Lakeland residents could soon have a new dining option as Culver’s, the Wisconsin-based restaurant chain known for its ButterBurgers, frozen custard, and cheese curds, takes steps toward opening its first location in the Memphis metropolitan area. The company has submitted plans for a restaurant at the Ashmont mixed-use development along Canada Road, adding another potential business to one of the city’s growing commercial areas.
According to reporting from The Lakeland Banner, Lakeland City Planning Director Paul Luker confirmed that Culver’s has filed plans with the city for the proposed restaurant. Although the project has not yet received final approval, the announcement represents another development for the 99-acre Ashmont property, which is being designed to accommodate residential neighborhoods, retail businesses, restaurants, and other commercial uses. As of October 22, 2026, a construction timeline and specific site plan for the restaurant had not been publicly released.[1]
What Is Culver’s?
Founded in Sauk City, Wisconsin, in 1984, Culver’s has grown from a family-owned restaurant into a recognizable fast-casual dining chain with more than 1,000 locations across 26 states. The company was established by Craig and Lea Culver, along with Craig’s parents, George and Ruth Culver. Its concept combines made-to-order meals with the welcoming atmosphere associated with traditional Midwestern restaurants. Over the past four decades, the chain has expanded throughout much of the country while maintaining its Wisconsin-inspired menu and identity.
Culver’s is particularly well known for its signature ButterBurgers, which are prepared using fresh, never-frozen beef and served on lightly buttered, toasted buns. Unlike traditional fast-food restaurants that prepare certain items in advance, Culver’s emphasizes cooking its burgers to order. The menu also includes chicken sandwiches, seafood, soups, salads, and other familiar American favorites. Its Wisconsin cheese curds, made with real Wisconsin cheese and served breaded and fried, are another popular offering that reflects the company’s Midwestern origins.[2]
Frozen Custard and Other Menu Favorites
Beyond its burgers, Culver’s has developed a loyal following for its fresh frozen custard. Although similar in appearance to ice cream, frozen custard contains egg yolks and is typically made with less air incorporated during freezing, creating a dense, creamy texture. Culver’s prepares its custard in small batches throughout the day and offers traditional vanilla and chocolate options alongside a rotating selection of specialty flavors.
One of the chain’s most recognizable traditions is its “Flavor of the Day,” which features different combinations of custard, candies, cookies, fruits, and other ingredients. Customers can also order Concrete Mixers, which blend frozen custard with their choice of toppings. For those interested in something beyond burgers and desserts, the restaurant offers hand-battered North Atlantic cod, reflecting Wisconsin’s longstanding fish-fry tradition. These menu options have helped distinguish Culver’s from other national restaurant chains and could introduce local diners to foods that are especially popular throughout the Midwest.
A Potential First for the Memphis Area
If approved and completed, the proposed Lakeland restaurant would mark Culver’s entry into the greater Memphis market. While the company already operates several restaurants in Tennessee, including locations in Franklin and Hendersonville near Nashville, it has not yet established a location in the Memphis area, according to the October 22 report. This would give residents of Lakeland and surrounding communities a new opportunity to experience the chain without traveling to another part of the state.
The restaurant’s potential arrival also reflects the continued diversification of dining options in suburban communities throughout Shelby County. As residential and commercial development expands, restaurants often seek locations near growing neighborhoods and established transportation corridors. Canada Road provides access to Interstate 40 and serves as an important route for residents, commuters, and visitors. A nationally recognized restaurant could attract customers from nearby communities, including Arlington, Bartlett, and other parts of eastern Shelby County, although the extent of that demand remains to be seen.
Culver’s Would Join the Growing Ashmont Development
The proposed restaurant would be located within Ashmont, a 99-acre mixed-use development situated near the intersection of Canada Road and East Davies Plantation Road. The project is being developed by local businessman Vince Smith, who was also responsible for Lakeland Town Square. Land clearing began in 2023, and construction activity has continued as different portions of the property move through the development process.
Ashmont is intended to combine residential living with commercial amenities, creating an area where residents can access restaurants, shopping, and services within a relatively concentrated location. Large single-family homes are currently being constructed on the northern portion of the property. In May 2026, the city also approved a site plan for a gated independent living community designed for active adults. The proposed community would include 248 residential units across from the existing Cracker Barrel restaurant. Together, these residential components could contribute to a customer base for future businesses operating within the development.
Additional Businesses Could Follow
Commercial development is also progressing at Ashmont, with site preparation underway in areas designated for retail and other business uses. Developer Vince Smith has previously discussed efforts to attract a grocery store, hotel, medical offices, restaurants, and a bank to the property. These types of businesses could provide additional conveniences for nearby residents while expanding the city’s commercial offerings.
However, it is important to distinguish between businesses being recruited and those that have formally submitted development plans. As of the October 22 report, no additional business names had been officially announced for Ashmont. Culver’s is among the first recognizable national restaurant brands publicly associated with the development through a formal filing. Whether other businesses will follow, and how quickly the commercial sections of Ashmont will develop, will depend on future agreements, municipal approvals, and construction schedules.
What the Restaurant Could Mean for Lakeland
The possibility of a Culver’s location has also drawn attention from city leadership. Mayor Josh Roman expressed enthusiasm about the proposed restaurant in comments to The Lakeland Banner, describing its potential arrival as a positive sign for the community’s economic development. He also suggested that interest from recognizable businesses reflects confidence in the city’s future and its ability to attract new commercial investment.
New restaurant development can contribute to a local economy in several ways. In addition to providing dining options, restaurants can create employment opportunities, generate local sales tax revenue, and increase activity within surrounding commercial areas. Construction and ongoing operations may also support other businesses through demand for supplies, maintenance, and professional services. However, the specific economic impact of the proposed Culver’s location cannot yet be determined, as details about its size, staffing, investment, and projected opening date have not been announced.
What Happens Next?
Although Culver’s has taken an initial step toward establishing a Lakeland location, the restaurant is not yet a confirmed construction project. The submitted plans must proceed through the applicable municipal review and approval processes before development can move forward. Depending on the final proposal, that process may involve reviewing site access, parking, utilities, drainage, landscaping, and other requirements associated with commercial construction.
Residents interested in following the project can monitor updates from the City of Lakeland, including information released through its Planning Department and public meeting materials. Until additional details are announced, there is no confirmed opening date, construction schedule, or final restaurant design. Nevertheless, the filing represents a noteworthy development for Ashmont and offers a glimpse of the types of businesses that could eventually become part of the growing Canada Road corridor.
For now, local residents will have to wait for further updates before knowing when they might be able to enjoy a ButterBurger, Wisconsin cheese curds, or a scoop of fresh frozen custard closer to home. If the project receives the necessary approvals, Culver’s could become a recognizable addition to Lakeland’s expanding restaurant scene while contributing to the continued transformation of Ashmont into a mixed-use residential and commercial destination.
[1] The Lakeland Banner. (October 22, 2026). Culver’s Files Plans for Lakeland Location at Ashmont.
https://lakelandbanner.com/culvers-files-plans-for-lakeland-location-at-ashmont/
[2] Culver’s. Official Website – Menu, Restaurant History, and Company Information. https://www.culvers.com/
