2016, July-Dec | Bavarian Inn Lodge

Four-Generation Bavarian Inn Garners MichBusiness Succession Award

Family Members Keep Business Fresh as Extension of Their Family Bond

Frankenmuth, MI – December 29, 2016 – The iconic Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn recently received a Succession Success Award as part of this year’s Best of MichBusiness Awards. The Best of MichBusiness recognition event held earlier this month celebrates success at the most exciting and connected business awards and networking opportunity in Michigan. It is powered by MBPA, a statewide association with a sphere of influence that no other organization of its kind can claim, positively impacting more than 150,000 businesses —1 out of every 3 in the state.

Reflecting on the significance of this latest award, third generation owner and current
Bavarian Inn Restaurant President Bill Zehnder attributed the success of the Bavarian Inn to its strong family ties and dedication to future success, along with the commitment of hundreds of team members.

“My father often said, ‘Family is everything,’” said Zehnder. “We continue to live and work by that philosophy. We have a shared history and 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 to pave the way for continued success.”

The family, he said, sees work as an extension of a bond and a testimony to its:

strengths as a family-owned business
contributions to the community
commitment to family business best practices.

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 online press room: http://www.logos-communications.com/bavarianinn/

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 150 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 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 receives state hospitality award

Presented by Michigan Society of Association Executives

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – Dec. 7, 2016 – The Bavarian Inn Lodge and Conference Center in Frankenmuth was a recent recipient of one of the inaugural “Association Choice Awards” presented by the East Lansing-based Michigan Society of Association Executives (MSAE).

The Bavarian Inn Lodge was chosen as the top-rated hotel and conference center in its region. The “Association Choice Awards” recognize outstanding customer service by Michigan convention and visitor bureaus, hotels, and hospitality industry suppliers.

Bavarian Inn Lodge

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

The Michigan Society of Association Executives (MSAE)

MSAE, based in East Lansing, is a professional organization of more than 1,800 members that works to advance knowledge in the association industry. The association sector in Michigan employs more than 40,000 people, representing approximately 3,000 industries and professions.

Bavarian Inn Lodge: Your host for two ways to ring in 2017

Gala for grown-ups with food, fun, and music
Family-themed party offers wide array of activities

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – November 30, 2016 – It’s not too early to start planning those New Year’s Eve activities. The Bavarian Inn Lodge is now hard at work planning one big night, with a choice of two fun-filled parties for registered hotel guests – one for adults, and the other especially for families.

Grown-ups at the annual “New Year’s Eve Gala” will enjoy the Lodge’s signature all-star gourmet buffet, which includes appetizers such as smoked salmon and shrimp, entrees with wine, and a choice of decadent desserts. The big-in-demand band, “Remix,” takes stage to perform everyone’s favorite dance tunes, from the 50s up to today’s contemporary hits. The event price of $87 per person includes activities throughout the hotel, wine service with dinner, a cash bar, a champagne toast and soup buffet at midnight, plus a New Year’s Day breakfast buffet, and all taxes and gratuities.

The family-themed New Year’s Eve party offers kids and grown-ups a bountiful appetizer-dinner –dessert buffet, together with dancing and fun with the Bavarian Inn’s own Willy the Dragon. Guests can dance and sing their favorite songs at karaoke events throughout the evening. Like the adult celebration package, the family festivities include a New Year’s Day breakfast buffet. The family package, which includes all taxes and gratuities, is priced at $67 for adults, $40 for children ages 2-12, and free for kids under age 2.

And, to make the experience even better for late-night revelers, hotel guests are just steps away from their comfy European-themed guest room, ready to wake up and greet 2017.

Add either of these fun-filled party options to your guest room reservation by calling the lodge at (989) 652-7200 or by visiting www.bavarianinn.com for more information and to book reservations.

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 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 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.

‘Song and a slice’: Bavarian Inn Lodge hosts fundraiser for St. Lorenz School choir Carnegie Hall performance

Local singers to perform in U.S. premiere of new work by master composer Sir Karl Jenkins

(Editors, news directors: you are cordially invited to attend, cover this event, and meet the students and school leaders preparing for this major performance.)

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – Oct. 12, 2016 – Students, faculty, family members and friends of St. Lorenz School will be gathering at the Bavarian Inn Lodge on Wednesday, Oct. 19 as the lodge hosts a pizza and karaoke party fundraiser to help finance a January 2017 Carnegie Hall performance by the St. Lorenz Middle School Choir.

