NEW GLARUS — The New Glarus Hotel and Restaurant has embarked on a complete renovation, aiming to reestablish its significance in Swiss-American heritage. A key highlight of this revival is “The Yodel Room,” the newly named restaurant that will celebrate Swiss culture through traditional cuisine, paying homage to the building’s rich history and cultural roots.
The tradition of yodeling and the New Glarus Hotel are synonymous and have deep roots, beginning in the 1960s when the Roger Bright Band and many other great musicians made the restaurant its home and showcased Swiss folklore through their performances. Yodeling, a distinctive vocal technique that originated in the Swiss Alps, was traditionally used by herders and villagers to communicate over long distances. When Hans Lenzlinger took ownership of the hotel in 1974, he continued this beloved tradition. In a nod to this cherished heritage, the decision was made to rename the restaurant The Yodel Room.
The new restaurant will not only preserve its distinctive Swiss character, but also introduce a modern twist to traditional Swiss cuisine,” said Christina Bleifuss, a Managing Member of the project. “The newly designed restaurant will offer a blend of classic Swiss dishes alongside nostalgic Wisconsin supper club favorites.”
Inspired by Switzerland’s tradition of outdoor dining, the restaurant balcony will be returned to its historic open-air layout. Perfect for dining while overlooking the streets of New Glarus in the summer, the balcony will also remain open during Wisconsin’s winter season when guests can wrap themselves in cozy blankets while enjoying warm drinks under heat lamps. The open balcony, along with several outdoor areas, will immerse guests in the vibe of downtown New Glarus while also giving them the feeling of being in a Swiss mountain village.
A group of approximately 20 investors is behind this ambitious project. “Our investor group shares a common purpose: to awaken a ‘Sleeping Beauty’ and return the New Glarus Hotel and Restaurant into the cornerstone of Swiss tradition and culture in America’s Little Switzerland,” stated Bleifuss. Investors include Swiss nationals, New Glarus residents, and business owners, as well as Swiss enthusiasts from across the Midwest.
The design phase is well underway with a historically sensitive renovation kicking off later this year. “If all goes according to plan we will be ready for the grand opening in fall 2025,” said Dan Roe, also a Managing Member. “We are thrilled to bring this project to life and steward the building’s Swiss heritage.”
Roe said in addition to securing a bank loan and incentive-based financing, the project is currently seeking additional investors for anyone interested in owning a ‘piece of Switzerland’ in Wisconsin.