The Complete Guide to Culvers: History, Menu, and More (2024)

As a connoisseur of diverse culinary delights, you might often find yourself on a quest for the next big flavor. One pit stop that should definitely make it to your food journey is Culver’s – an all-American fast-casual restaurant chain known for its delectable ButterBurgers and Fresh Frozen Custard. With its Midwest roots tracing back to 1984, this family-favorite franchise has been tickling taste buds across the states with its hearty servings of comfort food. If you have yet to sink your teeth into their signature offerings, then buckle up as we delve into the flavorful world of Culver's.

But before we take you on this adventure, let’s set the stage right. Imagine walking into a restaurant where wafts of freshly grilled burgers mingle with the sweet scent of creamy custard; where friendly smiles greet you as they serve your favorite cheese curds; and where devouring a satisfying meal with lingering flavors teases your palate. That’s exactly what dining at Culver’s feels like! So stick around as we unravel everything there is to know about this Midwestern gem, one bite at a time.

Origin and History of the Franchise

Culver’s delightful journey began in 1984 with its establishment in Sauk City, Wisconsin. The founders, Craig and Lea Culver, along with Craig's parents, George and Ruth, were passionate food enthusiasts who had a vision for great Midwestern hospitality coupled with delectable ButterBurgers and creamy Fresh Frozen Custard.

Their influence was palpable from the start; they made it their mission to ensure that every customer received high-quality meals prepared with fresh ingredients.

Now fast forward a few years later to witness how all that hard work paid off.

The brand’s evolution has been nothing short of spectacular, thanks to an effective expansion strategy. From one humble location in Wisconsin, Culvers has spread across more than twenty states in America today!

All through this growth, though, one thing remained constant: their commitment to delivering scrumptious meals without compromising on quality or service standards. So next time you're at Culver's relishing that mouth-watering butter burger or digging into a delicious frozen custard, rememberthere’s history behind every bite.

Signature Butterburgers

This Midwestern fast-food gem has garnered widespread acclaim for its delectable burgers. But what sets these patties apart from your everyday burger? The answer lies in their unique cooking methods and ingredients used to create this culinary masterpiece.

Each ButterBurger starts with fresh, never-frozen, Midwest-raised beef seared on a grill after you order it. Then comes the crowning glory: the buttery bun toasted to perfection which adds an extra layer of texture and taste.

Now let’s explore the delightful range of ButterBurger varieties available at Culver's. You can opt for something simple like ‘The Original’ featuring just cheese and toppings or go all out with ‘The Deluxe,’ boasting two kinds of cheese (American and Swiss), mayonnaise, pickles, onions, lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and ketchup.

For those who prefer more tanginess in their bite, you might want to try ‘Sourdough Melt' packed with Wisconsin cheddar and crispy bacon between slices of sourdough bread. And if that wasn’t enough variety for your palate, they also offer limited-time specials throughout the year!

Fresh Frozen Custard: A Must Try

Don’t you dare leave without tasting the heavenly bliss that is Culver’s Fresh Frozen Custard, it’s like a cool, creamy cloud of sweet satisfaction dancing on your tongue!

It's not just any ordinary ice cream; oh no, this custard has an extra egg yolk for a richer and smoother taste. Your taste buds will be spoiled with their selection of classic custard flavors: vanilla, chocolate, or the Flavor of the Day.

Imagine biting into cookie dough-flavored custard one day and salted caramel the next. Each flavor is thoughtfully crafted from high-quality ingredients to deliver that velvety texture and rich taste we all crave.

The secret behind this luscious dessert lies in its custard ingredients and preparation method. This isn’t your typical frozen treat that machines churn out at breakneck speeds. No siree! Every batch of Culver’s fresh frozen custard starts with farm-fresh dairy sourced from local family farms.

Next come those magical egg yolks, which are carefully blended for that indulgent richness before being slowly cooked to perfection at precise temperatures to ensure optimal thickness and smoothness. You see? It's quite an art!

But wait, there’s more! Brace yourself as you navigate through a sea of delectable custard pairingsthink sundaes topped with hot fudge or caramel, shakes swirled with savory syrups and mix-ins, or concrete mixers featuring candies or nuts mixed right in for added crunchiness and excitement.

Other Menu Highlights

Feeling adventurous? Next up, we venture into the world of seafood with our Fish Sandwich Review. The North Atlantic Cod Fillet Sandwich is bound to hook you right in! We're not talking about some flimsy fillet eitherthis fish has got heft, people! Lightly battered and crisped to perfection, it pairs swimmingly well with tartar sauce and Culver's family recipe coleslaw served atop a lightly buttered, toasted hoagie roll.

