Zehnder's News

	Zehnder's 2010 Mother of the Year was awarded to Julie Vitale of Bay City My Mom, Julie Vitale She makes me breakfast, She combs my hair. My clothes are clean, And she's always there. She taught me about God, And kindness to others. And always expects it, From me and my brothers. She should win, And I'll tell you why, Because she's the best, And that's no lie. Love, Christian Vitale
The winning poem on why his mom should be Mother of the Year was written by Julie's 9-year old son, Christian Vitale.
Congratulations Julie!

ZEHNDER'S OF FRANKENMUTH RANKS AS A
TOP RESTAURANT ICON IN THE U.S.

Only Michigan restaurant to receive honor...

FRANKENMUTH, MI - February 11, 2010 - Zehnder's of Frankenmuth, the 1,500 seat family restaurant located in Frankenmuth, Mich., has received numerous honors during its 150 year plus history. The latest mark of distinction was bestowed upon Zehnder's by Nations Restaurant News (NRN) in their January 25, 2010 edition in an article entitled, "All American Icons." According to NRN they focused on the 50 restaurants nationwide that "stole our hearts and stood the test of time." Not only did Zehnder's make the nationwide list as one of the top 50 restaurant icons, it was the only Michigan restaurant chosen by NRN editors.

"We had no idea that Zehnder's was going to be part of this prestigious list and we are very proud. We could not do it without our family of dedicated employees who have helped keep our traditions strong and true. Over the years we have experienced great highs and challenging economic periods. Through it all, our guests expect and deserve a quality experience, and we make it our business to deliver the best food, service and hospitality every day," said Zehnder's Chairman and CEO, Al Zehnder.

In April 2009, Restaurants & Institutions, another restaurant trade publication, ranked Zehnder's the number one independent restaurant in the country serving 966,835 meals in 2008. It was the third consecutive year for the top honor.

ZEHNDER'S OF FRANKENMUTH - A 2009 TOP GROSSING RESTAURANT
Restaurant & Institutions Ranks Top 100 Highest Grossing US Independent Restaurants

FRANKENMUTH, MI - April 10, 2010 - Zehnder's of Frankenmuth, the 1,500 seat family restaurant located in Frankenmuth, Mich., was named one of the top grossing independent restaurants in the country in 2009 by Restaurant & Institutions, a restaurant trade publication. Zehnder's is ranked 39th in the nation with gross sales of $13,824,875. The restaurant also served nearly one million guests, and had the lowest average dinner check amount of $14.06 among all the top grossing 100 independent restaurants. In addition, Zehnder's served 983,120 guests which placed them second among the top 100.

"Considering the weak economy nationwide and especially in Michigan, we are most pleased with our 2009 performance. We worked to strengthen the Zehnder's brand in every way and continue to provide great food and service to keep our guests coming back for more," said Zehnder's Chairman and CEO Al Zehnder. "Our family of employees truly makes a difference when it comes to understanding good hospitality. Some staff members have been with us for more than 30 years."

Known for its popular all-you-can-eat family-style chicken dinners since 1929, Zehnder's recently was named an American icon by Nations Restaurant News (NRN), another major restaurant trade publication. According to NRN, they focused on the 50 restaurants nationwide that "stole our hearts and stood the test of time." Not only did Zehnder's make the nationwide list as one of the top 50 restaurant icons, it was the only Michigan restaurant chosen by NRN editors.

Zehnder's is gearing up for one of its biggest days of the year - Mother's Day, when the restaurant typically serves more than 5,000 meals. All-you-can-eat family-style chicken dinners are the most popular menu item and guests consume more than 840,000 pounds of chicken every year. The restaurant's menu also offers seafood, steaks, fresh baked goods and European desserts.

The Bavarian town of Frankenmuth, 90 miles north of Detroit, is one of the state's top tourist destinations with more than 3 million visitors each year. In addition to Zehnder's 1,500 seat restaurant with a marketplace, bakery and gift store, Zehnder's of Frankenmuth owns and operates Zehnder's Splash Village Hotel and Waterpark, and the 18-hole championship golf course, The Fortress. In 1998, Golf Digest recognized The Fortress as one of the top 450 public golf courses in the United States Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Frankenmuth was voted the best day trip in Michigan by Detroit News readers and Zehnder's was honored as one of the top vacation-stop restaurants in the state. Learn more about Zehnder's at www.zehnders.com or call 800-863-7999, central reservations for dining, golf, meetings and lodging.

JOHN ZEHNDER AWARDED THOMAS JEFFERSON AWARD

Chef John Zehnder, CEC, AAC is the 2009 recipient of the Thomas Jefferson Award for culinary excellence. This national award was presented by the ACF Capital Chefs of Greater Lansing on February 7th at a reception held at the Golden Rose Restaurant in Mason, MI. Given in conjunction with the American Culinary Federation National Office in St. Augustine, FL, Chef Zehnder is only the fifth chef to receive the honor dedicated to our third U.S. President who is often called our fist gourmet president. Past recipients include Chef Jack Braun, CEC, AAC from Pittsburg, PA, Chef Owner of

the Braun Restaurant Group and Past ACF President; Chef Milos Cihelka, CMC, AAC, retired Executive Chef of the Golden Mushroom Restaurant in Detroit; Chef Jan Vardonschot, CEC, AAC, Executive Chef for Famous-Barr in St. Louis, MO, Chef John McCormack, CEC, CCE, AAC Executive Chef at the Detroit Athletic Club. Congratulations Chef!

PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT ZEHNDER'S ...

Snowfest 2004 Zehnder's of Frankenmuth is built upon tradition. It means a great deal to the Zehnder's family and staff to renew friendships and celebrate special occasions with our guests.
To meet some of our guests or to submit your comments or stories. Click here for more information

Zehnder's Testimonials
2010 ACF Awards

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