Culver's
Culver's is a fast casual restaurant chain based in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin. and primarily found in the Midwestern United States. It is known for its frozen custard and butterburgers.
History
Craig Culver and his family opened the first Culver's July 18, 1984, at the site of a former A&W restaurant in Sauk City, Wisconsin. Their first franchised location opened six years later in nearby Baraboo. Culver's had only 14 Wisconsin restaurants in 1993, but they began growing after adopting a program that requires franchisees to undergo a 16-week training program and manage the business themselves. They opened their 100th restaurant in June 2000 and their 200th in January 2003. Their 300th restaurant opened in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, on October 3, 2005. Culver's has restaurants in 15 states.
Butterburgers
Culver's specializes in "Butterburgers," which are named for the buttered buns that their hamburgers are served on. They are also known for their frozen custard, offering vanilla and chocolate flavors as well as a "Flavor of the Day" that varies among restaurants. Their menu also features fried battered cheese curds, salads, fried chicken, and milkshakes, while their selection of fountain drinks includes their own brand of root beer. It is notable that their menu has more variety than a standard fast food restaurant: in addition to the standard burgers and chicken on the value menu, one can get such items as a pot roast sandwich or a ham-and-cheese sandwich. Culver's uses the freshness of their ingredients as a selling point to promote their restaurants. With the addition of fish, rib, and chicken dinners the Culver's chain is bridging the gap between fast food and the traditional Wisconsin supper club.