Friday, October 4, 2013

Welcome to Delicious: Culver's Restaurant, Quality and Values {Free Product Coupons Giveaway!}

Culver's logo
Back in college, in the early stages of my relationship with my now-husband, I wanted to do something nice for him and surprise him with a meal at his favorite restaurant.

Although he couldn't pinpoint a single precise location as the favorite, being born and raised here in Wisconsin, he mentioned that he had always loved Culver's.

Culver's? That's one that we didn't have (yet) over the border in Minnesota, what was Culver's?

Nonetheless, after a little searching (the internet was still a baby back in the 90's, so this was more work than it sounds), I uncovered a Culver's location, wrote out the directions, and we were off. The rest, as they say, is history.

While Culver's may not come to others' minds when thinking of a date night, I love that this restaurant and all of its hometown heritage and commitment to family plays a part in my own family's history.

And, although I was already a fan of the unique, warm experience that we have always received from visiting Culver's, it has only been extended now that I have had the chance to visit the Culver's Headquarters, spend the day with Craig Culver himself, and have lunch at the very first Culver's.

Culver's

If you aren't familiar with Culver's, I send my condolences that you're missing out on a one-of-a-kind family-friendly restaurant. First opening in Sauk City, Wisconsin in 1984 by co-founders Craig and Lea Culver (and Craig's parents George and Ruth), Culver's has been committed to exceptional service and top-quality products from the very beginning.

These days, there are more than 450 restaurants in 19 states (and counting) that put their heart and soul into every meal. From Midwest-raised beef to dairy produced right here on local farms (there are 5,400 dairy cows that work full time to produce milk for Culver's!), only the finest, most wholesome ingredients go into each Culver's menu item.

Ahhh, the menu. The cooked-to-order menu (completely different than made-to-order, which is prepared beforehand and not nearly as fresh and delicious).

Culver's menu

The classic ButterBurger that started it all, the irresistible handcrafted desserts made with Fresh Frozen Custard, Grilled or Crispy Chicken Sandwiches, Wild caught fish, Beef Pot Roast, Fresh Fried Chicken, fresh salads, delicious lemon ice, Scoopie Kids' Meals... the list goes on and on.

On the day of my recent visit, we were fortunate to be able to sample a wide variety of delicious items, some of which I had never tried before. How did I not even realize that Culver's offered Cheese Curds (and that they're so good)? And what was I doing last fall when their amazing Sweet Potato Fries (yum, yum and yum!) made an appearance?

Culver's food
The "burger" in the top photo is actually a Veggie Burger - it's delicious!

Does the burger in the bottom right photo look slightly different that the traditional ButterBurgers? That's because it's Culver's upcoming Pepper Grinder Pub Burger and, on October 28th, this tasty sandwich will be back after its mouthwatering introduction last fall.

This burger features a multi-dimensional flavor that comes from two fresh beef patties (made from 100% U.S. Midwest-raised beef) that are pressed together and seared, then layered with melty swiss and cheddar cheeses. This delicious combination is then topped with two slices of irresistible bacon and mouthwatering peppery mayo all served on an "everything" bun.

Culver's Pepper Grinder Pub Burger

Although I didn't try the Pepper Grinder Pub Burger myself (darn vegetarianism always getting in the way), it received rave reviews from our group at lunch and was definitely recommended for those looking for the ultimate pub burger experience!

And although I was a little jealous that I wasn't able to partake in the burger sampling, that was soon dissipated when a slew of delicious new dessert options appeared on the table instead. If you're a fan of the sweet taste of pumpkin in the fall, you're going to love what Culver's is dishing upright now!

Culver's pumpkin

Mmmm, the return of a guest-celebrated ingredient — pumpkin — in Culver's seasonal treats is complemented perfectly with other great fall flavors including savory nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and allspice. Combined with Culver's Fresh Frozen Custard, which is made daily in small batches in each restaurant, these are such a yummy way to welcome in the season.

Along with Culver's Pumpkin Spice Shake, Pumpkin Cheesecake Concrete Mixer and Pumpkin Pecan Concrete Mixer, this year Culver's introduced the new Salted Caramel Pumpkin Concrete Mixer and it is, without a doubt, delicious.

