Burger guru looks back

Culver's is one of the fastest-growing burger chains in the country, with more than 500 restaurants in 22 states. A slice of that growth has come on the Gulf Coast in the last two years, with at least 15 new franchised locations from Sarasota to Naples.

Co-founder and CEO Craig Culver, who opened the first Culver's in 1984 in Sauk City, Wis., along with some family members, helped celebrate a new store opening in east Manatee County in June. He spoke with the Business Observer about leadership and the company, known for its ButterBurgers and frozen custard. Here are excerpts from the interview:

What were the early years like in trying to build the business?
Honestly I had no idea we would ever have even two restaurants. The first year was very difficult, we lost a lot of money. Second year was when we started to grow the business, and the third year was when we actually made a buck at it. It took us two full years before we ever made our first dollar. It's a lesson and a story that is to be leaned from. It's one I tell every manager and every franchisee: Just because you open a store doesn't mean that there's going to be enough money coming in to pay the bills.