2015, Jan-June | Bavarian Inn

Restoration Complete: Frankenmuth’s Iconic Covered Wooden Bridge Now Open

Frankenmuth, MI – May 14, 2015 – After being closed for several weeks due to restoration and reconstruction, the Bavarian Inn’s covered bridge that spans the Cass River has reopened for all vehicle, horse and foot traffic. Prior to its makeover, the 239-foot-long bridge, now called Bavarian Inn’s Covered Bridge (Holz-Brücke), had survived 35 years of Michigan’s winters and summers and more than 4 million vehicle crossings.

The reconstruction was led by Tim Gilmour of Gilmour Construction in Frankenmuth. Lumber from Lapeer Hardwoods in Lapeer, Michigan was used to replace the bridge’s cedar shingles and new roadway planking along with 7200 hand pounded nails in the roadway alone. The reconstruction was entirely financed by the Bavarian Inn Zehnder family, and used no tax dollars.

The covered bridge was installed in January 1980 by New Hampshire craftsmen after being built on the river bank over the course of two years. Structural framing timbers from Oregon and locally sourced 3-foot-long shingles were used for the roof along with 16-foot-long 4x8s for the planked roadway.

Bavarian Inn Restaurant: (bavarianinn.com) Celebrating 125 years of service in 2013, the Bavarian Inn Restaurant has become a Michigan landmark, 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. [Press Room: http://bavarianinn.logos-communications.com/]

Bavarian Inn Lodge: (bavarianinn.com) 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, 150 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 29 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®.

Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn’s Guest Loyalty Program Named Silver Award Winner in Loyalty360 Awards Competition
• Joins the ranks of world’s most recognizable brands
• Perks Club boasts more than 21,000 ‘family members’

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. April 27, 2015 – The Bavarian Inn Lodge and the Bavarian Inn Restaurant’s “Perks Club” guest loyalty program has been selected as the Silver Award winner in the Best Reward/Loyalty Program category at the second annual Loyalty360 Awards. The program recognizes the world’s best and most innovative customer appreciation programs.

Now in its 16th year, the Perks Club has more than 21,000 “family members,” who enjoy award points, special members-only discounts and priority status for Bavarian Inn Lodge and Bavarian Inn Restaurant reservations. Shopping points are awarded for every dollar spent on all purchases within the Bavarian Inn companies, which includes the Castle Shops, Frankenmuth Cheese Haus, Covered Bridge and Leather Gift Shop as well as the 14 company-owned shops within Frankenmuth River Place

The Bavarian Inn and its Perks Club program join a field of more than 60 Loyalty360 finalist contestants which comprise some of the world’s most valuable and recognizable retail, travel, hospitality, restaurant and financial services companies, including Coca Cola, Caesar’s Entertainment and Air Canada.

“We’re very proud to have achieved this level of recognition,” said Nancy Sommer, the Bavarian Inn’s Perks Club manager. “This would not have been possible if not for the efforts of our staff who promote the benefits of the Perks Club, enroll new members, maintain our Perks Club member accounts and distribute member awards.”

Winners of the Loyalty360 Awards were announced April 27 at the annual Loyalty Expo in Orlando, Florida.

To learn more about the Perks Club, please visit www.bavarianinn.com .
About the Bavarian Inn Lodge, Restaurant and its sister Perks Club properties

Bavarian Inn Restaurant: (bavarianinn.com) 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 Restaurant.

Bavarian Inn Lodge: (bavarianinn.com) 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 100 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 29 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®.

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 40 shops and attractions at one location. Visitors enjoy architecture, floral gardens, streams and waterfalls and, of course, great shopping opportunities.

About Loyalty360: Loyalty360 is an unbiased, market driven, voice of the customer focused clearinghouse and think-tank that is committed to bringing loyalty to the forefront as a critical marketing strategy. A trusted source for cutting-edge research, best practices, and networking opportunities, Loyalty360 gives members the expert insights and guidance they need to better understand loyalty and develop programs that effectively engage their customers and employees and build stronger relationships with them. With over 70,000 monthly visitors and 115,000 monthly page views to Loyalty360.org, and 500,000 followers collectively on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook, Loyalty360 is a prolific resource for loyalty, customer experience and brand/customer engagement strategy. Learn more at http://loyalty360.org.

