5 take-aways on burger chain Culver’s massive success under CEO Julie Fussner

Culver’s closed 2025 with $4.36 billion in sales, according to Technomic, good for a 14.2% jump over the previous year.

It was a massive achievement for the beloved Wisconsin-based chain, which has steadily grown to nearly 1,100 locations over 42 years by serving its premium ButterBurgers and frozen custard alongside a family-like hospitality that’s facilitated through a carefully curated group of owner-operators.

But Julie Fussner, who was promoted to CEO of Culver’s in April 2025 after spending two years as CMO, said this success was all according to plan.

Fussner recently sat down with NRN’s editor-in-chief for the latest episode of Signature: A CEO Series with Sam Oches, powered by The Coca-Cola Company. And in the latest episode of Take-Away, we’re sharing the full conversation, which covers that massive sales growth and how Fussner is leaning into her marketing background and personable leadership style to take Culver’s to the next level.

In this conversation, you’ll learn more about why:

• Just like in sports, you should be prepared, get up when you fall, and embrace coaching

• You shouldn’t be afraid of lateral moves in your career

• Your path to sustainable growth is already in your restaurants

• Culture begins with knowing your team at a deep level

• Innovation cannot come at the expense of what already makes you great