The fundraising event, to be held in the Bavarian Inn Lodge Family Fun Center and Ratskeller, runs from 3:30-7:30 p.m. There, guests can enjoy unlimited pizza and soft drinks, a round of miniature golf, video games, and of course, an afternoon and early evening of fun-filled karaoke entertainment.

The 77-member choir is headed to New York to perform in the U.S. premiere of a new work by distinguished British composer Sir Karl Jenkins, scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017 at Carnegie Hall’s Isaac Stern Auditorium. The work commemorates the 50th anniversary of a tragic mining accident in the Welsh village of Aberfan, which killed 116 children and 28 adults. The St. Lorenz Choir was invited to perform by the New York production company Distinguished Concerts International, which is sponsoring this premiere performance.

“This is an exceptional honor to have our middle school choir to be invited to be part of this Carnegie Hall musical event,” said St. Lorenz Principal Mike Bender. “We still have a lot of fundraising yet to do, and especially appreciate the Bavarian Inn’s huge show of support for our community, our school, and our students.”

Bavarian Inn Lodge President Judy Zehnder Keller added, “We’re pleased to be able to help support St Lorenz School and our local students as they prepare for this major concert event. The old question of ‘how do I get to Carnegie Hall?’ Takes not only a lot of practice, but, in this case, money, as well.”

For information, contact St. Lorenz School at 989-652-6141.

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 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 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.

‘Going green’: Bavarian Inn Lodge switches to paperless prize redemption system at Family Fun Center

PlayCards build credits for game prizes

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – Oct. 7, 2016 – Game players at the Bavarian Inn Lodge’s Family Fun Center have no more worries about counting and stashing paper prize redemption tickets after a recent implementation to a new, paperless PlayCard redemption system.

Players are now able to electronically build redemption points when playing the more than 150 games at the Bavarian Inn Lodge’s Family Fun Center.

Joanna Stratman, the Lodge’s assistant general manager, said the paperless system sprung from guest suggestions for improving the game-playing experience. “Being the largest hotel-based arcade in the Midwest, the PlayCard system will help make the gaming experience even more enjoyable,” she said.

Stratman noted that since the Family Fun Center started issuing paper prize redemption tickets 15 years ago, more than 1.35 billion paper tickets have been issued. “We’ve calculated that out to be the equivalent of nearly 1,600 trees, so there’s certainly an opportunity to reduce our environmental footprint, while making our redemption system operate more smoothly.”

The Bavarian Inn Lodge Family Fun Center’s PlayCard system is a product of Sacoa, a leading supplier of payment systems for the amusement, entertainment and leisure industries. Players can find Sacoa payment systems at some of the world’s most successful amusement parks.

In addition, the Family Fun Center is often referenced as a Video Game Test Center as players are among the first to experience many new video games on the market. “There’s always a new game, a new challenge being added,” said Stratman. “You can always expect the latest and greatest in games for all ages and skill levels.”

Frankenmuth River Place Shops host Scarecrow Fest 2016

•   Fall fun for all ages
•   Two-weekend event, Oct. 15-16, Oct. 22-23 features themed scarecrows
•   Launch time! Target practice with the pumpkin catapult

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – Sept. 26, 2016 – Harvest and Halloween seasons come together as one big celebration as the Frankenmuth River Place Shops present “Scarecrow Fest 2016,” a two-weekend event taking place Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 15-16 and Oct. 22-23 at the shops, 925 S. Main St., Frankenmuth.

Scarecrows are the stars of the show as businesses across Frankenmuth go all out to create specially-themed scarecrows. Visitors are encouraged to stop by each of the shops to view the scarecrows and cast their “straw vote” for their community-wide favorite.

Pumpkins, as well, have a big role at this year’s festival. Back by popular demand, River Place Shops will deploy the pumpkin catapult, where kids are invited to pick out a pumpkin, and launch it more than 50 yards in hopes of (splat!) hitting the target. In addition, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin painting, and arts and crafts are also part of the fun.

Dogs rule again at Scarecrow Fest 2016 as the “Rock-N-Roll K-9 Performance Team” presents a high-energy show featuring tricks, relay racing, choreographed obedience routines, and agility contests with performances each afternoon Oct. 15 and 16. On Sunday, Oct. 16 guests and their four-footed friends will enjoy a doggie costume contest as well as doggie trick-or-treating.

There will be magic and comedy shows on both Oct. 22 and 23. Other activities during this weekend include cherry pie eating and cherry pit spit contests, face painting and “jumping for joy” at the Inflatables Stations. Dress up the youngsters for trick-or-treating on Oct. 23.

