Culver's burger chain planning to open as many as 51 new locations in 2024: Here's where

If you're a fan of ButterBurgers, cheese curds and frozen custard, you're going to want to keep reading.

Culver's, a popular burger chain concentrated mainly in the Midwest, is growing by at least 51 restaurants throughout the remainder of 2024, a company spokesperson confirmed to USA TODAY. The news was first reported by Eat This, Not That!

"There is always the possibility that we may open even more, however, the current projections and development tracks are for 51," Eric Skrum, director of public relations and communications at Culver's, told USA TODAY on Friday.

What states are getting new Culver's restaurants?

Skrum confirmed chain will not be expanding into any new states.

"Arkansas was the last new state we entered which was two years ago," Skrum said. "Our current focus is to build within our current footprint."

According to franchise disclosure documents, the company is planning to open new restaurants in the following states in 2024:

• Alabama
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Wisconsin

Culver's named Fodor's best fast food restaurant in US

Culver's was named the best fast food restaurant in the United States by Fodor's Travel.

Fodor's Geena Truman wrote that she spent a year "driving around the U.S. on a quest to eat (and experience) the true culture of America." She ranked 12 fast-food chains, leaving out large corporations like McDonald's, Wendy's and Burger King.

The article said Culver's "gives the outer appearance of fast-food but outperforms all others in taste."

The burger chain was founded in Sauk City, Wisconsin in 1984 by George, Ruth, Craig and Lea Culver. The chain currently has more than 900 family-owned and operated franchises across 26 states, according to its website.

Contributing: Jessica Rodriguez, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@gannett.com.