Bavarian Inn’s Michigan on Main Bar and Grill Adds Outdoor Seating

Scheduled completion by Memorial Day weekend

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. April 22, 2015 – Just in time for sunny skies and warmer temperatures, guests will be able to enjoy food and beverages “al fresco” at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant’s Michigan on Main Bar and Grill. The popular eatery is adding a 50-seat patio off the south side of the restaurant.

The patio area will include a walk-up bar, a custom dual-level fireplace, and entryways from the restaurant. Its anticipated opening is expected in time for the Memorial Day weekend – the official kick-off of the busy summer season.

The patio project is being built by Michigan companies William Bronner & Son Contractors, Inc. of Frankenmuth and Hagen Excavating of Saginaw.

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. Patio guests will have full bar service plus a special patio version of the Michigan on Main menu.

About Bavarian Inn Restaurant
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 Restaurant. Learn more at www.bavarianinn.com.

Show Mothers Love at Frankenmuth’s Bavarian Inn

Restaurant and Lodge Help Families Give Special Treats for Mother’s Day, May 10

Frankenmuth, MI – April 20, 2015 Frankenmuth’s Bavarian Inn is dedicated to helping you shower your special someone with love on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2015. Both the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and the Bavarian Inn Lodge are available to give moms a perfect day of dining, shopping, and relaxing.

The Bavarian Inn Restaurant will offer its signature entrees on Mother’s Day from 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m., including Frankenmuth Chicken® and Shrimp, and also the Ultimate 5-Meat Family Style Bavarian Dinner. All moms dining in the Restaurant on Mother’s Day will receive a free gift from the Castle Shops. To make a reservation, call 800-BAVARIA or 989-652-9941.

The Bavarian Inn Lodge is serving a special holiday buffet sure to please everyone at the table on May 10 starting at 11:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. in various banquet and dining rooms. The menu includes a wide variety of starters, breakfast items, main dishes and mouthwatering desserts. Guests will also enjoy piano music. Reservations can be made at 1-855-652-7200 or 989-652-7200.

“No one deserves to be celebrated more than a mom,” said Bavarian Inn Lodge President Judy Zehnder Keller. “Because we know the challenges of raising a family, my mother Dorothy, my sister-in-law Karen and I work extra hard to give mothers the special treatment they’ve earned.”

For the mother who has everything, Bavarian Inn Restaurant offers special gift items with unique themes. The following are just a sampling of the gift packages available on Mother’s Day and also on Saturday, May 9 and they can be delivered right to mom at her table. Orders for gift packages are required at least two days in advance. Guests can use credit cards to place their orders at 1-800-BAVARIA or 989-652-9941.

· “Dorothy’s Cookbook Package” includes an autographed copy of Dorothy Zehnder’s new cookbook, From My Kitchen to Yours, along with a 3 oz. bottle of Bavarian Inn Chicken Seasoning.
· The “Pure Indulgence Gift Basket” includes Gourmet Turtle Apple, ½ lb. Homemade Truffles and a bottle of Bavarian Inn Private Label Piesporter Wine.
· The “Bread & Jam Gift Basket” includes Stollen Bread (fruit & nut bread), Apple Cinnamon Raisin Bread, two half-pints of Jam, and Homemade Truffles.
· The “Jam Trio” includes three jars of assorted homemade jam with a serving spoon.

“Mother’s Day only comes once a year,” said Dorothy Zehnder. “It’s important to show mothers, grandmothers and that special someone how much you love them. Holidays like this are about creating lasting family memories, which the Bavarian Inn loves to help provide.”

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

Bavarian Inn Lodge: (bavarianinn.com) 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, 150 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 29 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®.

Twist and Shout: Celebrate National Pretzel Day April 26 and April 27 at Bavarian Inn Restaurant
• National Pretzel Day is Sunday, April 26
• Bavarian Inn celebrates April 26 and April 27
• Learn how to make one of Germany’s (and America’s) most popular snacks

FRANKENMUTH, Mich.- April 15, 2015 – Whether they’re dipped in your favorite mustard, stuffed with gooey cheese, or covered in decadent chocolate, there’s no question that snack lovers on both sides of the Atlantic love pretzels, a baked treat dating back to medieval times.

