I didn't learn of the joys of Wisconsin's best until I moved to the best state in the Midwest, ahem, Michigan, but when I learned of Culver's I was an instant lover of the chain because they keep gluten free buns in stock. I never have to bring my own or wish or hope or pray. They've got them and by default they've got me.
It was a snowy day, and I live right in the center of town so most of the Culver's (all 3) are more or less equidistant from my home, so it my mind it's a bit of a contest. So of course I turned to Yelp to tell me which was the best one, and I saw a tip that said Portage was. So down a snowy Westnedge I went and I managed to stay alive.
I walk in and there is the smiling face of a man I'll refer to as "Mr. W," but really everyone around had a sweet look on their face despite the snow and the fact that someone was going to have to salt the parking lot in T-5 minutes after I arrived. I commented on how adorable they all looked and proceeded to make my order. After a few minutes of chatting about the season, we got on the subject of birthdays and it turns out we were only 4 days apart (maybe some years, but who is counting). The "December Baby" Struggle. We understand each other well, us December babies. We don't compete with the holidays, we're holiday incarnates. Anyhow, I never know what to get, so I decided on a single butter burger WITH lettuce and tomatoes and shuffled off to the restroom for a quick spell and washing of the hands.
By the time I finished(couldn't have been more than a minute), a young woman had my tray of food all ready and took my number, and I happily took the tray because I hadn't the slightest idea where I was going to sit. A minor detail was missed BY ME, however.
I forgot to order my GF bun and thought I could eat like a muggle, but no dice and I sheepishly returned to the front of the restaurant with the most pathetic sorry look I could muster (this is how I felt), but Mr. W smiled and said it was fine and that he would make an entirely new burger for me, and that it was okay.
I was shocked. I did nothing to deserve the "above and beyond" service I received, but that is what I got and I am tickled pink that even in a fast-food chain, you can receive some great (possibly the BEST) customer service. I literally do this for a living, so for someone like myself to be so amazed, I mean they really made an impression on me and I am the definition of loyal when I encounter great businesses and their equally awesome people.
My burger looked like something from a commercial, everything was perfectly composed and to top it all of Mr. W even offered to get me napkins, and other condiments and I couldn't refuse such kindness, so I obliged as did he. Fries was awesome, drink was great and not to sweet (I dilute lemonade typically) - a great din din after a busy and anxiety-filled driving in snow day.
After I finished my meal, I went on to pick something up for my hub-cap, I wanted his to be as warm as possible upon arriving home, so I didn't order it with my food. He got a butter burger as well/no L or T with the cheese curds and sierra mist and he was such a happy camper. There was no way he was happier than me, but a close second.
Probably would have been happier with some ice cream, because DUH, but folx it was so cold and I was so anxious driving in that snow. So the verdict is out on that part, but as far as everything else, honestly, when I am in need of tasty, fast, and affordable burgers, I see no reason to go anywhere else except Culver's in Portage. *shrugs* I really would not understand why anyone would decide otherwise. read more