Emily Carter
The two primary Frankenmuth chicken restaurants, Bavarian Inn and Zehnder’s, have been serving up family-style chicken dinners for decades. Both restaurants are owned by the Zehnder family and are located across the street from each other. Bavarian Inn is German-themed, while Zehnder's is early American-style. While it is unclear which restaurant sells more chicken, Zehnder's is the largest independent family restaurant in the United States.
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What You'll Learn
- Zehnder's of Frankenmuth is a popular tourist destination, serving nearly a million guests annually
- The Bavarian Inn in Michigan offers a unique experience with its world-famous family-style chicken dinners
- The Bavarian Inn in West Virginia is a fine dining luxury resort with an infinity pool and scenic views
- Zehnder's has nine dining rooms, serving over 1,500 guests with a full-service menu
- The Bavarian Inn in Michigan features a waterpark, indoor mini-golf, laser tag, and more on its seven-acre property
Zehnder's of Frankenmuth is a popular tourist destination, serving nearly a million guests annually
Zehnder's is early American-style and features meals with an American flair. It also has a golf course, a water park, lodging, and retail. The restaurant has undergone several expansions over the years to cater to the increasing number of tourists.
Bavarian Inn, located across the street from Zehnder's, is also a popular restaurant in Frankenmuth. It was opened in 1959 by the Zehnder family and features German-themed meals and traditional American dishes. The restaurant has hosted more than 20 million guests since 1888.
Both restaurants are famous for their all-you-can-eat family-style chicken dinners. While some people prefer the chicken at Bavarian Inn, others enjoy the prime rib at Zehnder's. The two restaurants are owned by different branches of the Zehnder family and offer distinct dining experiences.
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The Bavarian Inn in Michigan offers a unique experience with its world-famous family-style chicken dinners
The Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth, Michigan, is a world-class resort destination for families, couples, and anyone craving a unique dining experience. Nestled on the banks of the Cass River, the Bavarian Inn offers a trip to "Little Bavaria", with its German-themed meals and traditional American dishes.
The Inn is renowned for its world-famous, family-style chicken dinners, which have been a staple since 1888. Over 20 million guests have savoured their delicious all-you-can-eat chicken feasts, alongside German specialties like Schnitzel and Sauerbraten. The Bavarian Inn's chicken has become so iconic that it has sparked debates on forums, with some claiming it to be superior to its competitor, Zehnders.
The Bavarian Inn provides a true German dining experience, from the authentic food to its 12 unique dining rooms, seating 1200 people. The Inn also offers a range of other attractions, including indoor pools, a water park, mini-golf, laser tag, and a massive gaming area, ensuring that there is something for everyone in the family.
When it comes to cost, the Bavarian Inn may offer a more economical option for larger groups, as it charges a child rate for younger diners, whereas Zehnder's tends to charge the adult rate for older children. The Bavarian Inn also provides the convenience of takeout, allowing guests to enjoy their famous chicken dinners on-the-go.
Whether you're a local or a visitor to Michigan, the Bavarian Inn offers a memorable dining experience. With its combination of family recipes, fresh ingredients, and unique atmosphere, it's no wonder that the Bavarian Inn has become a beloved destination for so many, serving up its world-famous chicken dinners for over a century.
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The Bavarian Inn in West Virginia is a fine dining luxury resort with an infinity pool and scenic views
The Bavarian Inn in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, is a luxury resort offering fine dining, an infinity pool, and scenic views. Nestled on a bluff overlooking the Potomac River, this 11-acre European-inspired boutique resort combines comfort and elegance with award-winning food and service.
The resort's 72 guest rooms exude a cosy Alpine lodge ambiance, with many featuring gas fireplaces, whirlpool baths, and spacious sitting areas. For the ultimate indulgence, the Royal and Presidential Suites boast double-sized Jacuzzi bathtubs.
The centerpiece of the resort is undoubtedly its Infinity 101 Pool, which offers breathtaking views of the river and the historic Grey Stone Manor. Guests can relax by the pool during the warmer months, soaking in the picturesque scenery while enjoying a refreshing swim.
When it comes to dining, the Bavarian Inn delivers a unique experience. The restaurant showcases a blend of classic German cuisine, including Schnitzel and Sauerbraten, alongside traditional American dishes. Their world-famous ""all-you-can-eat" family-style chicken dinners have attracted over 20 million guests since 1888, making it a beloved Frankenmuth tradition.
