A Culver’s restaurant is coming to Crystal City.
The restaurant will be built at 200 S. Truman Blvd. (Hwy. 61-67) on the site where a Bandana’s restaurant operated before it was destroyed by a fire in March 2013. The site has been vacant since then.
Jim Robinson of Festus is the new franchise owner, along with his business partner, Jim May.
Robinson said construction is expected to start soon, and he hopes to see the restaurant open by spring of 2023.
“The plans have been submitted to the city of Crystal City,” he said. “April’s our target to open, but we’ll be dealing with winter weather and there could be supply-chain problems. That’s an estimate.”
Robinson, a Fox High School graduate, said he will operate the restaurant.
He said this will be his first Culver’s, but he has owned other restaurants.
“I’ve had franchises of other restaurants before. My partner, Jim May, is a partner in a Culver’s in Quincy, Ill.," Robinson said. "I’m home right now from training with Culver’s in Wisconsin. I go back next week.
Culver’s, the national restaurant chain known for its Wisconsin butter burgers, offers a wide selection of foods, Robinson noted.
“The butter burgers and daily, freshly-made custard are our signature items, along with cheese curds. But, there is a surprisingly large menu.”
The menu also includes fresh cod, chicken tenders and pretzel bites.
Robinson said he and May bought the property for the restaurant.
“(The building) will be close to 4,400-square feet,” Robinson said. “It will seat 99 people inside, and it will have a patio that could seat another 25 to 30. It will have a double drive-thru with two menu boards.”
He said he will hire about 65 people to work at the restaurant.
Robinson said he plans to hire managers about eight weeks before opening and the rest of the staff about a month prior to opening.
Robinson said the Crystal City spot appeals to him.
“It’s a well-traveled road, and the population density of Crystal City and Festus is good,” he said. “I’m excited to bring Culver’s to this area and to be a part of the community.”
Crystal City leaders said they look forward to Culver’s coming to town.
“I’m excited for the growth of Crystal City,” Mayor Mike Osher said. “We’ve been working to bring in business. This is one of many to come.”
City Administrator Jason Eisenbeis said he is glad to see a new business come to the site.
“Obviously, it’s been a long time coming,” Eisenbeis said. “We’re glad to see the former Bandana’s property get developed. We think a Culver’s will be great for the community.”