Last year the Bavarian Inn Restaurant served more than 17,000 pretzels with more than 6,400 guests participating in pretzel rolling experiences.

This year in observance of National Pretzel Day, Sunday, April 26, the Bavarian Inn Restaurant is offering a fun pretzel rolling experience where guests learn the history of the pretzel. With hands-on, step-by-step instructions, guests will “roll their own” using the twists and turns perfected by the Bavarian Inn’s expert pretzel bakers.

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.

On Sunday, April 26 and Monday, April 27, the Bavarian Inn is offering its pretzel rolling experience for half price – $2.50 versus the regular $5.00 per person. The event takes place at 2:30 p.m.

A minimum two-hour advance reservation and prepayment are required. For more information about 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.”

The Month of May is Brimming Over with Music and Merriment
at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant

Enjoy Hello Kitty, Elvis, Cinderella and Flavors from Around the World

April 9, 2015 – Frankenmuth, Mich. — From Tea with Hello Kitty, the music of Elvis Aaron Presley, Jr., an enchanted lunch with Cinderella and friends, and an evening of wines from around the world, there will be plenty to do at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant as they offer multiple events during the month of May.

Hello Kitty fans will be welcomed at the Restaurant to have tea with Hello Kitty on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. The event includes photo opportunities, glitter tattoos and balloon art. On the menu for this special event is Bavarian Inn pasta salad, Frankenmuth® chicken, mashed potatoes, buttered corn and mini hot fudge sundaes. The event costs $30 per person and includes the meal, tea, keepsake tea cup, Hello Kitty gift and more. Reservations are required.

“Elvis” will be in the house Wednesday, May 13 at 11:00 a.m. and Thursday, May 14 at 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Elvis Aaron Presley, Jr., a musician and entertainer, is a gift to all who enjoy the songs of his idol – the late “King of Rock-and-Roll.” His loving renditions of Elvis hits, as well as his performance of his own music will captivate the entire audience. His looks, style and demeanor have captivated audiences worldwide and are a testament to the “King’s” legacy. The matinee show includes a hearty chicken plate luncheon, coffee or soft drink, tax and gratuity for $40 per person. Reservations are required.

Explore tastes of wine and food from around the world at the Restaurant’s Spring Wine Dinner, Friday, May 15, at 6:30 p.m. The event, featuring a guest speaker representing National Wine and Spirits, offers a five-course menu of food and select wine pairings. Bavarian Inn chefs and National Wine and Spirits wine experts will offer:

• Ricotta gnocchi with grilled shrimp in a creole tomato sauce, with a Montes Cherub Rosé of Syrah from Chile

• Savory egg trio, paired with Bodega Norton Late Harvest Chardonnay from Argentina

• Thai beef salad with a kalbi dressing, accompanied by Castillo de Monséran Garnacha from Spain

• Chicken Ballontine served over risotto with grilled asparagus and ramps, with Nobilissima Pinot Grigio from Italy

• Strawberries and cream pretzel delight, served with Bodega Norton Late Harvest Merlot from Argentina.

The Spring Wine Dinner is priced at $55 per person, with reservations and prepayment necessary.

If you loved the new Cinderella movie, take it one step further by having lunch with Cinderella and Friends at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant on Sunday, May 31 at 11:00 a.m. Diners will be treated to singing by Cinderella and Belle, a coloring page, photo opportunities and a chance to learn a dance from the princesses. Lunch includes Frankenmuth® chicken plate, homemade bread, mashed potatoes topped with delicious gravy, vegetable, a royal dessert, along with milk, tea, coffee or soft drink.

Cinderella and Friends lunch is $20 per person which includes lunch, a gift from Cinderella, tax and gratuity. Reservations and prepayment are required.

To reserve your spot for any of these events, call 1-800-BAVARIA or (989) 652-9941 or visit www.bavarianinn.com for more information.

