Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth has debuted an open-air pavilion that provides more gathering opportunities for groups attending meetings and conferences in Frankenmuth. John Shelton, Zehnder’s vice president of marketing, says The Fortress Pavilion at Zehnder’s is a 3,000-square-foot facility at its 18-hole The Fortress Golf Course and the latest addition in what is a multifaceted plan for expansion. The golf course is across the Cass River, less than a half-mile from the business’ iconic restaurant; Zehnder’s Splash Village Hotel & Waterpark is also nearby.
“We had a pavilion [previously], but it was basically used for our golf outings and attached to the clubhouse area,” Shelton explains. “All of the food functions, we had to prep here at the restaurant and cater over to it. The facility didn’t have a kitchen, so we were very limited on the food service we could do … brats, hot dogs, and hamburgers on the grill.”
That has all changed now, as Zehnder’s new pavilion has its own kitchen and bar along with a patio area with tables, chairs, and couches. Besides being available for golfers, golf outings, and guests who come for meals and entertainment, Zehnder’s pavilion also can accommodate private event groups of up to approximately 180.
Next year, Zehnder’s will break ground on a new 13,000-square-foot banquet facility at The Fortress. “The ultimate goal is to make The Fortress a year-round experience for our guests,” Shelton says.
Between the restaurant and Splash Village, Zehnder’s has already been able to serve meetings of up to 300 participants, with most programs taking place at the restaurant. “Then we do have a space over at Splash Village, but really that niche is for 50 to 100 people,” Shelton notes.
Zehnder’s is also dipping its toes into the luxury lodging industry, Shelton adds. Renovations are currently underway at the site of an old mill located on the river in close proximity to other Zehnder’s properties. The Mill at Zehnder Park will be a four-suite boutique luxury hotel, slated for a fall 2025 opening.
“We’re just working on enhancing the guest experience,” Shelton says. So far, he adds, response to The Fortress Pavilion has been enthusiastic. “We’ve been getting positive feedback. … It’s really added to what we’re trying to accomplish for our guests.”