Culver's pumpkin desserts

I'm telling you, this is the perfect blend of caramel and pumpkin pie spice with Culver's Vanilla Fresh Frozen Custard, because this Concrete Mixer tastes like you're biting into a creamy piece of pumpkin pie that you never want to end.

As a bonus, I love knowing that Culver's pumpkins are produced using Food Alliance-certified farm practices that protect, enhance and conserve soil, water resources and biodiversity. No part of the pumpkin goes to waste and is instead turned into renewable energy that helps power the farm — just another aspect of Culver's amazing dedication to sustainability!

But doing their part to lessen their environmental footprint is far from the only reason that I admire Culver's and all that they do. Not only do they deeply care about the quality of their food, but they understand and appreciate the hard work family farmers do to grow and produce the wholesome, tasty food they have always so proudly served. 

Which is why Culver's has created Thank You, Farmers, a partnership with farmers across the country and a way for the community to show gratitude for farm families everywhere.

Thank You Farmers

Culver's is completely committed to supporting today's farm families while at the same time helping to ensure the future of the next generation of farmers, so they've turned their long-standing gratitude into full-fledged backing.

As well as funding their own support, Culver's is also giving young guests the opportunity to contribute. Kids who receive Scoopie Tokens intended for frozen custard or toys can be turned back in to the restaurant to become a part of the monetary donation Culver's makes to local FFA chapters. What a great opportunity for parents to show their children that giving back is important and feels good!

Also as part of the partnership, Culver's is visually showing their thanks by by painting a large, 1800s barn bright blue. This barn, located on a working family farm in Beaver Dam, WI, includes a larger than life thank you message that stands as the unique visual representation of Culver's commitment to this partnership and support of farmers everywhere.

Culver's thank you barn
Click here for a great video on this inspiring barn painting!

Whether you love Culver's because of their Fresh Frozen Custard, their savory ButterBurgers, their hand-battered fish, their commitment to giving back or their unwavering belief in doing the right thing and not messing with quality, this is one restaurant (and company) that stands above the rest.

How often do you think that the founder of any other restaurant chain finishes his lunch and immediately jumps up to help run (literally, run) food out to guests waiting for their drive-through orders?

Craig Culver

To find out much, much more about Culver's, their story, their menu and nutrition, and all that they stand for, visit Culvers.com — check out their humorous Culver's 101 Videos while you're there! You can also connect with this hometown favorite on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram so that you'll never miss a single update on their deliciousness.

Plus, thanks to their generosity, one person will soon be marveling in a variety of the delectable tastes that make Culver's special, because...

One lucky person will win (3) free product coupons* from Culver's!

Culver's giveaway
*Coupons include (1) free Culver's Deluxe ButterBurger, (1) free Medium Concrete Mixer and (1) free 2-Scoop Sundae


A big thank you to Culver's for their hospitality and sponsorship of Blogging Day as well as for providing coupons for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

138 comments:

Unknown said... 1

We love Culver's! Their cheeseburgers and cheese curds are one of my very favorite things to eat! My parents also always loved Culver's. When my dad was going through cancer treatment, he would often have a poor appetite. Stopping at Culver's for a chocolate malt on the way home from his chemo treatment was something we did a lot. He loved their malts!

Unknown said... 2

I've never been... but cheeseburgers and cheese curds sounds good to me though!

Dave said... 3

I love their custard, usually the flavor of the day, but sometimes just vanilla with reeses pb cups and some cheese curds. :)

cjabdelnour said... 4

I WOULD LOVE TO TRY THE German Chocolate Fudge CUSTARD. Cheryl Abdelnour cjabdelnour@hotmail.com

steve weber said... 5

I love the chicken tenders and the honey mustard dipping sauce.

Unknown said... 6

I love their concrete mixers. I just had a Pumpkin Cheesecake one yesterday and it was delicious.

