By Al Zehnder, CEO of Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth
Each year our industry trade publication, Restaurant Business Magazine, publishes a list of the top 100 independent restaurants in the United States. While the primary ranking is based on total sales; other statistics like guest check average, total square footage of your facility, total seating and total meals served is also gathered.
I am proud to say that of all the independent restaurants in the United States, Zehnder’s ranked #66 in total sales, #2 in total meals served at 945,364 (only Old Ebbit Grill in Washington DC beat us – 1,072,293); we had the lowest guest check average among the top 100 at $16 (I’m very proud of that!) and we are among the largest restaurants in the nation with over 80,000 square feet.
Here are some additional interesting facts:
• Only two restaurants in Michigan made it into the Top 100 – Zehnder’s (#66) and the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn (#72). Pretty impressive to have two of the Top 100 in a community of just 4,000 right across the street from each other. Together we serve nearly 1,800,000 guests!
• The highest guest check average was $190 at the “21” Club in New York City. Not surprisingly, they sold the most expensive hamburger among the Top 100 – $36!
• Most of the Top 100 Restaurants were located in the major metropolitan areas of New York, Florida, California and Nevada.
• The smallest restaurant in the Top 100 was the Timberline Steaks and Grille (#94) in Denver, Colorado with only 4,558 square feet.
While we don’t wake up every day focuses on stuff like this, it’s good to know that we compete with the best in the nation in a small town in the Midwest.
It’s only possible with a great staff and guests that reward us by coming back year after year and generation after generation.
Thanks to all of you for making this happen.
Hospitably Yours,
Al Zehnder, CEO
