Culver’s just had its best year ever, and the woman running it says she expected it.
The Wisconsin-based chain grew sales by 14.2% in 2025, according to Technomic, closing the year with $4.36 billion in sales. That jump came in the same year CEO Julie Fussner took over, after spending two years as CMO. Fussner told NRN’s editor-in-chief, Sam Oches, that the growth was “all according to plan.”
The chain now runs nearly 1,100 locations across 42 years, built on a model that keeps owner-operators at the center of every restaurant. Its signature ButterBurgers and frozen custard sit alongside a hospitality approach that leans on those operators to create a family-like feel.
The Sales Numbers Behind the Story
Technomic’s Top 500 report showed a difficult year for chain restaurants overall. Chain restaurants saw sales slow as consumers cut back on dining out, though sectors like coffee, beverages and snacks, and chicken fared better. Culver’s bucked that trend.
The 14.2% growth is significant for a chain whose identity depends on owner-operated restaurants. Scale comes with risks for brands that depend on local control.
Fussner’s Path to the Top Job
Fussner arrived at Culver’s with marketing experience. She spent two years as CMO before being promoted to CEO in April 2025. Her leadership style draws on that background, mixing a hands-on approach with a willingness to lean into coaching.
Her recent interview with Oches covered the sales growth, her marketing roots, and the leadership principles she brings to the role. The full conversation is available in the latest episode of Take-Away, which shares the full exchange.
What the Interview Covered
The conversation touched on several themes that define Fussner’s approach. Here’s what she covered:
- Preparation, resilience, and coaching: Just like in sports, you should be ready, get back up when you fall, and embrace coaching.
- Career moves: Don’t be afraid of lateral moves.
- Growth within the system: Your path to sustainable growth is already in your restaurants.
- Deep knowledge of teams: Culture starts with knowing your team at a deep level.
- Innovation: It cannot come at the expense of what already makes you great.
Each point ties back to a broader philosophy about how a company operates. Fussner isn’t reinventing the wheel; she’s doubling down on what already works.
The Owner-Operator Model
Culver’s relies on a carefully curated group of owner-operators who run each location. That means the company has to balance national growth with local control.
The model has served the chain well over 42 years. The question is whether it can keep scaling without diluting what makes it distinct.
What the Growth Says About the Brand
A 14.2% sales increase in a tough year for chain dining is notable. Culver’s has managed to grow while other chains saw sales slow.
The company’s focus on hospitality, ButterBurgers, and frozen custard appears to be resonating with customers. The owner-operator model gives the brand a distinct identity.
How Fussner Plans to Keep Growing
Fussner’s stated philosophy points toward a deliberate approach. She wants to build on what already works rather than chase shiny new ideas.
Her emphasis on deep knowledge of teams suggests she believes the foundation of the business is its people. If you know your team well, the thinking goes, the rest follows.
What Comes Next for Culver’s
The immediate picture is bright. Culver’s is growing at a pace few chains can match, and its CEO says that growth was planned.
The bigger test will come as the chain expands further. Can the owner-operator model hold up at scale? Can the company innovate without losing its core identity?
Fussner has answered the first question. The second remains open.
Key Facts Box
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Sales growth 2025 | 14.2% |
| 2025 sales total | $4.36 billion |
| Locations today | Nearly 1,100 |
| Years in operation | 42 |
| CEO tenure | Since April 2025 |
| Previous role | CMO |
Comparison Table: Culver’s vs. the Chain Restaurant Industry
| Metric | Culver’s | Chain Restaurants (Technomic data) |
|---|---|---|
| Sales growth 2025 | +14.2% | Slowed due to consumer cutbacks |
| Sales performance | 14.2% growth | Mixed across categories |
| Business model | Owner-operated | Diverse models |
| Core product | ButterBurgers, frozen custard | Diverse menu offerings |
The comparison shows how far Culver’s sits from the pack. While other chains struggled, it grew at a pace that suggests real momentum.
A Final Word on the Success
Fussner’s promotion came with a plan, and the plan worked.
The company is where it set out to be.
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