The City of Madison has five Culver’s franchises alone, can you name this location? | Photo by 608today team
There are two types of people when it comes to Culver’s: those who get it and those who don’t — Wisconsinites certainly “get it.”
For nearly40 years, the Wisconsin-based family restaurant has been raising the bar for restaurant chains across America. Let’s get into the meat about what’s really cooking up at this cult favorite eatery.
đź“ť A quick history lesson
Founders Craig and Lea Culver, along with Craig’s parents, George + Ruth, opened the veryfirst Culver’s in Sauk City in 1984. Its menu was simple: The signature ButterBurger + fresh frozen custard.
Business really started booming when Culver’s franchised in Baraboo, WI in 1990 — since then, 800+ moreCulver’s restaurants have started slinging burgers across the nation. 145 of them are in Wisconsin alone, we’d wager there’s probably a location not far from you.
đźšś Table to farm
Culver’s gives back to the community in many ways — not just with tasty burgers. The Thank You Farmers Project advocates for Wisconsin farms + helps to inspire agriculture education for the next generation. Keep an eye out for Project Blue Barns — custom-painted barns with messages of appreciation for Wisconsin farmers.
🗣️ You curd it here first
We took to Reddit to see what the internet insists “Culver’s newbies” need to know.
“It all starts with the Deluxe double butter burger” — u/harlan_p
“Note on burger toppings: a deluxe burger means mayo, lettuce, onion, tomato and pickles. A burger with the works is ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle and onion.” — u/socialENDER
“The food is just a pretext for ordering the frozen custard!! 🍦" — u/FaithlessnessNo8543
“Kids menu is surprisingly fulfilling, best cost/benefit” — u/Tinger_Tuk
Now you’re officially part of the group that gets it,try it for yourself. Butter you waiting for?
Brews and Q’s Taproom Trivia | Thu., Oct. 6 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Karben4 Brewing, 3698 Kinsman Blvd., Madison | Free | Compete for prizes and sip on delicious beer during these 50+ questions of original trivia. 📝
Fitchburg Famers Market | Thu., Oct. 6 | 3-6 p.m. | Agora, 5511 E. Cheryl Pkwy., Fitchburg | Free | Shop for fresh produce, European pastries + other artisanal goods at this outdoor market. 🧺
Friday
Dueling Pianos | Fri., Oct. 7 | 9 p.m. | Ivory Room Piano Bar, 116 W. Mifflin St., Madison | $5.00 | Hear a dueling set from piano aficionados Cassondra Lea and Anthony Cao. 🎹
Middleton Jazz Festival & Grand Opening of the Stone Horse Green | Fri., Oct. 7 | 5-10 p.m. | Arts + Literature Laboratory, 111 S. Livingston St. Suite 100, Madison | Free | Enjoy the Middleton Jazz Festival + grand opening of Stone Horse Green during this two-day event.
Saturday
Ecological Restoration Work Party | Sat., Oct. 8 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Arboretum, 1207 Seminole Hwy., Madison | Volunteer for restoration activities and learn about prairies and savannas — tools + training provided. 🌳
Octoberfresh | Sat., Oct. 8 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Robina Courtyard, 829 E. Washington, Madison | Free | Shop around at this unique local market experience inspired by a favorite fall festival.
Sunday
Drag Bingo | Sun., Oct. 9 | 2-4 p.m. | The Rigby, 119 E. Main St., Madison | $5.00 | Enjoy bingo + bloody marys during this event sponsored by Delta Beer Lab.
Red-White Scrimmage | Sun., Oct. 9 | 4-6 p.m. | Kohl Center, 601 W. Dayton St., Madison | Free | Get a first look at the Wisconsin men’s basketball team as they host UW-Eau Claire for an exhibition game. 🏀
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
The City of Madison added a new design to the recently-outlawed ballot boxes. Artist Jenny Holzer included a Sojourner Truth quote in her design + the city also listed updated ballot drop-off information for upcoming elections. 🗳️ (Channel 3000)
Biz
Gov. Tony Evers announced a $1 million initiative to support rural entrepreneurs across Wisconsin. Funds are intended to provide training, technical assistance + legal and financial advice to new or struggling business owners.
Edu
Take a glimpse into three local charter schools — Badger Rock Middle, One City Schools, and Milestone Democratic — that are creating unique environments + testing new learning approaches on a smaller scale. 📚 (Cap Times)
Traffic
A few reminders from WisDOT during Pedestrian Safety Month: Stay alert while behind the wheel, always yield to pedestrians near the roadway + never overtake vehicles stopping at pedestrian intersections. 🚦 (WKOW)
Award
The 608 was listed among Money.com’s best 50 places to live in the US. Coming in at No. 40, which we feel is a bit low, the publication cited the 608’s booming tech industry, expansive lifestyle offerings + love of beer and cheese for the ranking. (Money.com)
Community
Madisoniansof all ages are invited to join Moon Over Monona Terrace tomorrow, Fri., Oct. 7. Get an up-close look at the moon + other celestial objects through telescopes provided by the Madison Astronomical Society during this free evening event.
Drink
Sip on a mix of unique pale ales during the Trillium Brewing event taking place at BarleyPop Tap and Shop today, Thurs., Oct. 6. Drop by the Atwood retailer to try limited-time brews + play a game of America’s Pub Quiz trivia.
Plan Ahead
Mark your calendars for what is sure to be the spookiest night at Breese Stevens all season. Put on your creepiest costumes for Terror on the Turf — an 18+ event with live music and a costume contest — from 5-10 p.m. on Sat., Oct. 29. 👻
Announced
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Outdoors
Notice an uptick in any of these feathered friends in your backyard lately? Keep them safe from colliding with your windows — a cause of death for millions of birds each year — by throwing up some decals like these. We love these leaf designs too to keep things festive for fall.*
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Come on, who could possibly resist the temptation of crunching freshly fallen leaves on the Isthmus? | Photo by @kenton_a_fowler
Returning for it’s third year, the City of Madison is kicking off Walk-tober. This city-wide initiative promotes outdoor time + keeping active through a month chock-full of organized activities and walks. Here’s what’s in store.
Week of Oct. 2
Theme: Explore your own neighborhood Venture around your own area + try to find a new street, walking path, or landmark to appreciate.
Week of Oct. 9
Theme: Nature walks The greater Madison area has 200+ parks — join in on National Walk to a Park Day on Mon., Oct. 10 to explore a new green space near you.
Week of Oct. 16
Theme: Madison history Dig up local history by reading plaques + signage on historical buildings or participate in a Wisconsin Historical Society guided walking tour.
Week of Oct. 23
Theme: Public art Take in local art + urban installations during walkabouts all over the Isthmus from State to Willy.
THE WRAP
Today’s issue was written by Ryan.
Editor’s pick: Before writing this lead story I was compelled to do some field research + had to investigate the situation myself. My findings?Culver’s is a thoughtful, authentic take on chain burgers and you can truly taste the difference.
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