Culver’s, an American fast-casual restaurant chain renowned for its ButterBurgers and Fresh Frozen Custard, has been expanding its presence across the United States since its inception in 1984. Founded by George, Ruth, Craig, and Lea Culver in Sauk City, Wisconsin, the chain has grown to over 1,000 locations in 26 states as of January 2025.
In the Nashville metropolitan area, Culver’s has established several locations to serve its growing customer base. Notably, there is a Culver’s restaurant in Franklin, located at 3400 Mallory Lane. This establishment offers the full range of Culver’s menu items, including their signature ButterBurgers, chicken sandwiches, seafood options, and a variety of sides and desserts.
Additionally, Culver’s operates a restaurant in Hendersonville, which has received positive reviews for its quality food and service.
While there isn’t a Culver’s location within Nashville city limits as of now, the surrounding areas provide convenient options for residents and visitors to enjoy the Culver’s experience. The company’s expansion strategy continues to focus on bringing its Midwestern hospitality and signature menu items to new markets, so it’s possible that Nashville may see a Culver’s opening in the future.
For those interested in visiting a Culver’s near Nashville, the Franklin and Hendersonville locations are the closest options. Both restaurants uphold the brand’s commitment to quality and friendly service, ensuring a satisfying dining experience for all guests.
Culver’s dedication to fresh, cooked-to-order meals and a welcoming atmosphere has been central to its success and nationwide growth. As the chain continues to expand, it remains committed to maintaining the high standards that have made it a favorite among fast-casual dining enthusiasts.
Culver’s Restaurant Chain in Nashville: A Deep Dive
Introduction to Culver’s
Culver’s is a beloved American fast-casual restaurant chain known for its signature ButterBurgers, Fresh Frozen Custard, and a variety of Midwestern-inspired comfort foods. Founded in 1984 in Sauk City, Wisconsin, by Craig and Lea Culver and their parents, George and Ruth, the brand has built a reputation for high-quality ingredients, excellent customer service, and a warm, family-friendly dining atmosphere.
Over the years, Culver’s has expanded significantly, growing to over 1,000 locations in 26 states, and it continues to reach new markets. In recent years, Nashville, Tennessee, and its surrounding areas have become part of this expansion, bringing the “Welcome to Delicious” experience to locals and visitors alike.
Culver’s Expansion into Nashville and Middle Tennessee
While Nashville does not yet have a Culver’s within city limits, the surrounding Middle Tennessee area has welcomed multiple locations, making the chain increasingly accessible to Nashville residents.
Culver’s Locations Near Nashville
The closest Culver’s restaurants to Nashville include:
- Culver’s Franklin
- 📍 3400 Mallory Lane, Franklin, TN 37067
- One of the most popular Culver’s locations in Middle Tennessee, serving customers from Brentwood, South Nashville, and Franklin.
- Offers drive-thru, dine-in, and takeout services.
- Culver’s Hendersonville
- 📍 290 Indian Lake Blvd, Hendersonville, TN 37075
- Located in the northern Nashville suburbs, making it an ideal option for residents of Gallatin, Goodlettsville, and East Nashville.
- Known for its friendly service and consistently high food quality.
Potential for Expansion in Nashville
Culver’s has been steadily expanding throughout the South, opening multiple locations in states like Georgia, North Carolina, and Kentucky. Given Nashville’s booming food scene, strong economy, and growing population, it wouldn’t be surprising if a Culver’s restaurant opened within city limits soon.
What Makes Culver’s Stand Out?
Culver’s success is built on quality, freshness, and hospitality, with a focus on freshly prepared meals and premium dairy products. Here’s a breakdown of what makes the chain unique:
1. Signature Menu Items
Culver’s offers a diverse menu that blends classic American fast food with Midwestern home cooking.
ButterBurgers – The Star of the Menu
The ButterBurger is Culver’s flagship menu item and is distinct from other fast-food burgers due to its:
- Fresh, never frozen beef patties
- Lightly buttered and toasted bun
- Customization with toppings like Wisconsin cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and bacon
Popular options include:
- The Original ButterBurger – Simple, classic, and delicious.
- ButterBurger with Cheese – Enhanced with real Wisconsin cheddar.