Sweet retreat: Bavarian Inn’s Candy Corner & Chocolate Shop
gets complete makeover
Bigger, brighter look awaits Castle Shop guests

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – March 25, 2015 – Just in time for Easter, workers are putting the finishing touches on a complete renovation of the Bavarian Inn Restaurant’s Candy Corner and Chocolate Shop, where guests will experience new, bright and colorful displays, along with improved access to the shop’s vast selection of sweet sensations.

Located in the ground floor in the Castle Shops at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant, the Candy Corner and Chocolate Shop offers an impressive selection of imported, novelty and retro candy. Guests can watch as the shops’ “candymeisters” and chocolatiers create mouth-watering chocolate clusters, truffles, fudge, brittles and gourmet candy-covered apples.

According to Jim Dohrmann, the Bavarian Inn’s retail division manager, “The basic footprint of the shops stays the same, but the look is completely up to date. Walls are new, ceilings are higher, cabinets are new, colors are brighter, and walkways are opened up. Our guests will definitely notice the changes.”

Dohrmann added, “We will continue to sell many of the same popular products our guests have come to know and love, such as our signature Turtle Apples, Glockenspiel Mice, and our assorted brittles, Jelly Belly candy, taffy, suckers and more. And we’ll be adding some new and exciting products.”

Renovation of both shops will be complete the week before Easter.

4th Generation Bavarian Inn Garners Outstanding Family Business Award
Ten Family Members Keep Business Vital as an Extension of Their Family Bond

Photo caption: Ten Bavarian Inn family members work together to continue the success of the iconic Frankenmuth company: (seated from left) William Zehnder Keller, Karen Zehnder, Martha Zehnder Keller, Michael Zehnder, (standing from left) Katie Zehnder, Amy Zehnder Grossi, Bill Zehnder, Dorothy Zehnder, Don Keller, Judy Zehnder Keller.

Frankenmuth, MI – March 23, 2015 – The iconic Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn received the Outstanding Family Business award from Saginaw Valley State University’s (SVSU) College of Business and Management at its second annual Best in Business awards ceremony held Friday, March 13 on the SVSU campus in Kochville Township, MI.

In presenting the award, the college noted: “The Bavarian Inn Lodge and Restaurant offers visitors the chance to explore over 40 shops, yearly festivals and events, and a taste of classic German architecture. It employs more than 400 people and serves over a half million meals each year, and is annually ranked among the top independent U.S. restaurants.”

Meeting the SVSU Business College’s award criteria of being an established family-owned business headquartered in the Great Lakes Bay Region, the Bavarian Inn also had to demonstrate:

• its specific strengths as a family-owned business
• its contributions to the community
• its family business best practices.

Reflecting on the significance of this latest award, third generation owner and current restaurant president Bill Zehnder, attributed the success of Bavarian Inn to strong family ties. “My father often said, ‘Family is everything,’” Bill commented. “We continue to live and work by that philosophy. We have a shared history and a shared moral code. We grew up together, worshiped, worked and played together. We truly cherish and respect each other. In business, we adhere to a creed based on our shared values and vision. Work is an extension of our family bond.”

Bavarian Inn Lodge: (bavarianinn.com) 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 100 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 29 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®.

Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn’s Guest Loyalty Program
Celebrates 16 Very Loyal Years
• Bavarian Inn a pioneer in offering one location loyalty program
• 21,000-plus members in Perks Club

Frankenmuth, MI – March 18, 2015 – What’s it like to have more than 21,000 “family members?” “It’s awesome!” says Jim Engel, COO of the Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Engel’s family members are actually members of the Bavarian Inn Lodge and Restaurant’s extended family, the Perks Club. Founded in 1999, the Perks Club is one of the largest private loyalty and rewards programs in the country.

“Many people have told us how they came to Frankenmuth as children and are now bringing their children and grandchildren,” Engel says. “As we continued to hear this from our guests, it became evident that we needed to reward these guests for coming back all these years and being loyal to us.”

What prompted a private loyalty program as opposed to a third-party version? “We knew we had loyal guests of the Bavarian Inn and we knew we saw them frequently, but we truly did not know who they were,” states Nancy Sommer, Perks Club manager. “Recognizing these guests was important for our business and rewarding them for their loyalty was even more important. By creating our own program, we were able to tailor our rewards more to individuals because we learned more about them as people, not just as membership numbers.

