Some restaurants come and go, but a few become traditions that families return to again and again.
One Michigan restaurant has been doing exactly that since 1929, serving up famous chicken dinners that have attracted generations of loyal customers.
What started as a small family business has grown into one of the most recognizable dining destinations in the state, welcoming travelers from across Michigan and beyond.
If you’ve ever wondered what makes this place so special, get ready to discover its story, what to expect when you visit, and why so many people keep coming back.
Where Is It?
You’ll find Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth at 730 S. Main Street in Frankenmuth, a small city in the Great Lakes Bay Region often called “Michigan’s Little Bavaria.”
The restaurant sits in the heart of downtown, close to popular attractions like Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the Bavarian Inn, and the scenic Cass River.
It’s also about a 20-minute drive from Saginaw, 30 minutes from Flint, 1 hour and 15 minutes from Lansing, 1.5 hours from Detroit, and around 2 hours from Grand Rapids.
About
Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth is one of Michigan’s most famous restaurants, drawing hundreds of thousands of diners each year for its iconic family-style chicken dinners.
The signature meal features all-you-can-eat fried chicken that comes with an impressive lineup of side dishes, including mashed potatoes, egg noodles, dressing, and vegetables.
The menu also features Bavarian sausages, Schnitzel Franconian, Great Lakes yellow perch, and chicken alfredo for lunch, plus a Sunday buffet with carved prime rib.
If you still have room for dessert, be sure to save some space for treats like chocolate cake, strawberry pie, shortcake, and cheesecake.
Each order brings plenty of food to the table, creating the kind of feast that has made Zehnder’s a destination for generations of Michigan families.
And if the meals sound huge, wait until you see the place itself, which seats 1,500 guests and is considered one of the largest restaurants of its kind in the United States.
Beyond the dining rooms, you’ll find a bakery, a marketplace, and banquet facilities that host everything from birthdays and anniversaries to reunions and holiday gatherings.
So whether you’re stopping by during a weekend getaway or making a special trip to Frankenmuth, a meal at Zehnder’s is worth experiencing for yourself.
History
The story of Zehnder’s began in late 1928, when William and Emilie Zehnder purchased the New Exchange Hotel in Frankenmuth.
The building dates back to 1856, making it one of the oldest commercial structures in the community.
After buying the property, the couple spent months renovating it, drawing inspiration from George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate.
Their hard work paid off on Mother’s Day 1929, when Zehnder’s officially opened its doors and served 312 guests on its very first day.
The restaurant faced its share of challenges during the early years, operating through both the Great Depression and the final years of Prohibition.
Even so, William remained optimistic and worked tirelessly to promote both the restaurant and the village of Frankenmuth.
As Zehnder’s popularity grew, it earned a reputation for its family-style chicken dinners and attracted visitors from across Michigan and beyond.
Along the way, new dining rooms and facilities were added, all while the business continued to be led by the Zehnder family.
Multiple generations helped guide its growth while preserving the hospitality and traditions that made it successful.
Today, nearly a century after opening, Zehnder’s remains a beloved Michigan landmark and one of the city’s most popular attractions.
Its longevity reflects both the enduring popularity of its famous chicken dinners and the important role it has played in the community’s growth over the years.
Know Before You Go
Hours and Reservations
Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth is open daily, with its main dining room operating from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 9:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
The bakery, marketplace, and other areas of the complex operate on separate schedules.
Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly on weekends, during summer vacation months, and throughout November and December.
Best Time to Visit
For the most comfortable experience, consider visiting on a weekday when crowds are usually smaller.
Weekends and holiday periods are often the busiest times, especially during Frankenmuth’s peak tourism seasons.
Parking
On-site parking is available behind the restaurant, making it a convenient option in downtown Frankenmuth, where street parking can fill up quickly.
What to Expect From the Menu
The restaurant offers both family-style meals and individual plated entrées.
The signature all-you-can-eat family-style chicken dinner costs $32.95 per person, while lunch entrées typically range from $16.95 to $22.95.
If you’re visiting on Sunday, the buffet is priced at $42.95 per person.
Children’s meals are also available, and the restaurant frequently offers special menus for holidays and seasonal events.
Nearby Attractions
Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or an entire weekend, there are plenty of nearby attractions worth adding to your itinerary.
Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland is just a 5-minute drive away and covers roughly 320,000 square feet, making it the largest Christmas store in the world.
You can also stroll through River Place Shops, a Bavarian-themed shopping complex home to more than 40 specialty stores, bakeries, and cafés.
For some family-friendly fun, head to Zehnder’s Splash Village, an indoor waterpark just two minutes away with a pool, multiple water slides, and play areas.
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