All About Culvers In 2024

Culver's has been a staple in the fast-food world for four decades, known for its famous ButterBurgers and frozen custard. Today, the chain operates more than 900 restaurants across 26 states, largely in the Midwest. Culver's roots trace back to 1984 in Sauk City, Wisconsin, where founders Craig and Lea Culver transformed an old AandW into their first restaurant. Although the brand quickly gained popularity, it didn't expand beyond Wisconsin until 1995.

Culver's’Signature Combination’ is pairing frozen custard with butter burgers. During a 2013 speech to the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce, Craig Culver, one of the co-founders of Culver's shared that his inspiration for the concept came during his time at UW Oshkosh. In Wisconsin's eastern areas, particularly Oshkosh and Milwaukee, custard and burger stands were already well-loved.

History of Culvers

1984 The First Culver's Opens
Craig and Lea Culver, along with Craig's parents, George and Ruth, opened the first Culver's in Sauk City, Wisconsin, introducing their ButterBurgers and Fresh Frozen Custard.

Early ButterBurgers
The first ButterBurgers were portioned using an ice cream scoop, with fresh beef pressed onto the grill for a signature sear.

Frozen Custard Inspiration
Craig paired ButterBurgers with Frozen Custard, a rich, creamy dessert he grew to love during college. This combination became a key part of Culver's identity.

Origins of the Table Tent System
To keep track of orders made fresh for each guest, Culver's originally used upside-down foam cups with handwritten numbers.

1990 First Franchise Opens
Culver's began expanding, with its first franchise opening in Baraboo, Wisconsin. The owner-operated model required franchisees to work directly in the restaurant, a tradition still honored.

1997 Cheese Curds Added to the Menu
Culver's introduced Wisconsin Cheese Curds, which quickly became a fan favorite. This addition later inspired National Cheese Curd Day on October 15.

The Fish Fry Tradition
Inspired by the Midwest's love of fish fries, Culver's added hand-battered fish fillets cooked fresh to order, continuing the tradition in each restaurant.

2000s Community Involvement Grows
Culver's franchisees supported their communities through fundraising events, donations, and sponsorships.

2013 Thank You Farmers Project Launched
Culver's launched this project to support agricultural education and sustainable farming, ensuring access to quality food.

Today
Culver's has expanded to over 900 locations in 26 states.

Culver's Famous Butterburgers

Made with fresh, never-frozen beef, each Culver's burger is pressed and seared on the grill to lock in maximum flavor. At Culver's, they add a light spread of Wisconsin-made butter on the top bun before toasting, adding a rich, satisfying touch. This buttery finish comes from Alcam Creamery, a family-owned creamery near Culver's first location in Sauk City, Wisconsin.

The ButterBurger is made from a unique blend of three high-quality cuts: sirloin, chuck, and plate, chosen for their flavor and marbling, with no fillers. To lock in that juicy flavor, Culver's press the fresh beef as it cooks, creating a tender, steak-like bite in every mouthful.

And each burger is made to order, only hitting the grill after you place your order. This means your ButterBurger is served hot and fresh, just like it has been since we first opened in Sauk City.

Culver's Fresh Frozen Custards
Culver's frozen custards are creamy, velvety treats with a rich texture that stands apart from regular ice cream. Their custard contains an extra egg yolk for added richness and smoothness. Culver's offers classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate, along with a rotating Flavor of the Day, which could be anything from cookie dough to salted caramel.

Each batch is carefully made from high-quality ingredients, using farm-fresh dairy from nearby family farms. The custard is slow-churned at precise temperatures to achieve its signature thickness and luxurious taste. Options like sundaes, shakes, and concrete mixers with candies or nuts make every custard treat customizable and indulgent.

Culver's Menu Highlights
Culver's menu has something for everyone. Along with the signature butter burgers and custards, Culver's offers crispy fish sandwiches and a variety of vegetarian options like the Garden Fresco salad and veggie burgers.

The Kids' Menu features favorites like the original ButterBurger, Crispy Chicken Tenders, and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, served with sides such as mashed potatoes or green beans.

For drinks, options range from refreshing lemon ice to thick milkshakes and the signature Culver's root beer.

The Culver's Dining Experience
Walking into a Culver's restaurant means entering a warm and inviting atmosphere designed to make guests feel at home. Culver's staff are known for their friendly service and attention to detail, ensuring each guest's meal is served efficiently and with care.

Locations and Expansion
Culver's continues to grow, with over 899 locations across 26 U.S. states. The brand isn't stopping there expansion plans are in the works to bring its signature menu to even more places. Though expansion presents challenges, Culver's remains dedicated to sharing its flavors nationwide.

Customer Loyalty Program: My Culver's
Members of My Culver's loyalty program receive personalized discounts and offers by email. Signing up is simple: head to Culver's website, click on My Culver's, and fill out a few details. With My Culver's, members enjoy exclusive perks, ensuring a delicious reward awaits with every visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What vegetarian or vegan options are available at Culver's?
Culver's has very limited vegan options like steamed broccoli, sweet potato fries, and a few others. They don't offer vegan shakes or cheese substitutes, and their burger patties are not meatless. Some locations may have desserts that are suitable for Vegans and do not contain animal products. Always check in at the counter at Culver's near you for vegan needs!

Are there job opportunities at Culver's, and how can I apply?
Yes, Culver's offers employment opportunities, and applications can be submitted in person at a restaurant or online via their website. The hiring process is simple, and new hires go through training to help them get acquainted with their roles.

Does Culver's provide catering for events?
Yes, Culver's offers catering services tailored to special events and parties. Their catering menu provides a range of options that can be customized, with delivery options and packages to make planning your event more convenient.

Is delivery available from Culver's?
Culver's offers limited delivery in certain areas, with fees and delivery times depending on the location. Delivery typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour. If delivery isn't offered by your local Culver's, you may be able to order through services like DoorDash or Uber Eats.