“All of our members have their own unique spending patterns,” Sommer continues. “It is very important to appeal to each member of our Club. While most overnight with us, some only dine with us, while others are primarily shopping guests. We offer benefits that appeal to the varied interests of our members and encourage them to visit more frequently.”

Most of the Bavarian Inn Perks members have been in the Club for years. There is very low attrition, with thousands of new member referrals coming from existing members. “We have been studying loyalty clubs of other hotel chains and airlines for years,” stated Engel. “We have not been able to find a significant independent resort running a club like ours anywhere else in the country. With a 16-year history, we believe we are pioneers in offering a diverse and robust loyalty program for a single location.”

Perks Club members pay a small fee for membership, with 10 points awarded for every dollar spent on all purchases within the Bavarian Inn companies: Bavarian Inn Lodge, Bavarian Inn Restaurant, Frankenmuth Cheese Haus, Castle Shops, Covered Bridge and Leather Gift Shop and 14 company-owned shops within Frankenmuth River Place. Reward certificates are generated at each $200 level.

Members also receive priority dining reservations at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant whenever possible and priority status on lodging waitlists as well as a complimentary dinner at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant during the month of their birthday along with a complimentary dinner for the second adult member on the same account during that member’s birthday month. For the fun of it, miniature golf at the Lodge is also free for members on Wednesdays.

Six informational Perks Club newsletters mailed each year play an additional part in the success of the program. “Our newsletters are packed full of special benefits, member-only promotions and reduced offers for lodging, dining and shopping. Our office can always tell when the newest edition of the newsletter has reached members’ households. Our members are calling to make reservations for dinner and special events as well as reservations for lodging at reduced rates. We definitely know they are reading them,” laughs Sommer.

“We are very proud of the success of our Perks Club” says Judy Zehnder Keller, owner and president of the Bavarian Inn Lodge. “Having a formal loyalty program has helped us find out who our best customers are and we have developed long-term, personal relationships with them.”

About the Bavarian Inn Lodge, Restaurant and its sister Perks Club properties

Bavarian Inn Lodge: (bavarianinn.com) 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 100 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 29 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®.

Frankenmuth Iconic Wooden Covered Bridge to Close for Repairs

Bridge facts:
• Opened: January 1980
• Scheduled closure: intermittently March 16, 2015 to April 17, 2015
• Length: 239 feet; Width: 28 feet
(Roadway: 19 feet, Walkway: 4’6” on each side)
• Used 163,288 board feet of lumber
• Weight: 230 tons; Load capacity: 18 tons
• 4 million vehicle crossings to date

Frankenmuth, MI – March 12, 2015 – After 35 years of Michigan winters – and Michigan summers – and more than 4 million vehicle crossings, the Bavarian Inn’s Covered Bridge (the Holz-Brücke in German) spanning the Cass River in Frankenmuth is having some work done.

Replacing the shingles and roadway planking will begin Monday, March 16, 2015 and last for about four weeks, depending on Michigan’s unpredictable weather. The bridge will be closed to vehicles intermittently during that time (see below for closure schedule). Access to the Bavarian Inn Lodge, Bavarian Inn Restaurant, and Frankenmuth River Place Shops will be available from the Weiss Street entrance. Pedestrians will be able to cross the bridge using a walkway.

There will be a number of Bavarian-themed signs that will direct guests to the alternate entrance.

“Like any bridge or roadway in Michigan, time and weather have taken its toll on our wooden covered bridge,” said Bill Zehnder, president of Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn, Inc. “Maintaining the bridge is a necessity for the safe passage of our guests and Frankenmuth visitors.”

He added that the roof covers and protects the wooden bridge underneath, so the deterioration of the shingles exposes the structure to potential wear. The covered bridge was installed in January, 1980 after nearly two years of construction on the riverbank. New Hampshire craftsmen used structural framing timbers from Oregon – in some cases 32 feet long – and locally sourced and sawn 3-foot long shingles for the roof and 16-foot long 4x8s for the planked roadway.

