Culver's to Break Ground on First Memphis-Area Restaurant at Lakeland's Ashmont in January 2027

Culver's will open its first Memphis-area restaurant at the Ashmont mixed-use development in Lakeland, with groundbreaking planned for early January 2027, according to Yahoo. The Wisconsin-based chain has filed a site plan application for the Lakeland Municipal Planning Commission meeting on Nov. 12.

Culver's Lakeland Site Plan and Ashmont Details

Ashmont developer Vince Smith told The Commercial Appeal on Oct. 22 that Culver's plans to break ground at an outparcel at Ashmont in early January 2027. Lakeland Planning Director Paul Luker said in an email that the site plan application will be heard at the Nov. 12 commission meeting.

The 100-acre Ashmont development is under construction at Canada Road and East Davies Plantation Road. The $200-million-plus project is planned to include single-family homes, townhomes, and commercial spaces for restaurants, retail and medical offices. Smith said two plats are intended for hotel development, and the project will include a four-story independent living facility on nearly 10 acres.

An unnamed grocery store is also being planned for the site. Smith said a grocery store has been signed to come to Ashmont but he could not confirm it at this time. "I would think the grocery store could be announced in the next 30 to 60 days," he said.

Culver's is a privately held Wisconsin-based fast-casual franchise chain operating more than 1,000 family-owned restaurants across 26 U.S. states, serving ButterBurgers, Fresh Frozen Custard and Wisconsin Cheese Curds through an owner-operator franchise model, according to company records. The company was founded in 1984 by George, Ruth, Craig and Lea Culver. The same records list total operating revenues of $337.7 million for 2025 and a 2017 private equity round led by Roark Capital Group.

Culver's Recent Expansion and Partnerships

In June 2026, Tareen Development Partners completed a new Culver's restaurant development in Faribault, Minnesota, with the restaurant opening to the public on June 8, 2026, according to akta.pro company records. The project was developed in partnership with franchise owners Deanna Wesley, Taylor VanHoutan and Anthony Gustafson of VGW Faribault Custard, LLC.

Culver's signed a jersey patch sponsorship deal with the University of Wisconsin Badgers for football, men's basketball and men's hockey teams starting the 2026 season, debuting September 6, 2026 at Lambeau Field. In May 2026, Culver's deployed Berry AI's Vision AI camera analytics platform across its 1,000+ restaurant locations.

What Comes Next for Ashmont

Culver's site plan application is scheduled for the Lakeland Municipal Planning Commission meeting on Nov. 12. Smith said the grocery store could be announced in the next 30 to 60 days.