Culver’s celebrates 40 years with a block party

Standing squarely in the middle of the Sauk City community—with a grocery store, bank, and library around him—Craig Culver spoke last Thursday about the 40-year journey his family and business has taken there. Speaking about the Hardees down the street in 1984 with the noticeably full parking lot—it was the fastest growing franchise in America at the time—as well as the Dairy Queen nearby, where the newly-invented Blizzard was attracting customers, Culver waxed nostalgic about simpler and harder times, when “nobody knew what a butter burger was and nobody knew what frozen custard was.” He spoke about the generations of teen workers who have staffed the restaurants, saying “sometimes we love them to stay with us but as they move on into other careers, […] it’s such a gift to have been a part of their lives.” But what shone through in Culver’s remarks was a sense of community.

In nearly 1000 communities across 26 states, the familiar Culver’s blue and white building welcomes those in search of the simple recipe that has been served up for decades: polite, prompt service and good food. While Culver’s is known for its Butterburgers and frozen custard it is also known for its friendly service. Sauk Prairie residents and Wisconsinites come to expect that behavior; out of staters new to the Culver’s experience are pleasantly surprised.

Fittingly, Culver’s celebrated its 40^th birthday party in the middle of the community where it was founded, Sauk City. And the celebration was a block party, with all the trappings of small-town Wisconsin, including a fire truck and large community presence. Despite the cameras and the Governor, the celebration retained a familiar feel.

Evers stopped by to deliver Proclamations to Lea and Craig Culver, acknowledging July 18^th as “Culver’s Day” in the State of Wisconsin. Speaking informally and entertaining the gathered crowd, Evers spoke to the essential part of Wisconsin history and culture that Culvers is a part of. The Proclamation noted, “Culvers takes pride in putting people first while serving delicious food with hometown hospitality that truly sets them apart, and Culvers believes in neighbors helping neighbors, holding thousands of share nights every year to financially and honorably support their communities.” One of the most visible parts of how Culver’s gives back to its communities is through its share nights, where a portion of the day’s proceeds go towards a charitable cause.

Cake was cut and served and the community members gathered enjoyed a good time under a sunny blue sky.