinn.logos-communications.com/dorothy-zehnder/100th-birthday-gallery/.

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

Celebrate Thanksgiving Day with great dinner options from the Bavarian Inn Restaurant & Bavarian Inn Lodge

Restaurant offers Thanksgiving takeout dinners; Lodge hosts annual Thanksgiving Harvest Buffet

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – Oct 26, 2021 – Once again thanks to the culinary team at Frankenmuth’s Bavarian Inn there are several wonderful ways for families to celebrate Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, Nov. 25) together.

This year the Bavarian Inn Restaurant offers two different takeout dinner options for two days while Lodge’s sumptuous annual Thanksgiving Harvest Buffet takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

The Bavarian Inn Restaurant is offering two complete takeout roasted turkey dinners, one that serves four people and another for eight people. Both menus include a whole roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, buttered noodles, Blue Hubbard squash, coleslaw, cranberry relish, Bavarian Inn chicken seasoning, and a loaf of Bavarian Inn house-made bread. The four-person menu includes a 10-14 lb. roasted turkey, while the larger menu for eight includes two full portions of everything already mentioned including the turkey. Guests can also add a large apple or pumpkin pie for $15. There are options for adding Frankenmuth chicken as well, but no substitutions are available for the meal packages.

The cost of the dinner (which includes taxes) is $129 for the four-person meal and $229 for the eight-person dinner and needs to be pre-ordered by 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 21. Pickup dates will be Wednesday, Nov. 24 and Thursday, Nov. 25, at designated times in the Castle Shop Bakery’s north entrance. To order the dinner call (989) 652-9941 or 1-800-BAVARIA.

At the Bavarian Inn Lodge, preparations are underway for the annual Thanksgiving Harvest Buffet. During the buffet, guests will enjoy live piano music and dozens of savory dishes, ranging from starters and salads, traditional holiday fare like Frankenmuth dressing, buttered noodles, whipped potatoes, mac and cheese, squash, pancakes and eggs, and more, along with famous Frankenmuth chicken, carved turkey, prime rib, side dishes, additional side dishes and a large selection of traditional desserts. A salad bar will offer three different salads and accompaniments, including applesauce and cranberry relish.

Seating times are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the cost is $36.99 for adults, $19.99 for children 8-12, $14.99 for children 3-7, and free for children two and under. Prices include sales tax and 15% gratuity. Due to limited seating, reservations and pre-payment are required by calling (989) 652-7200. Please note that guests will be required to follow social distancing and face covering guidelines.

About Bavarian Inn Restaurant: Celebrating over 131 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 online press room: https://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 301 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. *Current orders restrict the whirlpool hot tubs from being open at the Lodge.

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

Bavarian Inn’s own Linda Lee has participated in past Bridge Walks, a tradition that goes back 35 years.

Frankenmuth’s Labor Day ‘Bridge Walk’ returns

Annual traditions goes back 35 years

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. August 24, 2021 – Frankenmuth’s annual bridge walk returns this fall as the Bavarian Inn Lodge and Restaurant celebrate a community Labor Day tradition that has been going on for 35 years.

Since 1986, hundreds of Frankenmuth residents and guests have come together for the Annual Bavarian Inn Wooden Covered Bridge (Holz Brücke) Labor Day Walk. This year it will take place at noon on Monday, September 6.

The bridge, originally built in 1980 and restored five years ago, was made with timbers from Oregon, locally sourced shingles for its roof and 16-foot planks that form the roadway.

This year’s event will once again begin on the east side of the 239-foot structure, which spans the Cass River between the Bavarian Inn Lodge and the Bavarian Inn Restaurant. Guests staying at the Bavarian Inn Lodge over the Labor Day weekend are invited to join Frankenmuth residents and visitors for the annual tradition. Walkers will arrive approximately five minutes later at the Fischer Platz outdoor café, located at the southwest corner of the Bavarian Inn Restaurant. Once there, all in attendance will be able to enjoy musical entertainment along with their favorite food and beverages that will be available for purchase.

Today, Bavarian Inn President Bill Zehnder still recalls the vision of Al and Louise Schneider, a Frankenmuth couple who helped start the Mackinac Bridge Labor Day Walk tradition.

“One day they were talking at home and thought out loud about the idea of bringing that spirit right here at home in Frankenmuth,” said Zehnder. “We’re grateful for their vision and remain determined to make sure we continue that tradition.”

About Bavarian Inn Restaurant

Celebrating over 131 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 online press room: https://bavarianinn.logos-communications.com/

About Bavarian Inn Lodge

For 35 years, nestled along the banks of 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. Banquet facilities can accommodate events for 2-500 guests to enjoy Old World Charm with modern technology and delicious meals. In 35 years of business, the Bavarian Inn Lodge has been an important destination for travelers, evidenced by the 1.68 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

Step Right Up! Circus Kirkus is coming to town!

Frankenmuth, MI (August, 2021) Circus Kirkus (www.circuskirkus.com), a jubilant and whimsical vintage circus is coming to Frankenmuth with 8 performances per week running August 11 Through September 19, 2021!

This wunderbar show has been created by former Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey circus performer Kirk Marsh and a host of his friends from around the world. Featuring the beautiful voice of Kristen Michelle Wilson, the first female ringmaster for RBBB Circus, Circus Kirkus is a classic European one ring show with death defying acts presented in a circus tent imported from France. It is a show replete with grandiose intimacy and total audience engagement! This fascinating show features aerialists, magic, acrobats and comedy. It is an incredible comedy driven theatrical circus experience for all ages.

Circus Kirkus creates magic, wonder and whimsy dedicated to rejuvenating your curiosity in the world. Great for kids and adults alike, this is a treat for the whole family.

The gorgeous red, white and blue big top tent will be set up in the lot at the River Place Shops located at 925 S. Main Street in Frankenmuth, MI 48734

The tomfoolery begins inside the circus tent 30 minutes before each show with entertainment and fun surprises of all sorts. We also have popcorn, cotton candy, pretzels and soft drinks for sale at our Treats and Eats concessions counter.

The show is approximately 90 minutes including a brief intermission. All showtimes are online at: circuskirkus.com.

General seating is $26.99 for adults and $16.99 for children under 12 yrs. Premium seating is $36.99, and VIP seating is $46.99. Lap babies under 18 months are free.

Full details at circuskirkus.com

For more information or to schedule a super fun and interesting interview, contact:

Jennifer Wilson

Text: 754-423-9222

Email: Jen@circuskirkus.com