The Bavarian Inn: A Legacy Of Hospitality For Generations

The Bavarian Inn is a restaurant and resort in Frankenmuth, Michigan, that was founded in 1888 as the Union House Hotel by Theodore Fischer. The hotel was renamed Fischer's Hotel and was passed down to Theodore's son, Herman, and his wife, Lydia, who are credited with promoting all-you-can-eat family-style chicken dinners. The hotel was then passed down to their son, Elmer, in 1941. In 1950, the hotel was sold to the Zehnder family and renamed the Bavarian Inn in 1959. The Bavarian Inn has been in operation for over 130 years and has become a popular vacation spot for families and couples, offering unique Bavarian-themed experiences, dining, and entertainment.

The Bavarian Inn Restaurant was founded in 1888

The Bavarian Inn Restaurant in Frankenmuth, Michigan, was founded in 1888 as the Union House Hotel by Theodore Fischer. It was later renamed Fischer's Hotel and was passed down to Theodore's son, Herman, and his wife, Lydia, who are known for promoting "Frankenmuth all-you-can-eat family-style chicken dinners." The couple then passed the hotel to their son, Elmer, in 1941.

In 1950, the hotel was sold to William & Emilie (Bickel) Zehnder, Sr., whose family has been operating the restaurant since 1928. The new owners modernized the kitchen, installed dishwashing equipment, built a laundry, and improved the building design. In 1959, the restaurant was renamed the Bavarian Inn, and it began to serve German dishes such as Schnitzel and Sauerbraten, as well as steak and seafood options. The restaurant has a unique Bavarian theme, with cobblestone walkways and Bavarian architecture, delivering a fairytale atmosphere for visitors.

The Bavarian Inn Restaurant has been a popular dining destination for tens of millions of guests, offering a world-class dining experience with home-cooked meals. It is renowned for its World-Famous "all-you-can-eat" family-style dinners, featuring platters of premium golden chicken. The restaurant also has various dining options, including two restaurants and lounges, providing nightly live entertainment.

The Bavarian Inn Lodge, located on the banks of the Cass River, is a world-class resort destination for families and couples. It offers unique accommodations and attractions, such as an indoor water park, mini-golf, laser tag, and a massive gaming area. The lodge brings over 130 years of experience, combining traditional charm with modern amenities, making it a sought-after vacation spot in Michigan's "Little Bavaria".

The Asam family has run the inn for over 45 years

The Bavarian Inn, a beloved German-themed restaurant and hotel in Frankenmuth, Michigan, has a long and fascinating history that is intertwined with the story of the Asam family. The Asams have been integral to the inn's success and have helped shape it into the iconic destination it is today.

For over 45 years, the Asam family has dedicatedly run the Bavarian Inn, establishing it as a staple of Frankenmuth's unique brand of hospitality. In 1959, William "Tiny" Zehnder Jr. and his wife, Margherite, opened the inn, which was initially called the Bavarian Inn Motel. The couple had a vision to create a unique, German-inspired experience, and their hard work laid the foundation for the inn's future success. However, it was the Asam family who stepped in to continue the Zehnder tradition of hospitality when Tiny and Margherite's children decided not to take over the business.

The Asams' association with the Bavarian Inn began with Dorothy "Dottie" Asam, who started working at the inn in 1961. Dottie's strong work ethic and dedication to guest satisfaction impressed the Zehnders, and she quickly rose through the ranks. She started as a desk clerk and eventually became the inn's general manager. Together with her husband, Jerome "Jerry" Asam, they took over the ownership and management of the Bavarian Inn in 1977. Under their stewardship, the inn expanded and thrived.

Jerry and Dottie Asam's commitment to excellence and their deep involvement in the community ensured the continued success of the Bavarian Inn. They were actively engaged in various organizations and initiatives, ensuring that the inn played a vital role in the life of Frankenmuth. Their dedication to preserving and promoting the town's unique German heritage was unwavering. The Asam family's involvement in the day-to-day operations and their commitment to guest satisfaction have been pivotal to the inn's enduring popularity.

Today, the second generation of the Asam family is involved in the business, carrying forward the traditions and values established by their predecessors. William "Bill" Asam Jr., the current president and CEO, and his sister, Dorothy "Dot" Asam-Moran, the executive vice president, have continued the family legacy. They have overseen significant expansions and renovations, ensuring that the Bavarian Inn remains a vibrant and modern destination while retaining its old-world charm. The family's commitment to hospitality and the preservation of Frankenmuth's German heritage has made the Bavarian Inn a beloved landmark, attracting visitors from near and far.

The inn has 72 luxury rooms

The Bavarian Inn has a rich history that dates back to its founding as the Union House Hotel in 1888 by Theodore Fischer. In 1959, the inn underwent a significant transformation when it was renamed the Bavarian Inn and re-decorated in a Bavarian theme. Today, the inn boasts 72 luxury rooms, each designed to immerse guests in the unique Bavarian culture and hospitality.

