Zehnder's of Frankenmuth history

The November 12, 1930 issue of the Bay City Times reported that the $8,000 forfeited by the Fischer’s was “the largest ever imposed and collected for a violation of the prohibition law….”

Zehnder’s Restaurant – circa 1940’s

The building was built in 1948.

The Zehnder family had the opportunity to buy the competition, Fischer’s Hotel, and did so in January of 1950.

The Bavarian Inn and the Bavarian FestivalIn May of 1955, Tiny Zehnder discussed the idea of “adding atmosphere” to Fischer’s Hotel by adding Bavarian architecture.

1957… Rupprecht’s Sausage was the first building built in the “Alpine-style” architecture.

1960 & current… More buildings adopt Alpine-style architecture.

1962… Frankenmuth became third city in America to join the People-to-People program.

1963… Civic Events Council formed to organize and manage Bavarian Festival.

The Era of Eddie and Tiny ZehnderIn 1965, Eddie and Tiny purchased the business from their remaining brothers and sisters.

1969… Location of Bavarian Festival moved to Heritage Park.

1970’s… Bavarian Mall opened on north end of Frankenmuth spurring continued development of north end of town.

1976… Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland built new building on south end of Frankenmuth spurring development of south end of town.

1977… Marv Herzog and Harold Mitas organized the first Summer Polka Fest.

1980-81… Old St Lorenz School/Frankenmuth Middle School converted to School Haus Square shopping mall.

1982… Nickless-Hubinger Flour Mill opened third Flour Mill on that site.

GolfIn 1984, Zehnder’s purchased the then 9-hole Frankenmuth Golf and Country Club.

1986… Bavarian Inn Lodge opened phase one (100 rooms.)

1987… Twenty five years of Sister City visits and programs celebrated.

LodgingIn 1988, Zehnder’s purchased the 114-room Bavarian Haus Motel.

1989… Bavarian Inn Lodge opened phase two (98 additional rooms.)

1991… Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland opened new expansion (total building space now 201,243 square feet.)

To the amazement of everyone, the first Zehnder’s SnowFest held in 1992, attracted over 90,000 people.

1993… Bavarian Festival celebrates 35th Anniversary.

1995… Bavarian Inn Lodge opened Phase three (156 additional rooms).

1998… Bavarian Inn Lodge adds $3 million dollar meeting & convention area.

1999… Frankenmuth Credit Union constructs new facility.

2000… Removal of the G. Heileman Brewing Company for the Phase 1 of the Frankenmuth River Place.

2002…SpringHill Suites by Marriott opens bringing a sixth hotel property to Frankenmuth.

Due to poor health, Tiny resigned from the management of the Bavarian Inn in 2004.

The new 152-room indoor water park hotel, Zehnder’s Splash Village, opened June 2005.

He remained Chairman of the Board of Bavarian Inn, Inc. until his death in 2006.

2009…Frankenmuth Brewery re-opened under new ownership.