With the grand opening of a new restaurant in Avondale, Arizona, this week, Culver's opened its 450th location in the chain.

"Our hope is to open 25 to 30 restaurants this year," says CEO and co-founder Craig Culver. "We would anticipate opening No. 500 in 2013."

Culver's has its roots in Wisconsin in the small village of Sauk City. Craig, his wife Lea, and Craig’s parents, George and Ruth Culver, founded the chain in 1984.

The Culver's franchise community spans 19 states. The Avondale restaurant is the 14th location in Arizona.

Craig and Lea Culver were recently recognized as Restaurateurs of the Year by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.