The rooms are located in the Schwartwald Haus, which was completed in 1994 as an addition to the original inn. The Schwartwald Haus is a testament to the inn's commitment to providing guests with a truly memorable experience. Each room is elegantly appointed, featuring luxurious furnishings and amenities that cater to the comfort and convenience of guests.

The attention to detail in the rooms extends beyond their aesthetic appeal. The inn offers a range of room types, including suites and standard rooms, each equipped with modern conveniences such as free Wi-Fi and spacious accommodations. The luxury rooms offer additional amenities, such as spacious bathrooms with soaking tubs, plush bathrobes, and premium bedding, ensuring a relaxing and indulgent stay.

Guests staying in the luxury rooms can also expect personalized services. The inn's dedicated staff is known for their warm hospitality, ensuring that each guest's needs are met with a focus on creating enjoyable experiences. From the moment guests check in, they are greeted with a welcoming atmosphere that makes them feel right at home.

The 72 luxury rooms at the Bavarian Inn are not just accommodations; they are an integral part of the inn's promise to provide a world-class resort experience. With their elegant design, attention to detail, and exceptional service, these rooms offer guests a chance to escape, relax, and create lasting memories in the heart of Michigan's "Little Bavaria".

The restaurant serves world-famous all-you-can-eat meals

The Bavarian Inn Restaurant in Frankenmuth, Michigan, has been serving its world-famous all-you-can-eat meals since 1888. Tens of millions of guests have enjoyed its home-cooked meals, including its renowned all-you-can-eat family-style dinners featuring platters of premium golden chicken. The restaurant also offers other all-you-can-eat options, such as steak and seafood, as well as authentic German dishes like Schnitzel and Sauerbraten.

The history of the Bavarian Inn's famous all-you-can-eat meals dates back to the early days of the restaurant, when it was known as the Union House Hotel, founded by Theodore Fischer in 1888. The tradition was continued by his son, Herman Fischer, and his wife, Lydia, who promoted the "Frankenmuth all-you-can-eat family-style chicken dinners." The Fischer family played a significant role in making the restaurant a popular destination for all-you-can-eat meals.

In 1950, the restaurant was sold to the Zehnder family, who continued the tradition of all-you-can-eat dining. The new owners, William and Emilie (Bickel) Zehnder, Sr., along with their son, William Jr., further developed the restaurant and expanded its offerings. They introduced new German entrees and enhanced the dining experience with "Bavarian"-costumed servers. The Zehnder family's dedication to hospitality and their unique recipes have made the Bavarian Inn a beloved destination for generations.

Today, the Bavarian Inn Restaurant is a thriving business, with 12 dining rooms that can accommodate up to 1,200 guests. The restaurant has become a landmark in Frankenmuth, known for its stunning 50-foot Glockenspiel and its depiction of the Pied Piper of Hameln. The inn's all-you-can-eat meals have attracted visitors from near and far, making it a popular choice for family gatherings and special occasions. The restaurant's success has led to the development of other amenities, including an indoor water park, mini-golf, laser tag, and a massive gaming area, making it a favourite vacation spot for families.

The inn is located on the banks of the Cass River

The Bavarian Inn is located on the banks of the Cass River in Frankenmuth, Michigan. The inn was founded as the Union House Hotel in 1888 by Theodore Fischer and was renamed "Fischer's Hotel". The hotel was then passed down to Theodore's son, Herman, and his wife, Lydia, who began serving "`all-you-can-eat` family-style chicken dinners". The couple passed the hotel down to their son, Elmer, in 1941.

In 1950, the hotel was sold to William & Emilie (Bickel) Zehnder, Sr., who had been operating Zehnder's Restaurant since 1928. Their son, William Jr, would often stop at Fischer's to pick up garbage to feed the hogs on his farm. After a particularly snowy Thanksgiving Day left Elmer Fischer with an oversupply of food, he decided to sell the hotel to the Zehnder family.

William "Tiny" Zehnder and his wife, Dorothy, took over management of the hotel. They modernised the kitchen, installed dishwashing equipment, built a laundry, and improved the building's design. The restaurant continued to lose money, and the family debated closing it. However, they ultimately decided to expand the hotel, adding an authentic Bavarian exterior and German entrees served by "Bavarian" costumed servers.

Today, the Bavarian Inn is a world-class resort destination for families and couples, offering unique Bavarian-themed accommodations and attractions. The inn features an indoor water park, indoor mini golf, laser tag, a massive gaming area, and a scenic river path for leisurely strolls. The Bavarian Inn has become a beloved Frankenmuth tradition, with generations of guests returning to experience the charm of Old Bavaria.

Frequently asked questions