Rhonda Clemens said... 7

Culver's rocks!! I like a double bacon burger deluxe!!

clemensrhonda@hotmail.com

Jennifer T. said... 8

I've never tried Culver's but we have two fairly new locations near us. I'd love to try the Prime Rib & Mushroom Melt sandwich.

Kayla said... 9

I want to try their Cookie Dough Concrete Mixer. So yummy!

Michelle S. said... 10

I usually get the Reuben Basket.

scottsgal said... 11

butterburger with cheese and turtle sundaes

Linda Szymoniak said... 12

I simply love their Concrete Mixers - I try a different flavor every time I order one!

Unknown said... 13

My favorite menu item are the onion rings!

Unknown said... 14

Chocolate Concrete Mixer made with Reese's

kymom13 said... 15

Besides bacon butter burgers, I love their seasonal pumpkin shakes!!

Kelly Skibbe said... 16

I love their cheddar butter burgers.

puye said... 17

I would love to try the German Chocolate Fudge CUSTARD

agnesye@hotmail.com

tatertot374 said... 18

Love their food the cheddar butter burger and the pumpkin shake!

Unknown said... 19

my favorite is the crispy chicken sandwich

Stephanie Shipley said... 20

I absolutely love Culver's! They have some of the best burgers there. I love to get the deluxe butter burger and fries. The fries are really good too. Golden and delicious. Sometimes I like to get their chili and dip my fries in it.

Cari said... 21

I LOVE Culvers. They are my absolute favorite. My favorite is the bacon deluxe butterburger!

Sunshine and Spoons said... 22

Culver's is probably one of my favorite restaurants. The manager of the one I go to makes it a point to go around to all the customers and ask if they need anything. When I"m by myself with my kids, he goes the extra mile to make sure the experience is easy for me. Even if I didn't LOVE the food, I'd go back for the service. I tried the salted caramel pumpkin concrete mixer when I was there last and it is to die for!

Tara said... 23

cookie dough concrete mixer is my favorite!!!

Natalie said... 24

I love the cookie dough concrete mixer!

Miss Sarah said... 25

I LOVE their frozen custard especially their concrete mixers! And of course I'm always eager for my free sundae on my birthday! :) Yummy!!

Thanks for the giveaway!

Anonymous said... 26

I would love to try the pumpkin pecan mixer. And I will asap! I really like Culver's food.

billwinsbig said... 27

The Colby burger

deallieb said... 28

I love their Fried Chicken Dinner and Cookie Dough Concrete Mixer

Francine Anchondo said... 29

Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Unknown said... 30

I would love to try the salted caramel milkshake

dheath3 said... 31

I love the chicken tenders and the honey mustard dipping sauce

Unknown said... 32

I would love to try their Caramel Cashew Sundae :) it sounds good! Thanks.

Rowell Reviews said... 33

I love the cheddar butter burgers, so delicious!

ken ohl said... 34

love there turtle sundaes. thankyou, ken pohl19@comcast.net

Anonymous said... 35

I would love to try the shaved prime rib sandwich. It looks yummy.

kyl neusch said... 36

cheese curds!

Carmen said... 37

I am a sucker for their chicken dinners and cheese curds.

Liz said... 38

I've never been there, but I would choose the Chicken cashew with grilled chicken. Sounds delicious.

Love3570@aol.com

Katherine Donovan said... 39

The cheeseburgers are AWESOME!!! Culver's is one of my favorite places to eat :)

donovandiva61269@aol.com

Unknown said... 40

The cheese curds!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kellie Conklin said... 41

We love Culvers! Hard to choose a favorite but I love the Classic ButterBurger and their chocolate malt! So delicious! Thanks!

slehan said... 42

Never been there, but I looked it up and they do have one in the Denver area. I'd try the Wild caught fish.
Thanks for the contest.slehan@juno.com

debbie said... 43

We literally had one open here in the last month or so. I haven't had time to try it, but it looks really good. I want to try their mushroom and swiss burger.

Unknown said... 44

I've been obsessed recently with the Culver's veggie burger. Best non-meat burger I've had anywhere.

bison61 said... 45

I'd like to try their Chili

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

Paula said... 46

Oooh! Pumpkin Pecan Mixer sounds soooo yummy!

