The William (Tiny) Zehnder, Jr. family owns the Bavarian Inn of Frankenmuth. Tiny & wife Dorothy purchased the restaurant
in 1950 from the Fischer family. Tiny had a passion for transforming the restaurant so that the authentic German heritage would be reflected in the buildings and costuming of the staff. He spent nearly 50 years of his life assisting and encouraging other Frankenmuth businesses to either build or remodel their buildings in the Bavarian style. Due to poor health, Tiny resigned from active management of the Bavarian Inn Restaurant in 2004. He remained Chairman of the Board of Bavarian Inn, Inc. until his death May 23, 2006. Dorothy has a passion for cooking and teaching others to cook and continues working six days a week in the kitchen at Bavarian Inn Restaurant.
Three generations of the Zehnder family now are actively involved in the day-to-day operations. At the restaurant Dorothy Zehnder is joined by son William A. (Bill), President, his wife, Karen and daughter, Amy Zehnder Grossi, Co-General Managers. Tiny & Dorothy's daughter, Judy Zehnder Keller, is President of the Bavarian Inn Lodge and Gift Shops, Inc. Judy's son, Michael Keller Zehnder, is Manager at the Frankenmuth River Place and her husband, Don Keller, is the Corporate Treasurer.
Hospitable, Friendly Service
Joining the family are many other managers and team members who share the philosophies and work ethic of founders William and Dorothy Zehnder. All managers spend time working in the "front of the house" helping to carve meats at banquets, clear tables, seat and greet guests, and whatever else they can do to make guests feel welcome. Tiny called this 'management by walking around'. Please ask to speak with a manager when you visit, and you can share your good experiences with them.
Authentic German Architecture
- Glockenspiel
- Zwiebelturm (onion tower)
- Nesting 'storks' on the roof (spring to fall)
- Bel cot
- Tile Roofs
- Stones on the roof
- Murals inside and outside the buildings
- Jäger fences
- Wood carvings
Creating Enjoyable Experiences for Generations
"I remember having a chicken dinner with my family when I was a little child"
"We spent the weekend at the Lodge for my cousin's wedding and had a ball"
"Over the years my children have graduated from the wading to the waterfall pool"
"We come to the Bavarian Inn every single year on this weekend"
My Mom's mashed potatoes are not as good as Dorothy's mashed potatoes"
Quality Food and Beverages
- Food is made with time-honored recipes with only the freshest ingredients
- Our own Metzgerei (meat department) makes and smokes our Bratwurst (sausage), Schnitzels, Sauerbraten and other meats
- Fresh baked goods such as Strudel, pretzels and Stollen (fruit and nut bread) are made in our bakery daily
- Michigans' greatest selection of German beer
Appealing, Distinctive Shops
- Unique merchandise, beautifully displayed
- Our own signature products such as seasoning, noodles and homemade preserves
Innovative Attractions and Special Events
- Family Fun Center surrounded by areas to relax and watch your loved ones
- Indoor Waterpark & Family Fun Center with Five Indoor Pools & Three Whirlpools
- 100 + Electronic Video & Redemption Games
- 2-Story German-Themed Children's Play Village
- Events for Red Hats groups, families, couples, Girl Scouts, wine lovers and more
Click Here to download the Restaurant History PDF
