This Michigan Restaurant Has Been Run By The Same Family For Generations And It’s Still Hard To Get A Table
Finding a restaurant that has stood the test of time is rare, but Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth has been serving up comfort food since 1928. This family-owned gem has been passed down through generations, keeping traditions alive while still drawing massive crowds.
With its famous family-style chicken dinners and welcoming atmosphere, getting a table here can be quite the challenge, especially during peak tourist season. I still remember the first time I took my seat and was greeted with the smell of warm rolls and gravy-it felt like coming home.
A Legacy That Started Nearly A Century Ago
William Zehnder Sr. opened the doors to this restaurant in 1928, and his family has kept it running ever since. What started as a small operation has grown into one of Michigan’s most beloved dining destinations. The commitment to quality and tradition has been passed down through four generations of the Zehnder family.
Each generation has added their own touch while respecting the recipes and hospitality standards established nearly a century ago. The restaurant has expanded significantly over the decades, but the heart of the operation remains the same.
Family values and homestyle cooking continue to define every meal served. Visiting Zehnder’s means experiencing a piece of Michigan history that refuses to fade away.
The Famous Family-Style Chicken Dinner Everyone Raves About
Zehnder’s signature offering is their all-you-can-eat family-style chicken dinner, priced at around thirty-two dollars per person. The meal starts with appetizers like creamy coleslaw, cranberry salad, cottage cheese, and chicken noodle soup. Then comes the main event with perfectly seasoned fried chicken served alongside mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, buttered noodles, and seasonal vegetables.
Guests rave about the crispy yet juicy chicken that manages to avoid being greasy. The portions are generous, and servers keep bringing more until you wave the white flag.
Soft-serve ice cream rounds out this feast, leaving diners satisfied and probably needing a nap.
Service That Makes You Feel Like Family
Walking into Zehnder’s feels like stepping into a relative’s home where everyone genuinely wants you to have a great time. The servers wear matching traditional outfits that add to the authentic atmosphere and help create that special experience. They’re known for being attentive, friendly, and patient even during the busiest rushes.
I remember visiting during a particularly hectic Saturday afternoon, and our waitress still managed to keep our drinks filled and check on us regularly. The staff takes pride in transparency, always letting guests know about any upcharges before ordering.
The carving station staff even interact with guests, adding personal touches that make meals memorable.
A Grand Atmosphere That Impresses Before You Even Sit Down
The moment you enter Zehnder’s, you’re greeted by a massive waiting area with plenty of comfortable seating. The interior features grand architecture with wooden beams and traditional German-inspired touches throughout. Large booths in the dining rooms provide privacy and comfort for families and groups of all sizes.
The restaurant transforms with the seasons, and right after Halloween, the entire place gets decked out in stunning Christmas decorations. The size of the facility is impressive, yet somehow the staff manages to maintain quality service despite serving hundreds of diners daily.
The folksy atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between casual and special occasion dining. Every corner offers something interesting to look at while you wait for your table.
The Bakery Downstairs Is A Must-Visit Sweet Escape
After finishing your meal, head downstairs to discover Zehnder’s bakery, which serves as the perfect ending to your visit. The bakery offers wonderful fresh-baked bread, cookies, and other treats that guests consistently praise. Many people purchase items to take home, extending their Zehnder’s experience beyond the dining room.
The aroma of fresh baking fills the lower level, making it nearly impossible to resist grabbing something sweet. The shops downstairs also provide entertainment and unique Michigan souvenirs worth browsing.
Combined with the bakery, this area gives guests another reason to linger after their meal. It’s become a tradition for many families to stop here before leaving the restaurant complex.
Menu Options Beyond Chicken For Every Appetite
While the family-style chicken dinner gets most of the attention, Zehnder’s offers an extensive menu with something for everyone. Guests can order prime rib, steak, shrimp, eggplant parmesan, chicken pot pie, and chicken schnitzel sandwiches. The chicken snack option provides a smaller portion for those not ready to commit to the full feast.
French fries receive surprisingly high praise, and the creamy cabbage slaw converts even those who normally avoid coleslaw. The basement cafe offers breakfast options for early risers looking for a different experience.
Bavarian sausage with sauerkraut is available as an add-on for four dollars. The variety ensures that repeat visitors can try something new each time they return.
The Appetizer Spread That Arrives Before Your Main Course
Before the main dishes arrive, Zehnder’s serves an impressive array of appetizers that could almost be a meal themselves. The spread includes homemade bread with butter, fruit bread with sweet spreads, chicken liver pate, cheese spreads, and fresh cottage cheese.
The chicken noodle soup arrives hot and comforting, while the coleslaw and cranberry salad offer lighter options. Everything tastes fresh and homemade rather than mass-produced, which guests consistently mention in reviews.
These starters set the tone for the generous portions that follow. By the time the chicken arrives, you’re already impressed but somehow still have room for more.