Feb. 5, 2024 By Anthony Medina
The iconic Zum Stammtisch, an authentic German restaurant and pub, located at 69-46 Myrtle Ave, in Glendale, has been officially recognized as part of the New York State Historical Business Registry.
The New York State HB registry, a program run by the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, highlights businesses that have been in operation for at least 50 years and have contributed to their community’s history.
The origins of Zum Stammtisch began with John Lehner, the father of current operators Hans and Werner, when he established the restaurant in November 1972. Hans and Werner Lehner took over the business in 1993, and has been operating the establishment since.
In the roster of achievements for Zum Stammtisch, the restaurant was also recently featured on television with beloved celebrity baker Buddy Valastro for his new TV streaming series ‘Legends of the Fork.’
In celebration of the accomplishment, The Kiwanis Club of Glendale congratulated the German eatery owners, Hans and Werner Lehner, on Feb. 1, alongside Senator Joseph P. Addabo Jr, who played a key role in helping the business secure a place on the Historical Business Registry.
The senator presented the Lehner brothers with the State’s acknowledgment of acceptance into the registry during a Glendale Kiwanis meeting on Thursday, held at Zum Stammtisch.
“Zum Stammtisch has been a cornerstone of our community for half a century, and it’s truly a part of our history,” Addabbo said. “This is a wonderful honor and well deserved.”
President of the Glendale Kiwanis, Ingrid Huber, mirrors Addabo’s sentiments in saying the State’s acknowledgment of Zums’ is well-deserved. The group’s meetings has remained at the restaurant for years both because of the brothers and its significant cultural and historical significance in Glendale.
“We were all delighted that they received this recognition that they so rightfully deserved, being a pillar of our community for such a long time,” said Huber.
Huber recalls going to Zum Stammtisch as a teenager and sharing the hotspot with the large German population that once occupied Glendale.
From staying within the neighborhood all her life, Huber says she knows people from near and far still return to the restaurant because of its legacy alone. The Lehner family’s success also remains a testament to the historic businesses on Myrtle Avenue that have only diminished over the years.
“You drive along Myrtle Avenue and a lot of those businesses that have been there a long time are gone,” Huber says. “Then you get new ones that come and then they go.”
Hans Lehner shares his thanks with Senator Addabbo for making it possible for the business to be added to the HBP registry and the Glendale Kiwanis Club for their steadfast support.
“It’s a tremendous honor,” says Lehner. “The recognition was just really nice. We work hard, of course, but it’s all of all the people in the neighborhood and the customers that make it possible.”