As a family-owned and operated company, tradition and family have always been at the heart of everything we do. We believe tradition is the bridge that connects us to our ancestors, our family, and our roots. It’s the anchor that grounds us in a constantly changing world. Tradition gives us a sense of belonging and identity, reminding us of who we are and where we come from. Whether it’s a family recipe passed down for generations or a holiday celebration that has been a part of our family for as long as we can remember, tradition holds a special place in our hearts. It’s a precious gift that we can pass on to future generations, a legacy that will endure long after we are gone. This holiday season we thought we’d share some of our Thanksgiving traditions as they are they have become an integral part of our company’s culture and identity.
A Bavarian Inn Zehnder family tradition is putting on our hair nets and gloves to help put on our Thanksgiving dinner hosted at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Lodge. Our ancestor’s legacy of quality customer service and provisions all year long remains a significant part of our lives. We believe that by carrying on these traditions we keep the legacy of Dorothy and Judy Zehnder alive.
“At the age of 10, all of us in the 4th generation started working in the kitchen under Grandma Dorothy’s tutelage. On Thanksgiving, we knew we would be trimming turkey or whatever Grandma had lined up for us. One Thanksgiving over 30 years ago I recall sitting in the kitchen around a table of turkey bones with my brother Michael and cousins Amy and Paula. My grandfather Tiny came to us and I could see the look of pride on his face to see four of his grandchildren working together in the business he and his wife Dorothy started. I will never forget that moment.” – Martha Zehnder Kaczynski
“Many families have been celebrating Thanksgiving with us for generations. It is a true honor and privilege to serve these families each year.” – Amy Zehnder Grossi
Bringing families together for a stress-free gathering is our hope every holiday. Our goal in hosting our Thanksgiving Harvest Buffet hosted at the Bavarian Inn Lodge is to do just that. No grocery shopping, cleaning, or cooking because we do it all for you. Leaving the only thing for you and your family to do is connect over a quality meal.
Our Thanksgiving Harvest Buffet hosted at the Bavarian Inn Lodge offers a diverse selection of delectable options. Guests can indulge in a refreshing salad table, a savory and traditional hot table, and a mouth-watering dessert table. Annually, our family is filled with gratitude to have the opportunity to serve a full house of guests. The Thanksgiving meals we offer are always well-appreciated by locals and tourists and often sell out quickly.
Visit our menu here to see the options we include in our Thanksgiving Harvest Buffet.
Embracing our long-standing tradition of providing memorable dining experiences, The Bavarian Inn Restaurant creates an incredible Thanksgiving meal. A true holiday delight, our menu features three different family-style meals that guests can choose from. Our menu features three signature entrees the Ultimate Family Style Bavarian Dinner, the All-You-Can-Eat Frankenmuth Style Chicken Dinner, and the All-You-Can-Eat-Frankenmuth Style Chicken & Roast Turkey. However, if you’re taste buds crave the taste of Germany while visiting little Bavaria, we also feature a variety of traditional German cuisine.
Click to read more about the Bavarian Inn Restaurants Menu
There is something so special about having a meal around a table or home that has been a part of the family for generations. This is why we decided to create our Thanksgiving Take-Out menu. Our take-out dinner includes a Whole Roasted Turkey, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Baked Dressing, Buttered Noodles, Blue Hubbard Squash, Cole Slaw, Cranberry Relish, Bavarian Inn Seasoning, and one loaf of the Bavarian Inn House-made Bread. We also have the option to add a Pumpkin or Apple pie! All of this without the hassle of prepping and cooking for days.
Click here to see more information on our Thanksgiving Takeout Dinner
The significance of tradition and connection over quality food cannot be overstated. These two values are incredibly important to the Bavarian Inn Zehnder family. Our hope is that guests feel connected and reminded of the importance of these values when visiting the Bavarian Inn properties. Every holiday season we are filled with gratitude as we always host a full house.
