Culver’s on South Hurstbourne Parkway

When Jacob Powell started his first job as a teenager with his two brothers at Culver’s, he never dreamed he’d own that same restaurant just a short time later. But that’s exactly what happened.

Powell took over as owner and operator of the Culver’s on South Hurstbourne Parkway, one of just a few in the Louisville area, in January of 2023. He started with the restaurant in 2016 as a cashier.

“It’s weird thinking back to our first days of working there,” Powell said. “We were pretty shy, quiet kids. You never imagined you’d own a place like that when you’re 15, 16. As I moved up through the positions, it was quite the journey.”

Powell said when he became an assistant general manager, he set a goal to one day own a Culver’s. After becoming the general manager in the summer of 2022, the store had a remodel going on and leadership was looking for a new owner. Powell met with individuals from the corporate office and was sent to Wisconsin, where Culver’s is headquartered, to go through training before officially taking over.

“They care a lot about their owners being present and engaged with the restaurant,” Powell said. “They require every potential owner to go up to Wisconsin and have training in a team environment at the headquarters.”

Known for its ButterBurgers and fresh frozen custard, the Culver’s promise is, “We genuinely care, so every guest who chooses Culver’s leaves happy.” Powell said he truly believes in the motto and overall business plan.

“We try our very best to serve with the best hospitality we can, while having a diverse menu and interacting with guests on a genuine level,” Powell said. “That’s what I love about being a manager – talking to guests on a day-to-day basis. Some customers come in every single day.”

Powell said he has a different perspective on being a leader after working his way up through the company ladder at a longstanding, successful store. Culver’s has been located at the Hurstbourne location since November of 2005.

“I think that’s helped me have a sense of perspective,” Powell said. “So often you hear about leadership not being connected with the team. Since I did come up from the very bottom and have gone through all the stages of leadership, I have a sense for how every position feels and looks, and interacts together and with guests.”

Powell said he would like to one day expand by helping other aspiring owners own their own store through the Culver’s menteeship program. He wants his store to be focused on the strong hospitality customers have come to expect.

“Culver’s is always focused on hospitality, but I try to take it to the next level so that every shift I am confident our team members are always greeting guests with a smile, and that we’re always serving quality, hot and fresh food,” Powell said. “Culver’s is always about fresh. We don’t start making the order until it’s being rung up, and providing that consistent, quality food and the amazing guest service.”