MELINA said... 47

I would like to try the Culver's Bacon Deluxe burger.

Malia Russell said... 48

I want a butter burger!

Unknown said... 49

I love the sourdough cheddar melt and raspberry hot fudge concrete mixers!

KentuckyCooking said... 50

It's nearly impossible to choose a favorite at Culver's. Everything is AMAZING. But at the top of my list would be the ButterBurgers, Cheese Curds, and Frozen Custard.

Anissa said... 51

So many tasty items but my new fav is chocolate custard with raspberries and cheesecake bites!

Pat said... 52

Wisconsin Cheese Curds!

Unknown said... 53

I really like their butterburgers.

Jennie said... 54

who doesn't love a good ole butterburger every once in a while? And I love the custard!

Sarah MomE25 said... 55

I love their frozen custards.

heatherp626 said... 56

My favorite Culver item is their Cheeseburger and of course the frozen custard!

heatherp626@msn.com

Unknown said... 57

We love their butter burgers!!! I also love their chicken strips!

Sarah Phillips said... 58

I love their butter burgers, but I would love to try any one of their pumpkin desserts. I love this time of the season!

Anonymous said... 59

Our favorite is the original butter burger.

mellyrox said... 60

Bacon Butter Burger .. yummy ..

melly66 at sbcglobal dot net

chadro said... 61

Beef Pot Roast for sure is what I'd love to try

Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage said... 62

chocolate concrete

dfraley3 said... 63

I love both their Cheeseburgers and their Chicken Tenders.

Unknown said... 64

I wanna try their onion rings

Marsha C said... 65

Love their custard. And their cheese curds!

Serena said... 66

I love all their custards. They also have really yummy veggie burgers and cheese curds.

Unknown said... 67

The peanut butter milk shake is my favorite!!

mecarolks said... 68

I would love to try the salted caramel milkshake

Unknown said... 69

the chicken tenders they have are really good.
gabbflabber at live.com

Unknown said... 70

My fave thing is their banana split, yum!!

Anonymous said... 71

I love their chicken strips.

Unknown said... 72

I love that you can get green beans instead of french fries with their combo baskets.

Anonymous said... 73

Love, love, love the fried chicken.

Christina said... 74

Christina - xristya@rock.com - The Butter Burger, of course!

Anonymous said... 75

I would try their cheddar butter burgers.

Crystal said... 76

I'd love to try the Pumpkin Spice shake! I'm a sucker for pumpkin things in the fall/winter!
CrystalW07 (at) aol.com

Linda said... 77

I always order a single butterburger with the works and fries
mintstatesporswear(at)juno(dot)com

megan said... 78

cheese. curds. love them.

Laurel said... 79

I love their original ButterBurger.
alwaysneedhim4evr@yahoo.com

~The Bargain Babe from *Zucchini Summer Blog* said... 80

We love the concrete mixers!!

Unknown said... 81

Those cheese curds! And the concrete mixers! And those buffalo chicken tenders. YUM!

Valerie said... 82

It isn't on the menu, but we love to get a mint old fashioned soda. Mmmm...

Valerie said... 83
This comment has been removed by the author.
Lacey said... 84

The Cheddar Butterburger is my favorite, for sure!

Treesa said... 85

Butterburger snack pack is my order of choice! With a pepsi :D

cc_girly(at)yahoo(dot)com

Victoria Nyquist said... 86

Concrete mixers are the BEST!!!!!

Lessons, Etc. said... 87

I haven't been even though I am from Wisconsin - what a crime! But... their onion rings look great! I love onion rings made with real onions, not diced up pieces.

CoDy said... 88

Culvers is the best.

virgomomwriter said... 89

I love it all, but especially cheese curds!

Unknown said... 90

The cheese curds.

freddie said... 91

I love Culver's Bacon Deluxe Burger.

Kelly Massman said... 92

smore's custard flavor of the day

Unknown said... 93

This probably sounds crazy but I love the veggie burger...imagine that! Of course the shakes rock too.

Bo said... 94

The Buffalo Chicken Tenders!