The necessary repairs will be made by a Michigan team headed up by Tim Gilmour of Gilmour Construction in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Gilmour has a long history with wooden craft projects. The planking will be locally sourced and sawn by Dennis Miller from Lapeer Hardwoods in Lapeer, Michigan.

If Mother Nature cooperates, the bridge will hopefully reopen for both (gasoline-and horse-powered) vehicular traffic around Friday, April 17, 2015.

Bridge closure schedule
Monday March 16, 2015 to Friday April 3, 2015:
Closed Monday through Friday 7:30 am – 10:30 am only
April 6 – 10, 2015: No bridge construction
April 13 – 17, 2015:
Closed Monday through Friday 7:30 am – 10:30 am only
One pedestrian walkway open at all times during repairs

Bavarian Inn Lodge: (bavarianinn.com) Nestled along the Cass River in one of Michigan’s top tourist attractions – Frankenmuth – is the state’s largest Indoor Water Park Hotel! The Lodge has 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, four indoor pools, three whirlpools, two waterslides, a miniature golf course, two gift shops, two lounges and two restaurants — all under one roof. The expansive 35,000 square feet Family Fun Center houses over 100 video and redemption games, a two-story children’s play village and Willy’s Kingdom indoor mini-golf course. In 29 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®.

Bavarian Inn’s ‘Michigan on Main’ Bar and Grill
Hosting Annual Bell’s Brewery Oberon Ale Release
Enjoy a first sip of summer on March 23

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. March. 2, 2015 – One of the most anticipated craft beer releases of the upcoming season takes place Monday, March 23, from 5-7 p.m. at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant’s “Michigan on Main’ Bar and Grill, which is hosting a party to celebrate the annual release of Bell’s Brewery Oberon Ale.

It’s one of the most popular seasonal brews produced by the Kalamazoo and Comstock, Michigan, brewers as “Michigan on Main’ stays true to its theme of focusing its food and beverage menu on Michigan-made products, celebrating Michigan’s agricultural diversity.

According to Bavarian Inn President Bill Zehnder, “Michigan on Main” is the only venue in the Frankenmuth area to host the Oberon Ale release. The event includes games, giveaways, prizes, and one-on-one discussion time with Bell’s Brewery representatives. In addition, “Michigan on Main” will have on its menu expertly-matched food pairings to compliment Bell’s Oberon Ale.

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.

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

Bavarian Inn Restaurant Lines Up Lots of Fun for Children
to Mix and Mingle with Special Guests

Feb. 23, 2015 – Frankenmuth, Mich. —Mingle with the Easter Bunny or mix with royal princesses at two upcoming special events at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant this coming March.

On Saturday, March 21, the restaurant will host The Bunny Lunch that starts at 11:00 a.m. The day will include lunch, visits with the Easter Bunny, a magic show, photo opportunities, an Easter-themed coloring page and a balloon artist. The lunch costs $18 per person and includes a gift from the Easter Bunny.

For the little princess in your life, the Bavarian Inn is hosting a Lunch with Cinderella and Friends on Saturday, March 28. The enchanted luncheon starts at 2 p.m. and includes singing by Cinderella and Belle, photo opportunities, a coloring page and a special dance lesson by Cinderella herself. The lunch costs $20 per person.

Both events feature a Frankenmuth® Chicken plate lunch, along with dessert and soft drink. Reservations and prepayment are required for both events. Call 1-800-BAVARIA or visit www.bavarianinn.com to make a reservation or for more information.

Bavarian Inn Restaurant presents German Wine Dinner
• Savor a culinary tour of Germany’s wine-growing regions
• 5-course feast on March 13 features exclusive food and wine pairings

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. Feb. 16, 2015 – Some of Germany’s most beloved wines – and the historical and romantic places that produce them – will be featured at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant’s German Wine Dinner, which takes place Friday, March 13 at 6:30 p.m.

The Inn is teaming up with Josulete Wines, a Michigan-based distributor, to present an exclusive collection of fine German vintages for guests to enjoy, and the 2012 Silver Plate Award winner, Bavarian Inn Executive Chef Phil Fahrenbruch, has planned a five-course parade of creative food and wine pairings.

