ANN ARBOR, MI--(Marketwire - January 22, 2008) - Metzger's German Restaurant, founded here in 1928, announced it will honor anyone turning 80 years old in 2008 in honor of the long time dining icon's 80th Anniversary with a free dinner or lunch that will include dessert and a split of Champagne.

John Metzger, a third generation member of his family, along with his sister Heidi, operate the restaurant, which is now located at 305 Zeeb Road, on Ann Arbor's Westside, announced the celebration and offer. According to Metzger, the 80th year celebration will also include a Bock Beer Festival, an Octoberfest, an official 80th Anniversary Celebration and a few more German-themed celebrations.

Since 1928, Metzger's has served more than seven million guests with a menu of both German and American food including Sauerbraten, Rouladen, Ziguener Steak, Bratwurst, Knackwurst and Weiner Schnitzel.

Wilhelm Metzger migrated to this country in 1922, working as a baker for the University of Michigan prior to opening the original restaurant in downtown Ann Arbor on Washington Street that was called "The German American Restaurant." According to Metzger family history, the Restaurant at the time served cider, and when a batch had inadvertently fermented, Wilhelm Metzger was severely reprimanded, since it was during Prohibition. Eventually, Metzger's obtained a license to sell alcoholic beverages, and today features an all-wood bar and a selection of German beers and wines and alcoholic beverages.

Despite an anti-German sentiment in the U.S. during World War II, Walter Metzger assumed the role as operator and continued and grew the family tradition before turning over management to his son John, making it one of the longest running family owned operations in the country.

In 2001, John Metzger successfully moved the thriving business to Zeeb Road, just west of downtown Ann Arbor, continuing the fine German eating tradition and making the facility available to even more people in Western Washtenaw and Eastern Jackson counties.

The current facility has integrated a modern building with an interior that features the atmosphere of old Germany, appointed with Cuckoo Clocks and massive bier steins and German carvings and antiques.

Additional information is available at www.metzgers.net.

Contact Information: CONTACT: Ron Hingst PR SERVICES, INC. 734/662-5544