Jessyca said... 95

Ive never been there before, but I think I would like to try a Butter Burger. It looks delicious. Thanks for the chance.

Unknown said... 96

Wisconsin Cheese Curds. Awesomeness

Sahara R said... 97

The crispy chicken sandwich is our absolute favorite.

Unknown said... 98

Their Oreo Concrete Mixer is my FAVORITE!!!! That counts as a menu item, right? ;)

A said... 99

Oh my gosh so yummy!! My favorite item is the simple yet amazingly delicious vanilla cone!

Unknown said... 100

I would like to try the Grilled chicken sandwhich.

Jeannie said... 101

I love Culvers! My favorite is the pumpkin pecan custard also the butterburger

bkittie said... 102

My favorite is the caramel cashew sundae!
(Diane L.)

Julie Waldron said... 103

I like the North Atlantic Cod Dinner. I've never tried any of their ice cream desserts, I'd love to try one of those :)

Erin said... 104

Love the butter burgers!

Jessica said... 105

We go to Culvers a couple times a month and I love their chicken strips

Vickie @Vickie's Kitchen and Garden said... 106

We love their cheeseburgers- just a single double is too big!

Wendy Rozema said... 107

my favorite is the Culvers Double cheeseburger!

Jaydensgrandma said... 108

We love Culver!!!! Deluxe ButterBurger and Grilled Chicken Sandwich are my favorite and don't forget have to have Concrete Mixer!
Joye Rast

Jmstrunk said... 109

I always order the Bacon Butterburger Basket!

Peggy O'Connor said... 110

I always get the butter burger and fries.

Unknown said... 111

I have had a patty melt before and it was really good.

Unknown said... 112

Their strawberry cheesecake concrete mixers are definitely my favorite...I always try to stop in when they have their Boston cream pie flavored custard though too :)

LesleyfromWI said... 113

I like their chicken sandwich

mberlin1967 said... 114

3 cheese butterburger

susan1215 said... 115

I love their cheddar butter burgers and French fries.

brendaelsner said... 116

I love the Butterburgers!!!

Hotsnotty2 said... 117

Wisconsin Cheese Curds

AWinesburg@hotmail.com

Unknown said... 118

I love, love the Culver's Deluxe Butterburger with cheese. And the fries... they're the best!
Then there is the Turtle Sundae, just irresistible for me. I have to have it.

Debra Guillen said... 119

I love Culver's North Atlantic Cod Filet Sandwich

Em Mahr said... 120

The butter burgers! And all of their salads are delicious!

Unknown said... 121

I love the cheese curds.

Unknown said... 122

I have never been to Culivers but the Pumpkin Pecan Concrete sounds good.

lilbabypug said... 123

The shaved prime rib sandwich looks sooooo good.

Juliet said... 124

I love Culvers custard - anything with their rich caramel is the best!

McKim said... 125

I like their mushroom and swiss burger.

Unknown said... 126

I like the vanilla frozen custard.

Breanne said... 127

Butterfly Jumbo Shrimp

saturdaynightfever said... 128

I am fond of the Butterburgers!

theyyyguy@yahoo.com

Unknown said... 129

never been there but would like to try their jumbo shrimp
amy16323(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said... 130

I have never been there but i hear its amazing! I would love to try the jumbo shrimp, my favorite food!

Lisa Garner said... 131

I want to try the Grilled Reuben Melt.

bbrittbrat1398 said... 132

my favorite is the crispy chicken sandwich.
Brittney House BBrittBrat1398@yahoo.com (brittneysweep@yahoo.com)

michedt said... 133

I love their strawberry shakes. So yummy! Their chicken tenders are really good too!
Michelle Tucker

Angela Ash said... 134

My favorite item from Culver's is their Vanilla Malt. It's so delicious & goes w/just about any food item - but the best is a burger.

Carolyn Daley said... 135

I want to try the Culver's Root Beer Float.

rjcqh said... 136

I would like to try the Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Anonymous said... 137

I love the concrete mixers!

Brian E. said... 138

Thanks for the giveaway… Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Rafflecopter: Bryan E.