NEW GLARUS — The New Glarus Hotel and Restaurant has begun a major renovation to restore its significance in Swiss-American heritage. A central highlight of this revitalization is “The Yodel Room,” the newly named restaurant that will celebrate Swiss culture through traditional cuisine and pay tribute to the building’s rich history and cultural roots.
The tradition of yodeling and the New Glarus Hotel are closely linked and have deep roots. It began in the 1960s when the Roger Bright Band and many other great musicians made the restaurant their home and presented Swiss folklore during their performances. Yodeling, a special singing technique that originated in the Swiss Alps, was traditionally used by shepherds and villagers to communicate over long distances. When Hans Lenzlinger became the owner of the hotel in 1974, he continued this popular tradition. In a nod to this cherished heritage, it was decided to rename the restaurant The Yodel Room.
“The new restaurant will not only maintain its distinctive Swiss character, but will also add a modern twist to traditional Swiss cuisine,” said Christina Bleifuss, executive member of the project. “The redesigned restaurant will offer a mix of classic Swiss dishes and nostalgic Wisconsin supper club favorites.”
Inspired by the Swiss tradition of alfresco dining, the restaurant’s balcony will be restored to its historic open-air form. The balcony is perfect for dining overlooking the streets of New Glarus in the summer and will remain open during Wisconsin’s winter season when guests can wrap themselves in cozy blankets and enjoy warm beverages under heat lamps. The open balcony and multiple outdoor spaces immerse guests in the atmosphere of downtown New Glarus while also making them feel like they are in a Swiss mountain village.
A group of around 20 investors is behind this ambitious project. “Our group of investors has a common goal: We want to bring Sleeping Beauty back to life and make the New Glarus Hotel and Restaurant the cornerstone of Swiss tradition and culture in America’s Little Switzerland,” Bleifuss explained. The investors include Swiss citizens, residents and business owners of New Glarus, as well as Swiss enthusiasts from across the Midwest.
The planning phase is in full swing and the renovation in accordance with the monument protection regulations is scheduled to begin this year. “If everything goes according to plan, we will be able to celebrate the grand opening in autumn 2025,” said Dan Roe, also a managing member. “We are very excited to put this project into action and preserve the Swiss heritage of the building.”
Roe said that 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.
