[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 2] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 1788-1789] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING WILLIAM AND DOROTHY ZEHNDER ______ HON. DALE E. KILDEE of michigan in the house of representatives Tuesday, February 14, 2006 Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, on February 17, the Saginaw County Convention and Visitors Bureau will present its Pinnacle Award to William ``Tiny'' and Dorothy Zehnder for their remarkable contributions to the convention and tourist industry in Saginaw County. The Zehnder family has had a positive impact on Frankenmuth, Michigan, and changed the area forever. Theirs is one of the great American success stories, replete with foresight, courage, and hard work. In 1950, the Zehnder family purchased the Fischer Hotel, and William Zehnder became the manager. Dorothy Zehnder became the kitchen manager, a role she continues today. At that time, the Zehnder family had 21 years of experience running their own restaurant across the street from the Fischer Hotel. After a series of improvements to the Fischer Hotel culminating in a major renovation in the late 1950s, the Fischer Hotel was renamed the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn. The decor and architecture of the Bavarian Inn started the transformation of Frankenmuth into ``Michigan's Little Bavaria.'' The weeklong opening celebration held in 1959 proved to be very popular and has turned into the annual Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival. The addition of the Glockenspiel and Wooden Bridge has enhanced the character of Frankenmuth's downtown area. Dorothy developed most of the recipes served in the restaurant. The restaurant can accommodate 1200 diners at one time, and annually over 750,000 pounds of chicken is served to its guests. Dorothy plays a vital role in ensuring the food is prepared correctly and served promptly. Many local Frankenmuth leaders started their work life in the Bavarian Inn kitchen under Dorothy's tutelage. Today the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn is one of the top ten family-owned restaurants in America. In addition to the restaurant, their holdings include Bavarian Inn Lodge, Frankenmuth River Place, Castle Shops, Freeway Fritz, Frankenmuth Motel, and several gift shops on Main Street. The Zehnders employ over 1,000 people and serve one million visitors each year making Frankenmuth a top tourist destination. Tiny Zehnder's vision for the Frankenmuth community has made it a great place for families to gather, live, and work. The Zehnders buy locally and utilize Michigan commodities. They are always looking for ways to improve their business and their community. They have passed on their skills and work ethic to their children. The Bavarian Inn enterprise is a multi-generational operation with their children and grandchildren managing and working in various capacities. Tiny and Dorothy Zehnder are an inspiration to everyone and excellent role models for our youth. I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me and applaud the outstanding success of the Zehnders and congratulate them as they are honored by the Saginaw community. [[Page 1789]] ____________________