- The Wisconsin Swiss Melt – Served on grilled rye bread with grilled onions and Swiss cheese.
Fresh Frozen Custard
Culver’s is famous for its Fresh Frozen Custard, which is richer and creamier than traditional ice cream.
- Available in Vanilla, Chocolate, and a Flavor of the Day.
- Guests can enjoy it as a cone, sundae, or concrete mixer (a mix-in shake).
- Unique flavors include Brownie Batter Overload, Raspberry Cheesecake, and Turtle.
Wisconsin Cheese Curds
Culver’s Wisconsin Cheese Curds are a fan favorite, made with real cheddar cheese from Wisconsin and deep-fried to golden perfection.
Seafood & Chicken Options
For non-burger lovers, Culver’s offers:
- North Atlantic Cod Sandwich & Dinner – Made with hand-battered, crispy cod fillets.
- Butterfly Jumbo Shrimp – Lightly breaded and served with a choice of dipping sauce.
- Crispy and Grilled Chicken Sandwiches – For those looking for a lighter alternative to burgers.
Sides & Extras
Culver’s offers classic American fast-food sides like:
- Crinkle-Cut Fries
- Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
- Coleslaw
- Chili Cheddar Fries
Culver’s Community Involvement in Middle Tennessee
One of the reasons Culver’s has developed such a strong fan base is its commitment to community engagement and philanthropy.
Culver’s Support for Local Schools & Charities
- Many locations partner with local schools for fundraising nights, where a portion of sales goes toward school programs.
- The Thank You Farmers Project supports agriculture education programs and helps young farmers succeed.
- Many locations host veterans’ appreciation events or donate meals to first responders.
Culver’s and Southern Hospitality
Culver’s is known for Midwestern hospitality, which fits well with Tennessee’s reputation for Southern charm. At locations like Franklin and Hendersonville, guests frequently mention:
- Friendly, courteous staff
- Fast, accurate service
- Clean and welcoming restaurant interiors
Culver’s vs. Other Fast-Food Chains in Nashville
Nashville has a thriving fast-food and fast-casual dining scene, with many chains competing for customer loyalty. How does Culver’s compare?
Culver’s vs. Shake Shack
- Culver’s ButterBurgers use fresh, never frozen beef, while Shake Shack’s burgers are also fresh but are smaller and more premium-priced.
- Culver’s Frozen Custard is creamier and more traditional, while Shake Shack offers classic shakes and soft-serve options.
Culver’s vs. Five Guys
- Culver’s ButterBurgers tend to be less greasy than Five Guys’ burgers.
- Culver’s pricing is more affordable, while Five Guys is typically more expensive.
Culver’s vs. Chick-fil-A
- While Chick-fil-A dominates in the chicken category, Culver’s has a strong following for its Chicken Sandwiches and hand-battered fish options.
- Culver’s Frozen Custard outshines Chick-fil-A’s shakes in terms of richness and texture.
What’s Next for Culver’s in Nashville?
Given the brand’s steady expansion and Nashville’s growing demand for high-quality fast food, there is a strong possibility that Culver’s will open a location within Nashville city limits in the coming years.
Potential New Locations in Nashville
If Culver’s were to expand into the city, likely locations could include:
- Downtown Nashville – To cater to both tourists and office workers.
- West Nashville (Bellevue area) – A growing suburban community.
- East Nashville – A trendy food hotspot with high foot traffic.
Will Nashville See More Culver’s in 2025?
With Tennessee’s business-friendly environment and increasing demand for high-quality fast food, Culver’s is likely to continue its expansion in Middle Tennessee. If you’re a Culver’s fan in Nashville, stay tuned for potential new locations!
Final Thoughts
Culver’s has successfully brought its signature Midwestern flavors to Middle Tennessee, with locations in Franklin and Hendersonville serving as the closest spots for Nashville residents to enjoy their famous ButterBurgers and Fresh Frozen Custard.
While Nashville doesn’t have a Culver’s yet, the brand’s commitment to quality, hospitality, and community engagement makes it an excellent fit for Music City. With its continued expansion, it’s only a matter of time before Nashville gets its very own Culver’s location.