What if meat isn’t your thing, though? Fear not, because Culver’s vegetarian options have got you covered too. From hearty salads loaded with fresh veggies (we’re looking at you, Garden Fresco Salad!) to savory veggie burgers, even carnivores might be tempted by these plant-based offerings.

And let’s not forget about our younger food explorers: the Kids’ Menu Breakdown reveals options such as ButterBurger "The Original, Crispy Chicken Tenders, or Grilled Cheese Sandwiches paired with sides like mashed potatoes or green beans, which would satisfy any mini diner’s cravings.

To wash all these down, Culver’s Beverages range from refreshing lemon ices to thick milkshakes and, of course, the famous root beerall guaranteed to add an effervescent finish to your meal.

The Dining Experience at Culver’s

The moment you step into any of their restaurants, the ambiance will immediately sweep you off your feet, making a lasting impression on your senses.

The staff service at Culver's is another feather in its already decorated cap. They're as warm and inviting as a summer afternoon in Wisconsin, the home state of this charming fast-food franchise! Their commitment shines through every interaction, whether they’re taking orders with patience or serving meals efficiently without compromising on presentation standards.

Locations and Expansion

Well, let me tell you, this buttery burger empire is not slowing down anytime soon. As of now, the franchise growth has been nothing short of impressive, with over 899 outlets spread across 26 states in America alone!

That's a lot of cheese curds and frozen custard being served up daily! But don't think that Culver’s is content to rest easy on its deep-fried laurels; plans for future expansion are already sauteing away.

That said, the journey towards fast-food dominance isn’t always as smooth as their signature custards. Expansion challenges have often reared their heads along the way. Yet despite these obstacles, Culver’s remains committed to introducing its unique flavors around the country because everyone deserves a chance to experience what makes them special.

Customer Loyalty Program: My Culver’s

Ready to score some tasty rewards and delicious perks? Then let’s talk about My Culver’s, a unique customer loyalty program that’ll have you drooling for more! This isn’t your run-of-the-mill, “collect ten stamps on a card” kind of deal.

Oh no, My Culver’s benefits are much meatier than that. Imagine receiving an email with special Culver's discount codes just as your stomach starts grumbling for a juicy ButterBurger or mouth-watering Fresh Frozen Custard. Or how about exclusive offers popping up when you’re in dire need of cheese curds? Yes, my food-loving friends, this is the power of being part of Culver’s loyalty program.

The membership process is as simple as butter melting on hot toast. You don't need to solve a Rubik's cubeit’s all online! Just visit Culver's website, click on 'My Culver’s,' fill out some basic information (like your name and email), and voilx! You are now officially part of the elite club where fries flow freely and burgers never disappoint.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What types of vegetarian or vegan options does Culver’s offer on its menu?
Culver’s offers limited vegetarian options like salads, cheese curds, and grilled cheeses. They don’t offer vegan shakes or cheese alternatives yet, and their patties aren’t meatless. However, some locations may have a few vegetarian-friendly desserts that do not use animal products.

2. Are there any employment opportunities at Culver’s? If yes, how can one apply?
Yes, there are employment opportunities at Culver’s. One can apply either in person at a local restaurant or online through Culver’s website. The hiring process is straightforward, and new employees are offered training programs to ensure they understand their roles well.

3. Does Culver’s offer any catering services for special events or parties?
Culver’s does offer catering services for special events and parties. They have a variety of options on their catering menu, which can be customized based on your needs. This makes event planning easier as you can select from different delivery options and customizable packages.

4. Does Culver’s offer delivery services?
Culver’s offers limited delivery services in select areas for a nominal fee. Delivery fees, times, and costs vary depending on the area, but generally, they offer delivery within 30 minutes to an hour. If your local Culver’s doesn’t provide delivery service there are some alternatives like DoorDash or UberEats.

There’s Something For Everyone At Culver’s

From signature burgers and sandwiches, cheese curds and sides to salads and soups – there’s truly something for everyone at Culver’s. It’s not just about eating; it’s about experiencing what you eat at Culver's!

