2017 South Dakota CTE Conference

Craig Culver's passion for business started over 50 years ago when his parents bought their first restaurant. Modeling his mom and dad’s command of the kitchen and gracious, midwestern hospitality,Craig grew up serving guests and learning firsthand about delicious, cooked-to-order food.

In 1984 came an idea for a restaurant no one could resist. Craig and his family opened the very first Culver’s featuring Butter Burgers and Fresh Frozen Custard in their hometown of Sauk City, Wisconsin. Then, in 1987, the franchising arm, Culver Franchising System, Inc., was established. Shaped after the Culver family’s team approach around hospitality and great food, the first successful franchise was opened in Baraboo, Wisconsin in 1990. Today, there are nearly 600 Culver’s restaurants in 24 states.

As much as the business is about food, Craig will tell anyone who asks that Culver’s is actually a “people place.” This business philosophy fuels the way Craig coaches team members in the restaurant and beyond to always do what’s right for guests, ensuring that they leave the restaurant happy every single time.The Culver's story will enlighten and motivate you to become a more intentional and thoughtful leader--and you are sure to leave with a smile on your face.