How World-Class Hospitality Turned Culver’s Into a Household Name

Before it was a billion-dollar brand, Culver’s was a single struggling restaurant in Sauk City, Wisconsin — and Craig Culver nearly walked away after the first year.In this episode of The Leadership Crucible Podcast, Chief Randy Bruegman sits down with Craig Culver, co-founder of Culver’s Restaurants, to explore the humble beginnings and values-driven leadership that shaped one of America’s most beloved hospitality brands. From working the fryer at age 11 to leading a franchise empire with over 1,000 locations, Craig shares the pivotal lessons that shaped his journey: how culture is your competitive edge, why people—not customers—come first, and what happens when you lead with humility, gratitude, and genuine care.If you’ve ever thought success was about systems or strategy alone, this conversation is a masterclass in how hospitality, consistency, and character scale a legacy.

IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 – Intro: Meet Craig Culver, Co-Founder of Culver’s
02:05 – The Family Business Begins: A&W, Dishwashing & Fryers at Age 11
04:31 – Generational Leadership & Culture That Lasts
08:25 – The First Culver’s Opens — and Almost Closes
10:27 – What Craig Learned About Leadership from His Parents
12:21 – The Secret Sauce: Hospitality, Quality & Culture
16:13 – Why Culture Is More Than a Buzzword
16:56 – The Most Important People Aren’t Customers — They’re Team Members
20:19 – Becoming a Fabric of the Community
24:27 – Hiring from the Heart: Selecting the Right Franchisees
27:45 – Staying Humble When You’ve Built 1,000+ Locations
30:23 – The Future of Culver’s & Passing the Torch
33:21 – Craig’s Advice to Emerging Leaders: Find Balance, Listen to Your Spirit

ABOUT CRAIG:
Craig Culver is the co-founder and former CEO of Culver’s Restaurants, one of America’s most beloved quick-service chains known for its signature ButterBurgers, fresh frozen custard, and warm Midwestern hospitality. What began as a single struggling restaurant in Sauk City, Wisconsin, has grown into a nationwide brand with over 900 locations — built on Craig’s steadfast commitment to quality, service, and people.The son of restaurateurs George and Ruth Culver, Craig learned the value of hard work and hospitality early — washing dishes and running fryers as a young boy before stepping into leadership himself. In 1984, he and his family opened the first Culver’s, guided by a simple but powerful mission: “Every guest who chooses Culver’s leaves happy.”Today, Craig is celebrated not just as an entrepreneur, but as a culture-builder whose people-first leadership has inspired generations of franchisees, employees, and business leaders. Though retired from day-to-day operations, he remains actively involved in the Culver’s Foundation and continues to champion the values that made the brand what it is today.

LINKS & RESOURCES:
- Culver’s | Web (https://www.culvers.com)
- Culver’s | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/culvers)
- Culver’s | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/culvers/)
- Culver’s | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/culversrestaurants/)
- Culver’s | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/user/CulversRestaurants)

LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:
- YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@theleadershipcrucible)
- Apple Podcasts (https://tinyurl.com/5f2mxvfj)
- Spotify (https://tinyurl.com/5xvp5wyu)

CONNECT WITH US:
- The Leadership Crucible Foundation | Web (https://www.theleadershipcruciblefoundation.org/)
- The Leadership Crucible Foundation | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/theleadershipcruciblefoundation)
- The Leadership Crucible Foundation | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-leadership-crucible-foundation/)
- Chief Bruegman | Instagram (https://instagram.com/chiefbruegman)
- Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast (https://www.theleadershipcruciblefoundation.org/leaders-of-tomorrow-podcast)

MUSIC CREDITS:
- Fanfare For The Common Man
- This Is The Good Life (Instrumental) - MOONWATER (MB01CTIIAZV80UU)