Culver’s Restaurant made a groundbreaking entrance June 11, next to Ruby Tuesday’s on the northeast corner of I-75 and Sashabaw Road.
The new ‘metro? style 3900-square-foot restaurant will employ 65 part- and full-time employees; many will be high school students.
New franchise owner Katie Schmitt will start hiring her crew in the beginning of July. Training will begin on July 30.
Schmitt, a science professor and soccer coach for three years at Johnson County Community College in Kansas, moved to Michigan from Kansas City, Mo., about two years ago with her husband Brian.
‘I was looking to get back into the community. I always wanted to own my own business, and I have family in the restaurant business who own restaurants/bars in Wisconsin, Iowa, and Missouri,? said Schmitt who had previously been in medical sales.
After talking with a lot of restaurant owners in the area, Schmitt found that Culver’s was very supportive of its franchise, as well as very community and family oriented.
Ruth and George Culver, who owned an A&W restaurant, decided to de-franchise and start a restaurant under their own name. Culver’s opened in Sauk City, Wisconsin, on July 18, 1984.
According to Ruth and George’s son Craig, co-founder of Culver’s, the restaurant struggled its first year to survive and has now grown to over 385 restaurants in the Midwest region and over 20 in Michigan.
Culver’s is known for its ‘ButterBurger,? a mixture of ground chuck and sirloin, and its premium frozen custard ice-cream that is made fresh throughout the day.
Culver’s has a wide variety menu to choose from including chicken and fish dinners, salads, soups, and drinks.
Craig Culver, said he is very optimistic, excited and enthusiastic about the new franchise.
‘It’s another opportunity to come to a new area, not only to sell our products, but to sell our hospitality,? he said.
‘Business is not just about selling a product, but hospitality and customer service is the driving force.?
Culver has confidence that Schmitt will do a fine job. Working alongside Schmitt will be General Manager Mike Brookshire, and other managers Miranda Legg, Damain Buitkus, Robert Fittonneville, and Susan Murray.
‘I am very excited to start my new endeavor,? said Murray.
The ground breaking also featured a prayer and blessing from Father Chris Maus of St. Daniels Catholic Church.
The restaurant is set to officially open on Aug. 6.