A new Culver’s restaurant has opened in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, employing over 90 people and marking the latest expansion for local franchise owners. The location along the I-75 Business Spur took more than two years to develop and has received a warm welcome from the community. Franchise operator Jake Kendall highlighted the strong opening week and the area's suitable demographics.
The Culver’s restaurant in Sault Ste. Marie opened on February 16, bringing fresh dining options to the northern Michigan community. Situated along the I-75 Business Spur, the franchise employs more than 90 individuals and represents the realization of a concept that took over two years to come to fruition.
Jake Kendall, the franchise owner and operator, expressed enthusiasm about the new site. “Sault Ste. Marie checked all the boxes we were looking for,” Kendall said. “The opening week has been outstanding.” He operates the restaurant alongside partner David Newland, a Petoskey resident, as part of an ownership group that also manages Culver’s locations in Petoskey, which opened in 2019, and Charlevoix, which opened in 2022. The general manager at the Sault Ste. Marie site previously worked at the Petoskey location for several years.
Kendall noted that factors like traffic and population density made Sault Ste. Marie an ideal spot for expansion. “There are variables such as traffic and population density that need to be in place, which is what is available (in Sault Ste. Marie),” he said. “The community has been welcoming every step of the way. We enjoy being a business in smaller communities.”
Tony Haller, executive director of the Sault Area Chamber of Commerce, described the restaurant as another asset to the area. He anticipates it will benefit from summer and winter tourist seasons, given the brand's familiarity. “Tourists are familiar with the brand, which should help,” Haller said. He added that local restaurants are thriving post-COVID-19, with most near full staffing, and that more dining options enhance experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Founded in 1984 in Wisconsin, Culver’s is known for its ButterBurgers—featuring buttered, toasted buns—and frozen custard made with egg yolks for a thicker texture than typical ice cream. The new location plans to support local schools and organizations, following the model used in other northern Michigan towns. “We know that if we support the community, the community will support us,” Kendall said, noting an overwhelming number of job applicants that signals local excitement.