While the Bavarian Inn in West Virginia offers a luxurious getaway, it is distinct from the Bavarian Inn Restaurant in Frankenmuth, Michigan, which is renowned for its chicken dinners. The Michigan location is part of the same family that owns Zehnder's, its sister restaurant, which also serves famous family-style chicken dinners. Both restaurants are well-known among locals and tourists alike, with some preferring the chicken at Bavarian Inn, while others favour Zehnder's for its prime rib and early American-style menu.
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Zehnder's has nine dining rooms, serving over 1,500 guests with a full-service menu
Zehnder's and Bavarian Inn are both famous for their all-you-can-eat family-style chicken dinners. However, they differ in their dining experiences. Zehnder's has nine dining rooms, serving over 1500 guests with a full-service menu. This means that Zehnder's can accommodate a large number of guests at once, making it a great option for large groups or gatherings.
The restaurant offers a variety of dining options, including a buffet and a full-service menu. The full-service menu allows guests to order from a wide range of options, ensuring that they can find something to suit their tastes and preferences. Zehnder's also offers early American-style meals with a modern American twist, so guests can enjoy a unique dining experience.
In contrast, Bavarian Inn is German-themed and features German and traditional American meals. The Inn offers an authentic German dining experience, with family-style meals and a cosy atmosphere. The Bavarian Inn's chicken dinners are world-famous, and the restaurant has attracted over 20 million guests since 1888.
While Zehnder's has a larger seating capacity, it's important to consider that both restaurants are owned by different branches of the Zehnder family. The Edwin Zehnder family owns Zehnder's, while the William Zehnder family owns the Bavarian Inn. Each family puts its unique twist on the chicken dinners and dining experience.
Some guests have noted that Zehnder's can accommodate large groups and has a more American-style menu, while the Bavarian Inn offers a cosy, German-themed experience. The Bavarian Inn is also noted to have a children's menu that is preferred by some kids. Ultimately, both restaurants offer a unique dining experience, and it comes down to individual preferences for cost, atmosphere, and specific menu items.
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The Bavarian Inn in Michigan features a waterpark, indoor mini-golf, laser tag, and more on its seven-acre property
The Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth, Michigan, is a unique, world-class resort destination for families and couples. It features a seven-acre property with a range of attractions and entertainment options, making it a fun-filled getaway for all ages.
One of the highlights of the Bavarian Inn is its indoor waterpark, Bavarian Blast. This exciting attraction offers various water-based thrills, including the gnarliest indoor wave in Michigan, known as "the Big Kahuna". Visitors can also enjoy four indoor pools, two water slides, and three whirlpools. The waterpark provides fun for all ages, with designated areas for both adults and children.
In addition to the waterpark, the Bavarian Inn offers a variety of indoor activities. Guests can test their skills at the Dragon's Lair black-light laser tag arena, which features state-of-the-art special effects and multiple game formats. For those seeking a challenge, the three-story Jacob's High Flying Adventure Ropes Course promises adrenaline-pumping excitement with over 24 aerial obstacles to navigate. The Bavarian Inn also boasts an 18-hole indoor mini-golf course, mini-bowling, and a massive gaming area with over 180 arcade and redemption games.
The Bavarian Inn also caters to guests seeking relaxation and dining experiences. The resort offers dining options such as the world-famous ""all-you-can-eat" family-style chicken dinners, as well as authentic German cuisine. Guests can also indulge in the unique experience of pretzel rolling at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant. With its seven acres of entertainment and dining options, the Bavarian Inn in Michigan is a premier destination for families and individuals seeking a fun and memorable getaway.
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Frequently asked questions
Zehnder’s is the more popular restaurant, with 1,600 seats and 970,156 guests in 2022, resulting in sales of more than $19.3 million. Bavarian Inn served an estimated 790,392 guests in 2022, resulting in sales of $15.7 million.
Zehnder's is cheaper, with an average check of $19.85 per person, while Bavarian Inn has a slightly higher average check of $23.07. For a family of three adults and two children, Zehnder's charged $105, while Bavarian Inn charged $118 for five adults and two children.
Zehnder's is designed to resemble Mount Vernon and is known for its "all-you-care-to-eat" fried chicken dinners served by servers wearing Early American costumes. Bavarian Inn is more German-themed, with servers wearing traditional German dirndls and lederhosen.
While both restaurants are known for their chicken dinners, some customers prefer the chicken at Bavarian Inn, while others claim that there is not much difference between the two.
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