Prost to History: Frankenmuth, Oktoberfest & the Return of Hofbräu to America

Frankenmuth’s connection to Oktoberfest goes much deeper than beer, brats, and polka music. Michigan’s Little Bavaria holds a special place in Oktoberfest history — and it also played a major role in bringing one of Munich’s most famous beers back to the United States.

An Oktoberfest with Munich’s Blessing

In 1996, Frankenmuth Oktoberfest received an official proclamation from Munich Lord Mayor Christian Ude and the German Parliament. The recognition made Frankenmuth the first Oktoberfest outside of Munich to operate with the blessing of the original Oktoberfest.

The event was moved into September to coincide with Munich’s celebration, strengthening Frankenmuth’s connection to the Bavarian traditions that inspired the community generations ago.

Learn more about Frankenmuth Oktoberfest

Bringing Hofbräu Back to America

Hofbräu’s history in the United States stretches back farther than many people realize.

According to Judy Zehnder, founder of the Bavarian Inn Lodge, Hofbräu beer had not been available in the United States for more than 60 years. The last shipment had arrived in 1936, before pre-World War II conditions brought German imports to a halt.

That changed in 1997.

Judy’s husband, Don Keller, began corresponding with Hofbräu officials in Munich about bringing the beer back to the United States. The process was anything but simple. Letters were written in German, translators were needed, and numerous American and German import regulations had to be worked through.

Frankenmuth businessman Fred Schumacher joined Don on the American side of the effort, while Hofbräu CEO Albert Riedl and Export Manager Maximillian Erlmeier worked with them from Germany.

Getting Hofbräu Into the United States

One of the biggest hurdles was finding an importer. Hofbräu could not simply sell the beer directly to the Bavarian Inn.

The team turned to C. Riffel & Sons, a third-generation Saginaw family business that had supplied the Bavarian Inn for decades. Dick Riffel and Fred Schumacher worked through the import licensing process, which brought another surprise: after being absent from the country for more than 60 years, Hofbräu no longer had a registered business name in the United States.

Don Keller personally registered the necessary names at the Saginaw County Courthouse, even using the family’s Frankenmuth home address when a U.S. business address was required.

There were more challenges ahead. German and American labeling requirements differed, keg tapping systems were incompatible, and even the bottle sizes did not fit the shelves designed for American beer.

Eventually, those problems were solved.

The First Kegs Arrive in Frankenmuth

In late August 1997, a 40-foot container filled with Hofbräu beer kegs arrived at the Riffel warehouse in Saginaw.

On August 26, 1997, Bavarian Inn Restaurant received the first kegs.

A ceremonial tapping of the first keg took place in the Bavarian Inn Restaurant’s Family Crest Room. For a brief period, the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Lodge were the only establishments in the United States serving Hofbräu beer.

Soon after, Hofbräu Oktoberfestbier was introduced at Frankenmuth Oktoberfest, and Hofbräu became the festival’s official beer sponsor.

Read Hofbräuhaus of America’s story

A Frankenmuth Tradition Nearly 30 Years in the Making

The relationship that began in 1997 continues today.

That means 2027 will mark 30 years since Hofbräu returned to the United States through Frankenmuth — a milestone made possible through cooperation between local Frankenmuth leaders, a Michigan distributor, and the Hofbräu team in Munich.

It’s a piece of local history that makes raising a stein at Frankenmuth Oktoberfest mean just a little bit more.

Celebrate Oktoberfest in Frankenmuth

The 2026 Frankenmuth Oktoberfest takes place September 17–20 at Heritage Park’s Harvey Kern Pavilion.

Visitors can enjoy German music and dancing, traditional food, Oktoberfest souvenirs, and authentic Hofbräu Oktoberfest beer — all while celebrating a connection between Frankenmuth and Munich that has been decades in the making.

And while you’re in town, make a stop at the Frankenmuth Cheese Haus for cheeses, meats, mustards, snacks, and plenty of Oktoberfest-worthy favorites to take home.

Prost to tradition, Frankenmuth history, and nearly 30 years of Hofbräu back in America! 🍺🧀

Learn More

The History of Hofbräu — by Judy Zehnder
Read the full history

Frankenmuth Oktoberfest — Official Event Information
Frankenmuth.org

Hofbräuhaus of America — Our Story
Hofbräuhaus.us