Annual Thanksgiving Day celebrations return to both the Bavarian Inn Restaurant & Lodge 

Restaurant offers takeout dinners; Lodge hosts annual Thanksgiving Harvest Buffet

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – Oct 22, 2020 – There will be several great ways for families to celebrate Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, Nov. 26) at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Lodge this year, including the Lodge’s annual harvest buffet and two different takeout dinner options from the Restaurant.

This year 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 housemade bread. The four-person menu includes a 10-14 lb. roasted turkey, while the larger menu for eight includes two full meals of everything listed above as well as a 20-24 lb. whole roasted turkey. Guests can also add a large apple or pumpkin pie for $14. There are also options for adding Frankenmuth chicken as well.

The cost of the dinner is $109 for the four-person meal and $199 for the eight-person dinner (includes taxes) and needs to be pre-ordered by Sunday, Nov. 22. Pickup dates will be Wednesday, Nov. 25 and Thursday, Nov. 26, at 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 and more, along with famous Frankenmuth^® chicken, carved turkey, baked ham, side dishes, and a large selection of traditional desserts.

This year’s buffet service will be a little different than in the past as staff will be dishing plates for the guests from the buffet selections to assist with sanitation efforts.

Seating times are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the cost is $36.25 for adults, $17.50 for children 8-12, $11.25 for children 3-7, and free for children two and under. Prices include sales tax and 18% 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 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 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. *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 Lodge offers Halloween weekend for kids

Special includes Halloween treat bags for each room booked

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. Oct. 6, 2020 – Families looking for a spooky good time in Frankenmuth this Halloween can now book a special Bavarian Inn Lodge Halloween Weekend Deal for the Kids on October 30 and 31.

Guests who book both Oct. 30 and Oct. 31 (Halloween) will get the 30th date for just $30 plus taxes. The entire package is $239 plus taxes and includes a premium room with two queen beds and two Halloween bags per room and stay.

The Lodge is also offering one-night Halloween packages on Sundays through Thursdays, as well, on other select dates in October. These packages include a standard room with two queen or two double beds and Halloween-themed bags per stay. The Sunday-Thursday rate is $119 daily plus taxes.

With the exception of whirlpools spas, all other Lodge amenities are now open including the indoor Family Fun Center and the water slides. All Lodge dining options are also available. Face masks and proper social distancing is required in all areas of the hotel.

Reservations for the Halloween Weekend Deal for the Kids are nonrefundable and payment for reservation is charged within 24 hours of booking. This cannot be combined with any additional discounts, coupons, gift cards, or vouchers. These deals must be booked online.

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 Co-Founder, Dorothy Zehnder, named to Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame 2020 Class

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – August 25, 2020 – The matriarch of the Bavarian Inn’s Zehnder family, Dorothy Zehnder, has been named a 2020 inductee into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame.

The 98-year-young Zehnder is co-founder and co-owner of Frankenmuth’s Bavarian Inn and the many business operations under that name. A far-reaching enterprise, this includes Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Castle Shops, Covered Bridge Gift Shop, Frankenmuth River Place Shops, Frankenmuth Gift Shops Inc., Bavarian Inn Lodge and a specialty line of food products. At full employment, there are approximately 1,000 team members and more than 900,000 meals served annually.

Zehnder continues to work at the restaurant with no plans to retire. She and her late husband William “Tiny” Zehnder have 3 children, 10 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. Currently there are nine family members in leadership roles in various business operations.

The author of three cookbooks, Zehnder first published “Cookies & Bars,” a collection of desserts used at the Bavarian Inn and in her home. Then in 2011, she published “Come Cook with Me,” an 80-year collection of recipes, wisdom and stories from her life as the Bavarian Inn’s much beloved matriarch. With the success of these, she wrote another cookbook in 2014, “From My Kitchen to Yours,” featuring 195 handpicked family favorite recipes from her vast 1,000 plus personal collection.

During her 83 years in business, Zehnder has received numerous awards. Later this year she is being recognized with the Saginaw Chamber’s Lifetime Community Service Award.

“Our entire family is thrilled for Dorothy to be honored this way,” said daughter Judy Zehnder Keller. “As our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother she means so much to our family, to the entire Frankenmuth community and to everyone throughout the state of Michigan. It is a well-deserved recognition.”

Zehnder, along with five other new nominees, will be honored at a ceremony on Oct. 15, in Lansing.  The other nominees include: Najah Bazzy, RN, an internationally recognized healer, humanitarian and interfaith leader and founder of Zaman International. Dr. Glenda Price, first African American president of Marygrove College and to serve as the national president of the American Society for Medical Technology. Martha Teichner a CBS Sunday Morning correspondent since 1993, earning multiple national awards including 10 Emmy Awards. Liz Jackson was a founding member and officer of the Trade Union Leadership Council, a nationally recognized organization credited with advancing black political development within the UAW. Ruth Westbrook was part of NASA’s Apollo 11 project, where she wrote a program for all the steps used to get a man to the moon and back and see how long it took in real time to be completed. Essentially, Ruth was one of the “Human Math Computers” depicted in the movie “Hidden Figures.”

Established in 1983, the Women’s Hall of Fame is located in downtown Lansing. Today the hall of fame, which includes 333 inductees, is organized and managed through Michigan Women Forward (MWF), an organization founded in 1986 to encourage women to play an active role in philanthropy and governance.

