The crisp air, changing leaves, and comforting flavors of fall, signal the return of a beloved Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Restaurant tradition: Blue Hubbard Squash. For nearly six decades, this autumn favorite has been making its way from a local farm to Bavarian Inn tables, connecting generations of families, farmers, and guests along the way.
The story of Bavarian Inn’s Blue Hubbard Squash began in 1966, when our founder, Tiny Zehnder, asked local farmer and friend, Fred Weiss, to grow Blue Hubbard Squash specifically for Bavarian Inn Restaurant. What began as a partnership between two friends has grown into a seasonal tradition that continues nearly 60 years later.
Every year, the Weiss family begins preparing for the next harvest in May. Throughout the summer, they carefully tend to the fields, nurturing the squash until it is ready for its autumn debut. The farming process remains refreshingly hands-on. As Jim Dohrmann, Fred Weiss’ son-in-law, describes it, the family is “efficiently old-fashioned.” The squash is hoed, tended, and ultimately harvested by hand, preserving a farming tradition that has become an important part of the Blue Hubbard Squash story.
When early fall arrives, it’s time for one of the most anticipated days of the season: the annual “Squash Up.” The Weiss family, along with volunteers from the community, gathers at the farm to harvest the squash that will soon make its way to Bavarian Inn Restaurant. Together, they collect the bounty of the summer and prepare it for its journey from the fields to our kitchen.
Once the squash arrives at Bavarian Inn, our culinary team prepares it using our founder Dorothy Zehnder’s famous blend of seasonings and spices, creating the warm, comforting flavor our guests have come to know and love. Beginning in late September, Blue Hubbard Squash will be featured as our vegetable of the day through December, and will also make special appearances throughout the year.
Guests may also bring a squash home from our Castle Shops Bakery for just $10. Proceeds from each squash benefit Underground Railroad, continuing our tradition of giving back to the community
From the Weiss family’s fields to the Bavarian Inn kitchen, Blue Hubbard Squash tells a story of friendship, family, farming, and community. For nearly six decades, the tradition has continued from one generation to the next, much like the Zehnder family’s commitment to creating enjoyable experiences for our guests. We invite you to join us in savoring the warmth of this autumn harvest season, one that has connected thousands of families and guests!
