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Culver’s is a Wisconsin-born fast-food chain best known for its ButterBurgers and Fresh Frozen Custard. Founded in 1984 in Sauk City, Wisconsin, the brand has expanded far beyond the Midwest while keeping its “Welcome to Delicious” identity centered on made-to-order burgers, frozen custard, and classic sides like cheese curds.
This 2026 update refreshes the footprint and performance story using the most current company statements available, plus clearly labeled third-party and industry-estimate metrics where official financials aren’t publicly reported in the same way as public restaurant chains.
Answer (2026 update): How many Culver’s restaurants are there?
- Official footprint: Culver’s says it has grown to 1,000 locations across 26 states and also describes the system as over 1,000 restaurants in 26 states.
- Third-party count (for a precise snapshot): A location dataset reported 1,051 U.S. locations as of November 25, 2025.
Key Culver’s Metrics (Latest Available)
| Metric | Value | Year / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1984 (Sauk City, Wisconsin) | Company history |
| Total restaurants | 1,000+ | Official footprint statement; 26 states |
| States with Culver’s locations | 26 states | Official footprint statement |
| U.S. locations (third-party snapshot) | 1,051 | As of Nov 25, 2025 (third-party dataset) |
| Average unit volume (AUV) | $3.83M | End of 2024 (Technomic data summarized by NRN) |
| Restaurants referenced with AUV figure | 997 | End of 2024 (Technomic / NRN summary) |
| Estimated U.S. sales | $3.823B | 2024 (Technomic estimate) |
| Estimated U.S. sales | $3.310B | 2023 (Technomic estimate) |
Culver’s Restaurant Count (2026 Update)
Culver’s is a private company, so there isn’t one single public filing that updates store counts the same way publicly traded restaurant groups do. However, Culver’s publishes clear footprint language on its own site: the brand has grown to 1,000 locations across 26 states and also describes the system as over 1,000 restaurants in 26 states.
If you need a more precise “as-of” snapshot for research purposes, third-party location trackers can be useful. One widely used dataset reported 1,051 Culver’s locations across 26 states and territories as of November 25, 2025. (Because this is not an official company number, it’s best used as a directional count rather than a definitive corporate total.)
Where Culver’s Operates (Locations by State)
Culver’s publishes a state-by-state “locations” guide tied to its first 1,000 restaurants and lists operations across 26 states. This reinforces the brand’s core footprint and helps explain why Culver’s is often described as a Midwest favorite that has expanded nationally, particularly across the Central U.S. and into growing Sun Belt markets.
Sales and Performance Metrics (What We Can Measure)
Because Culver’s is privately held, many “headline” metrics you’ll see online can be inconsistent or outdated. The most reliable third-party performance benchmarks come from established restaurant industry research.
- Average Unit Volume (AUV): Technomic data summarized by Nation’s Restaurant News puts Culver’s at $3.83 million AUV across 997 locations at the end of 2024.
- Estimated U.S. sales (industry estimate): Technomic’s Top 500 chain reporting is widely referenced for U.S. sales and unit counts, showing $3.823B (2024) vs. $3.310B (2023) in estimated U.S. sales, alongside growth in units.
For readers trying to compare Culver’s to other burger chains, AUV is particularly helpful: it estimates annual sales per restaurant and often signals operational strength, real estate quality, and brand demand.
What Culver’s Is Known For
Culver’s menu centers on two signature categories:
- ButterBurgers: made-to-order burgers served on a lightly buttered, toasted bun.
- Fresh Frozen Custard: custard made in small batches, plus “Flavor of the Day” rotating custard recipes.
The brand also offers chicken sandwiches and tenders, fish options, salads, and classic sides—helping Culver’s compete not only with burger chains, but also broad “everyday meal” quick-service brands.
FAQ
How many Culver’s restaurants are there in 2026?
Culver’s states it has grown to 1,000 locations across 26 states and also describes the chain as having over 1,000 restaurants in 26 states. For a more precise snapshot, one third-party dataset reported 1,051 U.S. locations as of November 25, 2025.
Why do Culver’s location totals differ by source?
Different sources use different counting methods and dates. Culver’s official language typically uses rounded milestone phrasing (like “1,000” or “over 1,000”), while third-party location datasets may provide a specific count on a specific date (and may include or exclude certain formats).
How many states have Culver’s locations?
Culver’s states it operates in 26 states, and it publishes a locations-by-state guide tied to the brand’s “first 1,000 restaurants” milestone.
What does “AUV” mean for restaurants?
AUV stands for average unit volume, a common industry metric that estimates annual sales per restaurant on average. It’s often used to compare restaurant concepts and track performance over time.
What is Culver’s best known for?
Culver’s is best known for its ButterBurgers and Fresh Frozen Custard, including a rotating Flavor of the Day.
Sources
- Culver’s Franchise page (official footprint statement)
- Culver’s Locations by State (official milestone statement)
- ScrapeHero location report (U.S. locations snapshot as of Nov 25, 2025)
- Nation’s Restaurant News (Technomic-based AUV summary including Culver’s)
- Restaurant Business / Technomic Top 500 (2024 U.S. sales and units snippet)
- Restaurant Business / Technomic Top 500 (2023 U.S. sales and units snippet)