For a complete festival schedule please visit http://frankenmuthriverplace.com/scarecrow-fest/.

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

Do the duathlon: Bavarian Inn proud partners in Powerman North America races

Frankenmuth hosts Sept. 25 grueling ‘run-bike-run’ events

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – Sept. 7, 2016 – Many of the nation’s and world’s best runners and cyclists are coming to Frankenmuth Sunday, Sept. 25 to compete for $5,000 in cash prizes and a shot at national and world championships in the Powerman North America Duathlon Series, sponsored by the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and the Bavarian Inn Lodge.

The event marks the final regional duathlon contest on the Powerman North America race calendar. Regional winners will qualify for the Powerman North America National Championships Dec. 11 at Silver Springs, Florida. National winners are invited to compete for the best-in-world title at the World Duathlon Championships, held each September in Zolfingen, Switzerland.

The Bavarian Inn Restaurant and the area around the nearby Bavarian Inn Lodge will be the most popular gathering spot for athletes, their families, supporters, and spectators as the race courses wind around the city, traversing nearby country lanes, through the Frankenmuth business district, and crossing the historic Wooden Covered Bridge (“Holz Brűcke”).

Two classes of races will be going off on race day: the classic Powerman, which encompasses a 10K run, followed by a 60K cycling race, and another 10K run. The second event, the Powerman Sprint, involves a 5K run, followed by a 30K bike race, and another 5K run.

“Last year, we had an incredible weekend in Frankenmuth with athletes from 21 states as well as five countries participating, and many of the athletes had high praise for the courses and venue. It’s a great city, with something for the entire family to do,” said Kenny Krell, Powerman North America’s National Event Director, outlining why Frankenmuth was chosen once again for the races. Krell noted previous partnerships with the Bavarian Inn on the endurance event scene also makes Frankenmuth a host city favorite.

Race day events are expected to get underway following participant registration activities, which take place from 6:30-7:30 a.m. For more information, and to register for the events, please visit www.powermannorthamerica.com.

The Bavarian Inn Lodge is the host hotel for the Powerman North America event, and is offering special rates for participants and their family members. For more information, call 1-855-652-7200 and ask about the Powerman North America rate.

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.

Photo Caption: Here Comes the Parade — Bavarian Inn Restaurant’s House Entertainer Linda Lee leads a group of participants at a recent Labor Day Covered Bridge Walk.

Bavarian Inn Tunes Up for 30th Annual Labor Day Covered Bridge Walk

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – August 23, 2016 – Not able to join the Labor Day five-mile trek across the Mackinac Bridge? No problem. You can always opt for the Annual Frankenmuth Labor Day Wooden Covered Bridge (Holz Brücke) Walk at noon, Monday, September 5.

For the 30th consecutive year, hundreds of area residents and visitors, led by members of the Bavarian Inn Zehnder family and the Gemuetlichkeit Club, a local American-German cultural group will start on the east side of the span, near the Bavarian Inn Lodge. They’ll cross over the 239-foot-long Bavarian Inn’s Covered Bridge, which was originally installed in 1980 and restored just last year. 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.

What began 30 years ago as a friendly neighborhood gathering has become a well-established local event. As the story goes, the late Al Schneider and his wife, Louise, were at home chatting, and the topic of Labor Day and the annual Mackinac Bridge walk came up. Avid community supporters, Al and Louise decided that since Frankenmuth had its own iconic bridge, they should start their own bridge walking tradition. Starting with just 10-15 walkers, they did just that, ending the festivities in the Bavarian Inn’s Fischer Platz. They continued the tradition each year thereafter, strolling across the Cass River and adding participants.

“It’s great to see how much both locals and guests enjoy Frankenmuth’s way of celebrating the unofficial end of summer,” said Bavarian Inn President Bill Zehnder. “We are ever grateful to Al and Louise for launching an activity that has become one of Frankenmuth’s most popular events.”

Bavarian Inn Lodge: Nestled along the Cass River in one of Michigan’s top tourist destinations – Frankenmuth – the Bavarian Inn Lodge 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. An expansive 35,000-square-foot Family Fun Center houses two dramatic waterslides, three pools and two whirlpools, over 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 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®.

(Photo caption: Martha Zehnder Keller of the Bavarian Inn Lodge is this year’s winner of the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce Ed Dornseifer Ambassador of the Year Award.)