Zehnder’s opened its doors for business on Mother’s Day, 1929, and served up a total of 312 chicken dinners. This year, 5,000 guests are expected on Sunday, May 12, for Zehnder’s 95th Mother’s Day celebration. Just 90 miles north of Detroit, Zehnder’s is part of the Bavarian-theme town of Frankenmuth, one of Michigan’s top tourist destinations.
Albert Zehnder, Zehnder’s CEO and Chairman is a third generation Zehnder who has celebrated Mother’s Day in the kitchen, on the serving floors and as the leader of the James Beard award-winning restaurant. “It is our tradition that every family member is trained in as many areas of business as possible. Fourth generation family members will join our leadership team and more than 350 restaurant employees for one of our busiest days of the year on Sunday, May 12th.”
Guests will be served in the 1,500-seat restaurant and a Mother’s Day brunch will be available in Z Chef’s Cafe on the lower level. Reservations for the Buffet and Dinner can be made online or by calling (989) 652-0450. For Mother’s Day brunch, buffet and dinner menus, click here.
Nominate Mom as Mother of the Year
In celebration of Mother’s Day, Zehnder’s will sponsor its 31st annual Mother of the Year contest. Individuals can enter by writing a poem in 50 words or less why their mother should be selected as “Zehnder’s Mother of the Year”. The winning mother will receive a Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth Mother’s Day dinner for up to 10 family members (including Mom); a Zehnder’s overnight package for four at Zehnder’s Splash Village Hotel & Waterpark; and a recognition plaque. To enter, send entries by Thursday, May 2, 2024 to:
Mother of the Year Contest
Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth
730 S. Main Street
Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Or email to: webmaster@zehnders.com
Entries must include the name of the nominated mother, and the name, address and day phone number of the individual submitting the nomination. Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth officials will select the winning entry. The winner will be notified by Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
Look like Mom? Enter the annual “Mom and Me” Contest
Once again, Zehnder’s will host the annual Mom and Me Look-Alike Photo Contest. Beginning on May 1, 2024, submit a look-alike mother/child photo. Upload an entry by May 31, 2024.
Enter the contest by uploading images for the contest at: www.zehnders.com/mom-and-me. Zehnder’s will choose the top five photo entry finalists. Voting for the top 3 photos begins on June 5, 2024 and concludes on June 12, 2024 at 12 noon. The winning entry will receive a $250 Zehnder’s gift card. The second place prize is diner’s choice menu for four at Zehnder’s; the third place is a Zehnder’s Family Style Chicken Dinner for two.
