Culver's started as a single Wisconsin location and now operates across the Midwest and beyond
Culver's is a casual restaurant chain founded in 1984 in Sauk City, Wisconsin, by Ruth and Craig Culver. It operates as a drive-in restaurant where you can order at a counter, eat in a dining room, or use a drive-through window. The chain has grown to over 900 locations, primarily in the Midwest but with expansion into other regions. Unlike some drive-in concepts that focus on carhop service, Culver's uses a traditional fast-casual model where you order at the counter or through a drive-through and pick up your food.
The restaurant is known for specific menu items: fried cheese curds (a Wisconsin specialty), burgers made from fresh beef rather than frozen, and frozen custard served fresh daily. Culver's is privately held and owned by the Culver family, which distinguishes it from publicly traded restaurant chains. The company operates both company-owned locations and franchised restaurants, meaning some Culver's are run directly by the corporation while others are owned and operated by independent franchisees.
Key Takeaways
- Culver's operates as a counter-service and drive-through restaurant, not a full carhop drive-in where servers bring food to your car.
- The chain is known for fried cheese curds, fresh beef burgers, and frozen custard made and served daily at each location.
- Culver's locations are concentrated in the Midwest but have expanded to other states over the past two decades.
- The restaurant is privately owned by the Culver family and operates through both company-owned and franchised locations.
How Culver's differs from traditional carhop drive-ins
Culver's is not a carhop drive-in in the classic sense, where an employee brings your order to your car window. Instead, it uses a drive-through lane where you order from a speaker menu and pick up food at a window, or you can park and walk inside to order at a counter. This model is faster and more efficient than carhop service but still allows you to eat in your car if you choose.
The drive-in category includes restaurants with different service models. Some, like A&W or Sonic, still operate carhop service at certain locations. Culver's chose the drive-through and counter-service model when it opened and has maintained that approach as it expanded. This means the experience is similar to other fast-casual chains, though the menu and daily-made custard set it apart from competitors like McDonald's or Burger King.
Menu items and what makes them distinctive
Culver's menu centers on a few signature items. Cheese curds are fried breaded cheese, typically served with a dipping sauce, and are a regional Wisconsin food that Culver's helped popularize nationally. ButterBurgers are the chain's signature burger, made from fresh (never frozen) beef and served on a lightly buttered bun. The burgers come in single or double patty options and can be customized with toppings.
Frozen custard is made fresh daily at each location using a recipe that includes eggs and cream. Unlike soft-serve ice cream, custard has a denser texture and richer flavor. Culver's rotates custard flavors daily, meaning the specific flavors available change each day at each restaurant. The chain also serves custard-based items like concrete mixers (custard blended with mix-ins) and frozen custard shakes.
Beyond these signature items, Culver's serves chicken sandwiches, fish (typically available on Fridays), salads, and sides like fries and onion rings. The menu varies slightly by location and region, and some items are seasonal or regional exclusives.
Locations and geographic presence
Culver's began in Wisconsin and has expanded primarily across the Upper Midwest, including Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Michigan. The chain has also opened locations in states further from its origin, including Arizona, Colorado, Florida, and others, though the density of restaurants remains highest in Wisconsin and neighboring states.
The number and location of Culver's restaurants changes as the company opens new locations and occasionally closes underperforming ones. If you are looking for the nearest Culver's, the company's website includes a location finder that shows restaurants by state and city, along with hours and which services each location offers (drive-through, dine-in, delivery through third-party apps).
Franchise model and ownership structure
Culver's operates through a franchise system, meaning individual entrepreneurs can purchase the right to open and run a Culver's restaurant under the company's brand and standards. Franchisees pay an initial franchise fee and ongoing royalties to the parent company in exchange for the brand, training, supply chain access, and operational support. The Culver family retains ownership of the corporation and makes decisions about expansion, menu changes, and brand direction.
This franchise model is common in the restaurant industry and affects how individual locations operate. While all Culver's follow the same basic menu and standards, franchisees have some flexibility in local decisions like hiring, pricing (within limits), and promotions. Company-owned locations may operate slightly differently than franchised ones, though the customer experience is designed to be consistent across all restaurants.
Ordering options and service methods
Most Culver's locations offer multiple ways to order. The drive-through is the fastest option if you know what you want; you order at a speaker, drive to a window, and receive your food. Dine-in service means you walk to a counter, order, pay, and either wait at a table or take your food to go. Some locations also accept orders through third-party delivery apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats, though delivery times and fees vary by location and app.
Mobile ordering through the Culver's app is available at many locations, allowing you to order ahead and pick up at a designated time. This reduces wait time, especially during busy periods. Hours vary by location but typically run from late morning through late evening, with some locations open for breakfast or late-night service depending on the market.
Pricing and what to expect to spend
Culver's prices are comparable to other fast-casual restaurant chains. A ButterBurger typically costs between $5 and $9 depending on size and toppings. Cheese curds, a popular appetizer or side, usually range from $4 to $6. Frozen custard items like shakes or concretes typically cost $5 to $8. Combo meals that bundle a burger, fries, and drink usually cost $10 to $15.
Prices vary by location and region, and the company adjusts pricing periodically. Culver's is positioned as slightly more expensive than fast-food chains like McDonald's but less expensive than full-service restaurants. Promotions and limited-time offers change seasonally and by location, so checking the app or website for current deals may lower your total cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Culver's only in Wisconsin?
No. Culver's started in Wisconsin and has the most locations there, but it now operates in over 20 states, primarily in the Midwest and expanding into other regions. Use the location finder on Culver's website to see if there is a restaurant near you.
What is the difference between Culver's frozen custard and regular ice cream?
Frozen custard contains eggs and cream, making it denser and richer than soft-serve ice cream. Culver's makes custard fresh daily at each location, and the flavors rotate daily, so the available options change each day.
Can I order Culver's through delivery apps?
Many Culver's locations accept orders through third-party delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats, though not all do. Check the app to see if your nearest location participates. You can also use the Culver's mobile app to order ahead for pickup at many locations.
Does Culver's have a mobile app?
Yes. The Culver's app allows you to view the menu, find locations, check daily custard flavors, and order ahead for pickup at participating restaurants. The app also shows current promotions and lets you earn rewards at some locations.
What makes ButterBurgers different from other burgers?
Culver's ButterBurgers use fresh beef that is never frozen, and the bun is lightly buttered and toasted. The combination of fresh beef and buttered bun is the signature preparation that distinguishes them from frozen-beef burgers at other chains.