A lot of memories are made over 50 years. On Saturday, September 13, Frantz Inn will mark its golden anniversary by doing what it’s always done best – giving patrons a chance to make even more of them.
“We’re going to have a range of events,” says Charles Tyson, Frantz’ lounge manager. “We’ll have a bouncy castle in the parking lot and 1,000 free hot dogs from noon until 6 p.m. There will also be a VIP party from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in our restaurant, and an arm wrestling competition and pool tournament will be going on in the lounge. We’ll be selling beer for $2.50 all day. We’ll be having festivities all day long.”
Frantz Inn has always been a place for celebrations, for fundraisers and for a variety of community events, Tyson explains, and he marvels at the dedication of the establishment’s patrons down the years.
“Some great memories have been made here, for sure,” he reflects. “The feedback we get from our customers and the enjoyment they get from the time they spend here is very rewarding for us.”
More than a few Frantz customers are the grandkids of the regulars who first came through the door back in 1975. The series of plebiscites that would gradually loosen Steinbach’s liquor laws were still some decades off, and the business’s location in La Broquerie – just outside city limits on Highway 52 – meant that Southeast residents had a nearby spot to enjoy a drink.
“I think this place kind of stuck as the local watering hole,” says Tyson, adding that it’s still a popular spot among Steinbachers. “People look at it as a familiar place, a nostalgic place.”
That’s not about to change, even as Frantz Inn marks its half-century and continues to evolve in order to serve its clientele’s preferences. Recent expansion added additional space for VLTs and the vendor, and a stage was built to host musical groups, comedy shows and other exciting events.
“We wanted to turn it into an events’ destination, and we’ve done just that,” Tyson explains. “We’ve held numerous events on the stage, and seeing the enjoyment it brings to people is a fantastic reward.”
It’s because of dedicated customers that Frantz Inn has succeeded for so long, and it’s why the establishment can look forward to even more success going forward.
“It’s quite exciting that our patrons are invested in this place,” says Tyson. “They’re excited about the 50 years coming up and will celebrate along with us.”
Frantz Inn is located at 1000 Main St in Steinbach and can be reached by calling (204) 326-9831. Additional information is available on its website.
