Craig Culver shared the success story of Culver's Frozen Custard.

Having grown up in the restaurant business, Culver originally chose not to follow in his father's footsteps, but soon found himself at McDonalds after graduating from college.

Culver said he learned customer service from Mom and Dad and learned the business end from McDonalds.

After four years with McDonalds, Culver went into business for himself purchasing his first restaurant in Sauk City. After six years of success he sold the business. When approached to return to Sauk City to take over the restaurant again, Culver jumped at the opportunity and soon incorporated his now famous custard and butter burgers. On July 18, 1984, the first Culvers opened in the former A&W in Sauk City.

With a quality approach versus a low-cost approach, Culvers was able to differentiate itself from the other "fast food" restaurants and create a niche of its own - fast casual. According to Culver, this is the fastest growing segment of the food service industry today. After three years and a whole lot of customer satisfaction, Culver's could not handle the booming business. They renovated the restaurant and were approached to expand into other communities and possibly franchise. Soon after a first unsuccessful franchise, a second one was underway. This second franchise in Baraboo became the first successful Culver's franchise.

Culver's continues to grow and franchise with 160 restaurants open today and 50 additional underway. They are stretched across the U.S.

"We've got exciting growth at Culvers," said Culver. Culver indicated the following as important to continued success:

• Need to look at trends -Culver's offers a healthy menu, an alternative to butter burgers and custard.
• Food safety is critical.
• Need to have controlled growth.
• Workforce issues. Retain good people.
• Image. Culver doesn't want Culver's Frozen Custard to be a "fast food" restaurant.
• Culture. Be a good corporate citizen. Bring in people that fit the culture.
• Continue to be leaders.
• Create an environment of professionalism but don't forget about fun.
• Continue to spend time and money training and educating your team.
• Create a benefit package for team members.
• Continue to challenge team members and help them grow.