A new location of Midwestern fast-casual chain Culver’s is now under construction in Ooltewah.
Founded in 1984 in Sauk City, Wisconsin, Culver’s is known for its frozen custard, cheese curds and “butter burgers” made with fresh beef.
“We’re all about the quality, and I think it’s one of the best burgers I’ve ever had,” Ross Thomas, franchisee of the Ooltewah Culver’s and another location in Elgin, Illinois, said by phone. “The meat is never frozen, and we do not cook it until it’s ordered.”
Culver’s entered the Chattanooga market last year with a store in Hixson opened by a different franchisee than the Ooltewah restaurant, which is expected to open in February 2027, said Thomas, who’s worked for the company for 22 years.
While Thomas’ favorite item on the menu is the signature burger, he said he’s also a fan of the Oreo “concrete mixer,” a frozen custard treat with Oreo cookies.