Wish Dorothy a Happy Birthday!
It’s a big year! Dorothy Zehnder, co-founder of the family-owned Bavarian Inn Restaurant, will celebrate her 100th birthday on Wednesday, December 1, 2021.
At 100 years young, Dorothy still works almost every day. “Dorothy loves people,” says granddaughter Katie Zehnder Weiss. “She loves to cook and bring joy to people with our many menu offerings.”
For more than 80 years, Dorothy has been instrumental with the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn and the many operations under that name. The diverse array of businesses includes the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Castle Shops, Bavarian Inn Lodge, River Place Shops, Covered Bridge Shop, Frank’s Muth, Frankenmuth Cheese Haus, a specialty line of food products, and an online store.
A recent Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame inductee and recipient of the Saginaw Lifetime Achievement Award, Dorothy is also the author of three cookbooks, “Cookies and Bars” published in 1986. “Come Cook with Me,” published in 2011, and the follow-up “From My Kitchen to Yours,” published in 2014. Her most recent cookbook “From My Kitchen to Yours” is filled with stories about Dorothy, cooking, her family and the German-themed restaurant they created.
Dorothy, growing up on a farm in nearby Reese, Michigan, founded the Bavarian Inn with her late husband, William “Tiny” Zehnder. At full employment the Bavarian Inn Corporation has approximately 1,000 employees, serves thousands of people in a day and approximately 900,000 meals annually, and ranks in the top 50 largest family-run restaurants in the USA. Dorothy’s children and their spouses, along with her grandchildren – a total of 9 family members – work alongside her every day to continue the success story of the Bavarian Inn. When not working, she spends time with her 3 children, 10 grandchildren, and 22 great grandchildren.
Fans of Dorothy are invited to send her birthday greetings by email: events@bavarianinn.com.
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. The Bavarian Inn Restaurant ranks #50 out of the top 100 independent restaurants in the USA and is the top rated restaurant in all of Michigan. 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/.
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.
See photos of Dorothy through her decades-long career at https://bavarianinn.logos-communications.com/dorothy-zehnder/100th-birthday-gallery/.
Bavarian Inn Lodge online press room: https://bavarianinnlodge.logos-communications.com.
