Culver’s on Monday named Julie Fussner the chain’s CEO, only the fifth chief executive in the company’s history and the first woman to hold the role.
Fussner replaces Rick Silva, who retired in February after four years on the job.
Fussner came to Culver’s in 2017 as VP of marketing and was later named the first chief marketing officer in the company’s history. The company credited her for elevating the brand’s connection with its customers across the country and translating insights into marketing initiatives.
“After a thorough and competitive search, Julie emerged as the clear choice to lead our organization into the next chapter,” Craig Culver, the brand’s co-founder, said in a statement. He cited Fussner’s “visionary thinking, business expertise and authentic leadership style.”
“Just as valuable, though, is how effortlessly Julie builds Culver’s culture,” he added. “She innately understands and shares the values that define us: Midwest hospitality and an appreciation for people.”
Fussner takes leadership of one of the restaurant industry’s most consistent growth stories. Culver’s, which operates about 1,000 restaurants, grew sales by nearly 16% last year and is now one of the 30 largest chains in the U.S. It is the seventh-largest burger chain in the U.S. and boasts unit volumes of just more than $3.8 million.
“Culver’s is made up of some of the most passionate, collaborative and smart people I’ve ever worked alongside,” she said in a statement, vowing to continue the brand’s “mission to genuinely care, so every guest who chooses Culver’s leaves happy.”
Julie Fussner | Culver's.
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