The Culver’s restaurant in Sierra Vista, Arizona, is the winner of the 2017 Culver’s Crew Challenge; designed to reward teamwork driven by great leadership and exceptional performance for Culver’s guests. This was the fifth year of the chain’s national competition with $50,000 to be shared among the restaurants’ team members.

In this competition among over 600 restaurants, which were open as of January 1, 2017, restaurants and team member performance were evaluated in the areas of quality, service, cleanliness, hospitality, community outreach as well as team member training & development.

Matt Mitchell, owner of six Culver’s restaurants in Kansas and Missouri, is the recipient of the 2017 GM Culver Award. The award, named after the father of co-founder Craig Culver, is the highest honor in the organization which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated long-term visionary leadership and success.

Steve and Catherine Chlupsa, who opened their first Culver’s restaurant in Payson, Arizona in October 2016, is the recipient of the restaurant chain’s Newcomer Award. The award is presented annually to a new Culver’s franchisee who, during their training, opening process and first year of operation, has exemplified the Culver’s spirit that is important to the organization’s collective success.

The awards were presented this month at the Culver’s national convention in Tampa, Florida.