Bavarian Inn Celebrates Earth Day Every Day with Shuttle Fueled By Used Cooking Oil

April 21, 2014 - PRLog -- How will you celebrate Earth Day 2014?  If you happen to be in Frankenmuth, you can ride the Bavarian Inn’s (http://www.bavarianinn.com/) shuttle that transports guests between its Restaurant, Lodge and nearby River Place Shops. At the same time, you can indulge in a wide variety of locally produced food items.

The new environmentally-friendly shuttle is propelled by bio-diesel fuel derived from recycled cooking oil, much of which was used to cook the world famous chicken dinners the Bavarian Inn Restaurant has been serving guests for more than a century.

“For many years we safely discarded our used fryer oil through a local disposal company,” said Bill Zehnder, third generation owner and current restaurant president.  “About four years ago we partnered with Clean Air Biofuels LLC, a Michigan company that began paying us for the used oil in order to convert it into bio-diesel fuel. Now that we have our very own bio-diesel shuttle, we’re able to recycle our own used oil to propel the shuttle, making it a renewable fuel source that originates in our kitchen and ends up in our fuel tank.”

Visitors who dine while visiting Frankenmuth can take comfort in the thought that the Bavarian Inn procures many of its food staples locally as the largest single consumer of Michigan agricultural products, a practice that benefits the environment by eliminating long-distance shipping while also supporting local farmers. During the course of a year, the Bavarian Inn will serve 1.5 tons of whitefish, 2,650 gallons of sauerkraut, more than 1,500 bushels of apples, 125 tons of potatoes and enough dark beer to float a battleship. Such notable levels are bound to increase with the recent addition of Bavarian Inn’s Michigan on Main Bar and Grill, a casual area that occupies the restaurant’s former Roof Garten space and focuses on “Michigan Fare” as well as Michigan craft beer, wine and spirits.

“Our business has been evolving for more than 125 years and we need to continue to evolve to keep the Bavarian Inn relevant as our guests’ tastes change,” said Zehnder. “That means not only listening to our guests, providing healthy options, exceptional value and great service, but also going green both within our Restaurant and by recycling a by-product from our kitchen to create a cleaner form of transportation.”

Another feature of the new shuttle that shows the Bavarian Inn’s continued adaptation to today’s world is its barrier-free adaptation that includes a lift to accommodate two wheelchairs or one mobility vehicle. This is a feature that guests have often inquired about and now are able to use on a regular basis.

The new shuttle began transporting the Inn’s guests last summer as the latest example of the Frankenmuth property’s commitment to “green” initiatives. Other well-established, environmentally-friendly initiatives include recycling paper, metal, cardboard and plastic cups.  To conserve water Bavarian Inn changed its flower box irrigation system. It also cultivates a fresh herb garden that grows on the restaurant grounds. Changes have also been implemented to reduce electrical use.

About Bavarian Inn

Celebrating 125 years of service in 2013, the Bavarian Inn Restaurant has become a Michigan landmark. Generations of diners, lodgers and tourists from around the globe have discovered true Bavarian hospitality thanks to Dorothy and her late husband William “Tiny” Zehnder. Guests experience the old-world European charm of the Bavarian Inn – whether it’s the famous chicken dinners, fresh baked goods or Michigan’s greatest selection of German beer. Bavarian Inn also prides itself on being one of the top consumers of Pure Michigan agricultural products. Nestled within a backdrop of authentic German architecture, a variety of shops and other fun activities, a trip to Frankenmuth would not be complete without a visit to the Bavarian Inn. Learn more at www.bavarianinn.com.

Media contact:  Sue Voyles / 734-667-2005  / sue@logos-communications.com

Visit the online press room at: http://www.logos-communications.com/bavarianinn/