“Today’s strong women can learn so much by studying the paths of those who came before us,” said Carolyn Cassin, president and CEO, Michigan Women Forward.  “These amazing honorees have conquered so many obstacles and accomplished so much throughout their lives.  We are proud to salute them and want to be sure their stories are told.”

 

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 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 Restaurant and Lodge again named ‘Greatest’ in the Great Lakes Bay Region

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – August 24, 2020 – Both the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and the Bavarian Inn Lodge have again been named “Greatest in the Great Lakes Bay Region” by readers of Great Lakes Bay Magazine.

In the annual awards, announced in the magazine’s July issue, the Bavarian Inn Restaurant was voted best in the category of “Family Dining.” This is the second year in a row for the Restaurant to be given the top nod for family dining. Two years ago, the Restaurant was also named “Greatest Caterer” as well “Greatest Kid-Friendly Dining Atmosphere.”

Also, this year the Bavarian Inn Lodge was recognized by Great Lakes Bay readers as one of the best in the category of “Banquet Hall.” This is a repeat honor from last year as well, while two years ago the Lodge had been named as the “Greatest Wedding Venue.” Other Lodge recognitions that year included Willy’s Miniature Golf as the “Greatest Putt Putt Golf Course” and the Lorelei Lounge & Schnitzelbank Bier Garten won “Greatest Bar to Sing Your Heart Out.”

For this year’s individual honors, Amy Zehnder Grossi, General Manager at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant, was named one of the greatest in the “Restaurateur” category, a title she had also received both last year and in 2018.

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 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.

The current Executive Order does not allow our indoor recreational areas to be open at the hotel (Fun Center, Pools, Hot Tubs, Water Slides, Ratskeller).  Our restaurant, lounge and outdoor Biergarten with nightly entertainment will be open for guests!  We are hopeful that the Fun Center restrictions will be lifted soon so guests can once again enjoy our amenities while practicing safe social distancing. Please check out our newly opened outdoor Fun Center during this time.

 

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

Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Lodge Release new Private Selection Maker’s Mark Bourbon

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – August 18, 2020  – The Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Lodge have teamed up with Maker’s Mark, one of the country’s finest producers of American bourbon, to release a unique private label bourbon.

The Bavarian Inn Private Selection, by Maker’s Mark, is now available at the Restaurant and Lodge following its arrival in July. It will also be featured at a sold-out Bourbon Dinner later this month.

The new Bavarian Inn bourbon is the latest product in a strong private label program already in place at the Restaurant and Lodge that includes beer, wine and root beer, among others.

“For decades we have offered high quality private label beers and wines on our Bavarian Inn properties,” said Bill Zehnder, President of the Bavarian Inn. “My father Tiny Zehnder had always hand selected each one, so when Maker’s Mark offered us a chance to develop our own bourbon we jumped at the opportunity. As a private select drink it will nicely complement our current list of excellent bourbons.”

Under the Maker’s Mark process, the Bavarian Inn team, including family members and key managers, traveled to Kentucky where they chose the various barrel “staves” that would develop the flavor profile for this private selection. The 50-gallon barrel took over five months to distill.

While bottles of the bourbon are not being offered for sale, guests at the Bavarian Inn properties can try it many different ways, offered “neat,” “on the rocks” or in a number of classic bourbon cocktails. Bar managers at the Bavarian Inn are currently working on developing specialty cocktails using the bourbon that will be unique to Frankenmuth.

The Bavarian Inn first began its relationship with Maker’s Mark last year when planning the Restaurant’s first bourbon dinner, an event in January that drew over 200 guests.

As the relationship grew, Bill Zehnder said his daughter connected them with another Frankenmuth High School graduate who works for Maker’s Mark. From there the family worked with a Maker’s Mark “diplomat” to learn about and become involved in distilling the special bourbon.

Maker’s Mark private select program allows customers to take a fully matured cask strength bourbon and have staves with different flavor profiles inserted to enhance and finish the flavor process. This barrel finishing takes an additional nine weeks to complete.

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 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.

The current Executive Order does not allow our indoor recreational areas to be open at the hotel (Fun Center, Pools, Hot Tubs, Water Slides, Ratskeller).  Our restaurant, lounge and outdoor Biergarten with nightly entertainment will be open for guests!  We are hopeful that the Fun Center restrictions will be lifted soon so guests can once again enjoy our amenities while practicing safe social distancing. Please check out our newly opened outdoor Fun Center during this time.

 

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

Bavarian Inn Lodge opens Outdoor Fun Center

Video games, sandboxes, outdoor dining and yard games offered

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. July 27, 2020 – Families staying or planning a day trip to the Bavarian Inn Lodge can now experience an Outdoor Fun Center as a part of their visit to Frankenmuth.

Located on the Lodge property west of the main entrance, the newly created Outdoor Fun Center features more than 50 video games, large sandboxes, yard games, outdoor dining with a fresh squeezed lemonade stand, bar service and a prize redemption area for the games.

The center will be open daily throughout the summer and fall from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Each night there will be live nightly entertainment and on Fridays and Saturdays, other family activities at the Lodge’s outdoor Schnitzelbank Biergarten from 6-8 p.m.

Reopened on July 1, the Lodge continues to provide the Frankenmuth community and visitors from across the country with a fun, entertaining family experience for young and old alike. Lodge dining is available at both Oma’s Restaurant and the Lorelei Lounge. The indoor Family Fun Center amenities of the Lodge remain closed due to pandemic health guidelines.

Guests should note that social distancing and face covering guidelines remain in place for all guests at the present time.

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.