Midwestern fast-food restaurant staple Culver's is expanding its footprint to Lakeland, its first location in the Memphis area.
The Wisconsin-based restaurant chain is coming to the 100-acre Ashmont mixed-use development under construction at Canada Road and East Davies Plantation Road, while an unnamed grocery store is also being planned for the site.
The location in Lakeland will be the chain's first Memphis-area restaurant, according to Ashmont developer Vince Smith.
Smith told The Commercial Appeal on Oct. 22, that Culver’s has plans to break ground at an outparcel at Ashmont in early January 2027. Lakeland Planning Director Paul Luker told The Commercial Appeal in an email that Culver’s has filed a site plan application to be heard at the
Lakeland Municipal Planning Commission meeting Nov. 12.
Culver’s is touted for its signature ButterBurgers, fresh frozen custard (a new flavor daily) and Wisconsin cheese curds. The company — which was founded in 1984 by George, Ruth, Craig and Lea Culver in Wisconsin — has more than 1,000 locations across 26 states. Culver's has plans to addalmost 60 new locations in 2026, according to BizTimes.com.
More commercial announcements could be coming to Ashmont in the near future.
Smith said a grocery store has been signed to come to Ashmont, but he could not confirm the grocery store at this time.
“I would think the grocery store could be announced in the next 30 to 60 days," he said.
What is the Ashmont development?
The $200-million plus Ashmont development— which is located at the northwest corner of Canada Road and Davies Plantation — is planned to include a variety of residential options such as single-family homes and townhomes, as well as commercial spaces for restaurants, retail and medical offices. In addition, Smith said there are two plats intended for hotel development.
The project will also include a four-story independent living facility on nearly 10 acres.
Corey Davis is the Collierville and Germantown reporter with The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at Corey.Davis@commercialappeal.com or 901-293-1610.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Culver's to open first Memphis-area location at Lakeland development