<div class='toc'><ul><li><a href=#Origin-and-History-of-the-Franchise><b>Origin and History of the Franchise</b></li><li><a href=#Signature-Butterburgers><b>Signature Butterburgers</b></li><li><a href=#Fresh-Frozen-Custard:-A-Must-Try><b>Fresh Frozen Custard: A Must Try</b></li><li><a href=#Other-Menu-Highlights><b>Other Menu Highlights</b></li><li><a href=#The-Dining-Experience-at-Culver’s><b>The Dining Experience at Culver’s</b></li><li><a href=#Locations-and-Expansion><b>Locations and Expansion</b></li><li><a href=#Customer-Loyalty-Program:-My-Culver’s><b>Customer Loyalty Program: My Culver’s</b></li><li><a href=#Frequently-Asked-Questions><b>Frequently Asked Questions</b></li><li><a href=#There’s-Something-For-Everyone-At-Culver’s><b>There’s Something For Everyone At Culver’s</b></li></ul></div>
The Complete Guide to Culvers: History, Menu, and More (2024)

FAQs

What is Culver's most famous for? ›

The first Culver's opened in 1984 in Sauk City, Wisconsin, and it quickly became famous for its hamburgers — known as ButterBurgers — and custard.

Where is the oldest culvers? ›

In 1984, Craig and Lea Culver, along with Craig's parents George and Ruth, opened the very first Culver's in the family's beloved hometown of Sauk City, Wisconsin, and began serving ButterBurgers® and Frozen Custard.

Who owns the most Culver's franchises? ›

“And keep reminding them, and people will get there. And they will be so happy when they do.” Chad Stevenson, left, and Jeff Liegel of S&L Companies are the largest Culver's franchisees with nearly 100 restaurants in five states and 50 owner-operators.

Who is Culver's biggest competitor? ›

Culver's main competitors are Chipotle Mexican Grill, Papa Murphy's, and Darden Restaurants. Competitor Summary.

Why is Culvers called Butterburger? ›

What a lot of folks don't know is why it's called a ButterBurger. We call our ButterBurgers “ButterBurgers,” not because they've been cooked, marinated, dunked, fried or drizzled with butter but because we lightly butter the crown of the bun for an extra touch of goodness.

Does Culver's use real beef? ›

We use only fresh, never frozen beef, seared on a grill after you order and served on a lightly buttered, toasted bun.

Is Culvers owned by Kevin Hart? ›

Kevin Hart - Owner - Culvers Tucson | LinkedIn.

Which state has the most culvers? ›

As of April, 2024, there are 998 Culver's restaurants in the United States. These restaurants are located in 26 states and territories and 793 cities. The state with the most Culver's locations is Wisconsin, with 136 restaurants.

What is Culvers' motto? ›

Culver's motto is, “Welcome to Delicious,” and our experience was that it is. The franchise founded in Wisconsin, features ButterBurgers and frozen custard treats as its signature dishes.

How much do Culver's owners make? ›

The estimated total pay range for a Owner Operator at Culver's is $52K–$98K per year, which includes base salary and additional pay. The average Owner Operator base salary at Culver's is $70K per year. The average additional pay is $0 per year, which could include cash bonus, stock, commission, profit sharing or tips.

What town is the world's largest Culver's in? ›

You can find the world's largest Culver's in Edgerton, Wisconsin, which is just southeast of Madison. It's a smaller town with a population of just under 6,000.

Who is the owner wife of Culver's? ›

In July 18, 1984, George, Ruth, son Craig, and his wife Lea opened the first Culver's Frozen Custard and ButterBurgers in Sauk City, Wisconsin.

Did Culvers change their bacon? ›

Our new, thick-cut bacon is truly a game changer, and we're excited for our guests to experience it for themselves.”

What is Culvers most known for? ›

Culver's is a fast-food restaurant that started in Wisconsin and has since expanded to 26 states. The chain is known for its ButterBurgers, cheese curds, and frozen custard. I'd never been before, but my mom loves it — so my husband and I recently tried it out.

Is Culver's healthier than other fast-food? ›

According to Gambling.com, Culver's ranked #4 on the list of serving one of the healthiest fast food cheeseburgers in America - The Butterburger Cheese. Here's how the Top 10 healthiest fast food chains ranked, in terms of best for your heart and body as a whole. The higher the score to 10, the healthier it is.

What makes Culver's different? ›

It's why we always use fresh, never frozen beef and whole, white meat chicken from America's family farms. It's why we only use family farm-fresh dairy for our Frozen Custard. And it's why every single Cheese Curd we've served has come from a Wisconsin dairy farm.

Where is the largest Culver's in the United States? ›

You can find the world's largest Culver's in Edgerton, Wisconsin, which is just southeast of Madison.

What is the slogan for Culver's? ›

Culver's motto is, “Welcome to Delicious,” and our experience was that it is. The franchise founded in Wisconsin, features ButterBurgers and frozen custard treats as its signature dishes.

What's the difference between ice cream and custard? ›

The main difference between frozen custard and ice cream is that frozen custard is made with egg yolks and ice cream is not, giving the former a richer flavor and mouthfeel. Some ice creams are made with egg yolks, however, which would technically make them custards based on the USDA guidelines.

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