Culver's breaks ground in Bullhead City, Arizona
BULLHEAD CITY — They came for the custard, and to support the city’s newest restaurant choice.
More than 50 people enjoyed signature frozen custard, T-shirt giveaways and welcoming gifts of candy-stuffed branded mugs at a groundbreaking ceremony Monday for Culver’s restaurant at Mohave Crossroads shopping center, 3699 Highway 95.
“We discovered Culver’s in Indiana while we were traveling in our motor home,” said attendee Sharyn Link. “We are big fans and to have one locally — we can’t wait to support it.”
Co-owners Lori and Ken Deschene and Dianne Mayer are equally excited about the Midwest eatery’s arrival in Bullhead City.
“We are one with the community,” said Lori Deschene, who along with Ken Deschene, has been a resident for about a year. “They’ve made us very welcome and it is a beautiful area.”
Construction on the restaurant is expected to begin in about two weeks; the restaurant could be open in November, Lori Deschene said.
Based in Sauk City, Wis., the popular Midwest eatery specializes in hamburgers, sandwiches, cheese curds and frozen custard, which is made on-site several times daily. Franchise owner Mayer opened a Culver’s in Prescott Valley four years ago.
“I started in Wisconsin 18 years ago — I love Culver’s, this will be my ninth one,” Mayer said. “Lori’s been my friend forever and she came to me a couple years ago and said, ‘I want to open a store with you.’ I thought she was kidding, but she wasn’t, and here we are. She’s going to be awesome at it.”
The store will employ about eight managers and 60 or more crewmembers, Ken Deschene said.
John Pynakker, Bullhead Area Chamber of Commerce executive director, served as emcee at the groundbreaking and Bullhead City Mayor Tom Brady welcomed the crowd at the groundbreaking ceremony.
“I grew up in Wisconsin and I’m very familiar with Culver’s,” Pynakker told the Daily News. “I’ve grown some of this wonderful physique by eating their burgers and cheese curds and custard — it’s awesome and I’m so excited for our community and I’m really excited for me.”
The city announced the arrival of the restaurant in December.
“Culver’s is a great American company that we are thrilled to have in our community,” said Bullhead City Manager Toby Cotter. “It’s a great addition to the Mohave Crossroads neighborhood just because (the area) needs more food and it’s been something we’ve been working on for a long time. So with the addition of the fieldhouse just down the street, there will be other food options coming to this area. It’s a real nice addition to the community.”