The starter course is pastrami-cured salmon served with an English pea and ramp purée, accompanied by a Hofkeller Wűrzburg Silvaner Kabinett Trocken, produced in Germany’s Romantic Road region. Hofkeller is the oldest documented wine estate in Germany, dating back to 1128.

The next course features a serving of chashu pork belly soup with a wine from the Baden-Kaiserstuhl region – Bickensohler Gewűrztraminer Kabinett, followed by a grilled asparagus and pickled tomato salad with feta cheese, together with the Bavarian Inn’s own Liebfraumilch.

The entrée is a beef brisket with braised blaukraut, served with a Weingut Kőster-Wolf Spätburgunder Rotwein from Rheinhessen, Germany’s largest wine growing region. The Kőster-Wolf family has been producing wines since 1648.

The dessert course is a rhubarb strawberry shortcake with ginger crème, paired with a Weingut Eduard Kroth Riesling Spätlese from the enchanting Mosel River region.

Cost for this special food and wine event is $55 per person, with reservations and prepayment required. Reservations may be made by calling 1-800-BAVARIA or 989-652-9941. For more information, go to www.bavarianinn.com and view the calendar of events.

Bavarian Inn Restaurant presents
‘Scrapbook Weekend’ March 6-8

Hobbyist holiday brings scrapbook creators together

Feb. 12, 2015 – Frankenmuth, Mich. — Scrapbooking – long one of the most popular crafts in the nation – comes to the Bavarian Inn Restaurant March 6-8 as it presents “Scrapbook Weekend 2015.”

The event offers scrapbook creators and their fellow hobbyists the opportunity to get together for the weekend in a fun and creative atmosphere while experiencing Bavarian Inn food and hospitality.

The weekend restaurant package, priced at $175 per person, includes all meals from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon, the Bavarian Inn’s pretzel-rolling experience, a 10% discount coupon valid all weekend at the Inn’s Castle Shops, and upon departure Sunday afternoon, each guest receives a 10-piece chicken meal value pack to bring home to friends and family. And, there will be plenty of time for scrapbooking and socializing – until 2 a.m. each day.

Overnight accommodations are available at the Bavarian Inn Lodge at a discounted room rate of $125 plus 11% tax per night for up to four guests. “Scrapbook Weekend” attendees planning overnight stays should call 888-775-6343 for reservations, and reference group number 11Z10Q. Discount rate is based on room availability.

Reservations are required for the Bavarian Inn Restaurant’s “Scrapbook Weekend.” To reserve a place, and for more information, call 1-800-BAVARIA or visit www.bavarianinn.com.

Bavarian Inn Debuts New Website

• Easy and enjoyable web experience awaits visitors at www.BavarianInn.com

• New design adapts to all devices for information ‘on the go’

Feb. 10, 2015 – Frankenmuth, Mich. — Visitors to the joint website maintained by the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Restaurant and the companion Bavarian Inn Lodge, www.bavarianinn.com, have a pleasant surprise in store – a fresh, new website design that makes finding information about the twin tourist meccas and booking a dining table or guestroom easier than ever before.

Improved features of the new website include:

• An easy-to-read and responsive page design, formatted to fit all major browsing devices, including laptop, tablet, and smartphone. For travelers planning their Frankenmuth journey at home or “on the go,” the new design makes getting to Michigan’s most popular tourist destination even more fun.

• A clean and easy-to-navigate homepage, providing visitors a quick path across the wide range of “dine, stay, shop, and play” choices offered by the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and the Bavarian Inn Lodge. In addition, conference, special event and wedding planners can take advantage of the dedicated pages devoted to conference facilities, catering options, and wedding packages available at both locations.

• Making dining or guestroom reservations at the new site has become easier than ever, with dedicated reservation links on each www.bavarianinn.com webpage, eliminating the need to search for separate reservation pages.

• In addition, the website’s special events calendar has been improved, making the much-visited calendar more visually attractive and easier to read.

About Bavarian Inn Restaurant:
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 Restaurant. Learn more at www.bavarianinn.com.

About the 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, 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 100 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 29 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://www.logos-communications/bavarianinnlodge