What started as a simple dream to support a family while showing guests uncommon hospitality has grown into one of the country’s fastest-growing restaurant chains as Culver’s Frozen Custard and ButterBurger opens its 300th restaurant in Fond du Lac, Wis., on Monday, October3. Coincidentally, Culver’s #299 in West Allis, Wisconsin and #301 in Rogers, Minnesota also open on October3. Celebrations include a commendation from Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle, as well as remarks from local and state dignitaries.
In the 21 years since Craig and Lea Culver began serving their signature ButterBurgers® and frozen custard in Sauk City, Wis., Culver Franchising System, Inc.,
(CFSI) has expanded into communities in 15 states. An additional 21 Culver’s restaurants are expected to open later this year in Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Texas and Wisconsin.
Co-founder Craig Culver credits the 300th restaurant milestone to the same values the restaurant started with back in 1984. “We know that people have many choices when they dine out,” says Culver. “What makes Culver’s a place where guests return is the quality of their experience. We accomplish that goal by ensuring that every guest who chooses Culver’s leaves happy and a dedication to serving fresh, great-tasting food with hometown hospitality.”
That’s what attracted owners of Culver’s franchise #300, Rick and Patricia Miller, when they opened their first restaurant a decade ago. “Going into the restaurant business is a risk, so we wanted to make sure that we were going into business with a company that cared about its guests, community and believe in the owner-operator concept,” says Miller. The Millers now own five Culver’s restaurants.
The owner/operator concept has been a cornerstone of growth for Culver’s since the first location opened in Sauk City, Wisconsin, on July 18, 1984. Culver’s invests deeply in partnerships and programs, including its VIP college and technical school scholarship program, the annual Day of Warmth, and countless other franchise-driven local efforts.
Culver’s is the recipient of numerous industry and community awards, including the 2005 Nation’s Restaurant News Golden Chain Award and Wisconsin’s Ernst & Young® Entrepreneur of the Year award.
