Welcome to Delicious: Culver's Restaurant, Quality and Values {Free Product Coupons Giveaway!}

Back in college, in the early stages of my relationship with my now-husband, I wanted to do something nice for him and surprise him with a meal at his favorite restaurant.

Although he couldn't pinpoint a single precise location as the favorite, being born and raised here in Wisconsin, he mentioned that he had always loved Culver's.

Culver's? That's one that we didn't have (yet) over the border in Minnesota, what was Culver's?

Nonetheless, after a little searching (the internet was still a baby back in the 90's, so this was more work than it sounds), I uncovered a Culver's location, wrote out the directions, and we were off. The rest, as they say, is history.

While Culver's may not come to others' minds when thinking of a date night, I love that this restaurant and all of its hometown heritage and commitment to family plays a part in my own family's history.

And, although I was already a fan of the unique, warm experience that we have always received from visiting Culver's, it has only been extended now that I have had the chance to visit the Culver's Headquarters, spend the day with Craig Culver himself, and have lunch at the very first Culver's.

If you aren't familiar with Culver's, I send my condolences that you're missing out on a one-of-a-kind family-friendly restaurant. First opening in Sauk City, Wisconsin in 1984 by co-founders Craig and Lea Culver (and Craig's parents George and Ruth), Culver's has been committed to exceptional service and top-quality products from the very beginning.

These days, there are more than 450 restaurants in 19 states (and counting) that put their heart and soul into every meal. From Midwest-raised beef to dairy produced right here on local farms (there are 5,400 dairy cows that work full time to produce milk for Culver's!), only the finest, most wholesome ingredients go into each Culver's menu item.

Ahhh, the menu. The cooked-to-order menu (completely different than made-to-order, which is prepared beforehand and not nearly as fresh and delicious).

The classic ButterBurger that started it all, the irresistible handcrafted desserts made with Fresh Frozen Custard, Grilled or Crispy Chicken Sandwiches, Wild caught fish, Beef Pot Roast, Fresh Fried Chicken, fresh salads, delicious lemon ice, Scoopie Kids' Meals... the list goes on and on.

On the day of my recent visit, we were fortunate to be able to sample a wide variety of delicious items, some of which I had never tried before. How did I not even realize that Culver's offered Cheese Curds (and that they're so good)? And what was I doing last fall when their amazing Sweet Potato Fries (yum, yum and yum!) made an appearance?

The "burger" in the top photo is actually a Veggie Burger - it's delicious!

Does the burger in the bottom right photo look slightly different that the traditional ButterBurgers? That's because it's Culver's upcoming Pepper Grinder Pub Burger and, on October 28th, this tasty sandwich will be back after its mouthwatering introduction last fall.

This burger features a multi-dimensional flavor that comes from two fresh beef patties (made from 100% U.S. Midwest-raised beef) that are pressed together and seared, then layered with melty swiss and cheddar cheeses. This delicious combination is then topped with two slices of irresistible bacon and mouthwatering peppery mayo all served on an "everything" bun.

Although I didn't try the Pepper Grinder Pub Burger myself (darn vegetarianism always getting in the way), it received rave reviews from our group at lunch and was definitely recommended for those looking for the ultimate pub burger experience!

And although I was a little jealous that I wasn't able to partake in the burger sampling, that was soon dissipated when a slew of delicious new dessert options appeared on the table instead. If you're a fan of the sweet taste of pumpkin in the fall, you're going to love what Culver's is dishing upright now!

Mmmm, the return of a guest-celebrated ingredient — pumpkin — in Culver's seasonal treats is complemented perfectly with other great fall flavors including savory nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and allspice. Combined with Culver's Fresh Frozen Custard, which is made daily in small batches in each restaurant, these are such a yummy way to welcome in the season.

Along with Culver's Pumpkin Spice Shake, Pumpkin Cheesecake Concrete Mixer and Pumpkin Pecan Concrete Mixer, this year Culver's introduced the new Salted Caramel Pumpkin Concrete Mixer and it is, without a doubt, delicious.

I'm telling you, this is the perfect blend of caramel and pumpkin pie spice with Culver's Vanilla Fresh Frozen Custard, because this Concrete Mixer tastes like you're biting into a creamy piece of pumpkin pie that you never want to end.

As a bonus, I love knowing that Culver's pumpkins are produced using Food Alliance-certified farm practices that protect, enhance and conserve soil, water resources and biodiversity. No part of the pumpkin goes to waste and is instead turned into renewable energy that helps power the farm — just another aspect of Culver's amazing dedication to sustainability!

But doing their part to lessen their environmental footprint is far from the only reason that I admire Culver's and all that they do. Not only do they deeply care about the quality of their food, but they understand and appreciate the hard work family farmers do to grow and produce the wholesome, tasty food they have always so proudly served. 

Which is why Culver's has created Thank You, Farmers, a partnership with farmers across the country and a way for the community to show gratitude for farm families everywhere.

Culver's is completely committed to supporting today's farm families while at the same time helping to ensure the future of the next generation of farmers, so they've turned their long-standing gratitude into full-fledged backing.

As well as funding their own support, Culver's is also giving young guests the opportunity to contribute. Kids who receive Scoopie Tokens intended for frozen custard or toys can be turned back in to the restaurant to become a part of the monetary donation Culver's makes to local FFA chapters. What a great opportunity for parents to show their children that giving back is important and feels good!

Also as part of the partnership, Culver's is visually showing their thanks by by painting a large, 1800s barn bright blue. This barn, located on a working family farm in Beaver Dam, WI, includes a larger than life thank you message that stands as the unique visual representation of Culver's commitment to this partnership and support of farmers everywhere.

Click here for a great video on this inspiring barn painting!

Whether you love Culver's because of their Fresh Frozen Custard, their savory ButterBurgers, their hand-battered fish, their commitment to giving back or their unwavering belief in doing the right thing and not messing with quality, this is one restaurant (and company) that stands above the rest.

How often do you think that the founder of any other restaurant chain finishes his lunch and immediately jumps up to help run (literally, run) food out to guests waiting for their drive-through orders?

To find out much, much more about Culver's, their story, their menu and nutrition, and all that they stand for, visit Culvers.com — check out their humorous Culver's 101 Videos while you're there! You can also connect with this hometown favorite on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram so that you'll never miss a single update on their deliciousness.

Plus, thanks to their generosity, one person will soon be marveling in a variety of the delectable tastes that make Culver's special, because...

One lucky person will win (3) free product coupons* from Culver's!

*Coupons include (1) free Culver's Deluxe ButterBurger, (1) free Medium Concrete Mixer and (1) free 2-Scoop Sundae

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A big thank you to Culver's for their hospitality and sponsorship of Blogging Day as well as for providing coupons for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.