Ranked #1 in Michigan
FRANKENMUTH, MI – October 28, 2016 – Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth, the 1,500 seat family restaurant located in Frankenmuth, Mich., was ranked number two in the country in the number of meals served among all US independent restaurants according to the hospitality trade, Restaurant Business magazine. The popular family restaurant served 967,298 guests with a guest check average of $14 in 2015. Last year Zehnder’s also ranked #1 in the number of guests served among independent Michigan restaurants; 2015 total sales registered at $14,802,943.
According to Restaurant Business, “The restaurants in this year’s Top 100 Independents ranking had total food and beverage revenues of roughly $1.8 billion in 2015. It’s a number in focus, especially amid chain restaurants’ current state of slumping sales. Yet independents aren’t without their own challenges—labor top among them. Those that endure are an example to all operators that being nimble, resilient and thoughtful about guests and employees is a formula fit for the times.”
Providing outstanding customer service to guests is paramount to the success of Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth. “Our employees understand the need for service excellence. Our entire restaurant staff of over 500 demonstrates a commitment to our family dining hospitality standards every day, “said Zehnder’s Chairman and CEO Al Zehnder. Known for its popular all-you-can-eat family-style chicken dinners, Zehnder’s was named an American icon by Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN) another major restaurant trade publication in 2010; it was the only Michigan restaurant chosen by NRN editors among the top 50 restaurants cited.
Zehnder’s opened on Mother’s Day in 1929, and served 312 chicken dinners at $1 each.
“Last year we served nearly 7,000 guests on Thanksgiving Day,” said Zehnder.
“Our busiest days each year continue to be Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Zehnder’s Snowfest Weekend along with serving over 4,000 to 5,000 guests each weekend day October through December.”
