Culver's

Culver's was founded in 1984 in Sauk City, Wisconsin by Craig and Lea Culver and Craig's parents, George and Ruth. The restaurant's defining identity rests on two products: the ButterBurger and frozen custard. The ButterBurger derives its name from the practice of lightly buttering the crown of the toasted bun, a detail that adds a distinct richness without making the burger greasy. The beef used is fresh, never frozen, and sourced from a dedicated supplier network. The frozen custard — denser and richer than ice cream due to its higher egg yolk content — is made in-store throughout the day in small batches, meaning it is never more than a few hours old. The Concrete Mixer, in which frozen custard is blended with mix-ins (cookie dough, brownies, Oreos, and dozens of seasonal options), has become the brand's most popular dessert offering. The daily special program rotates the 'Flavor of the Day' custard, creating a recurring reason for loyal customers to visit. Beyond the flagship items, the fish fry — a Wisconsin regional tradition — is served weekly and draws devotees across the Midwest, particularly on Fridays during the Lenten season. Culver's has expanded to over 900 locations primarily in the Midwest, though the brand now operates as far as Florida, Texas, and the Mountain states. The hospitality culture at Culver's is remarkable by fast-food standards: staff are trained to acknowledge and thank every customer, maintain clean dining rooms, and deliver food with genuine friendliness.