National restaurant chain combines innovation with classic flavors, keeps hospitality and guest experience at the forefront
Summary:
- Culver's unveils its 2026 menu vision focused on bold flavors and Midwest favorites – aiming to deliver both innovation and comfortable classics for guests.
- The year ahead includes four pub burger releases with inventive twists, new pumpkin-inspired desserts for fall, two new Flavors of the Day, and a new take on a classic menu item – drawing inspiration from Wisconsin supper clubs to shake up its category.
- Guest feedback drives innovation – past successes like 2025's Jalapeño Cheese Curds and the brand's revamped chicken sandwich lineup inspired adventurous new items in 2026 all while staying true to Culver's roots.
- Enhanced Delicious Rewards features will allow guests to save preferences, receive flavor notifications and share points for a more personalized experience each time they visit a local restaurant.
PRAIRIE DU SAC, Wis., Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- With 64% of consumers anticipating new food and beverage trends in 2026, diners are signaling a strong appetite for fresh flavors in the year ahead. In response, Culver's is introducing a forward-looking menu strategy that blends culinary innovation, guest feedback, classic Midwest favorites and even more ways for guests to personalize their experience.
"Our goal for 2026 is to deliver flavors that spark curiosity and keep guests coming back," said Kasey McDonald, Culver's head of culinary. "I'm very excited to push the boundaries and try new things while staying true to the core Midwest items that define Culver's."
Highlights of Culver's 2026 menu include:
- Four pub burger releases: Featuring inventive sauces, unique protein pairings and the return of fan favorites. Expect bold takes on flavor profiles and fresh spins on the classic ButterBurger.
- Pumpkin-inspired desserts: Debuting in fall 2026 and offering several new ways to enjoy a seasonal favorite.
- Two new Flavors of the Day: Developed through extensive research and expanding on the current rotation of 30 flavors.
- A new take on a classic menu item: Set to launch in fall 2026 and inspired by Wisconsin supper club traditions.
- Enhanced Delicious Rewards features: Guests will be able to save preferences, receive notifications for favorite flavors and share points with friends and family for a more personalized experience.
Months of research and testing informed the menu news set to roll out systemwide throughout 2026. In 2025, the national restaurant chain saw success with several new menu items, including a revamped chicken sandwich lineup and the launch of Jalapeño Cheese Curds.
Some additions in the coming year push boundaries and introduce unexpected twists inspired by guest enthusiasm for adventurous options. "When we take a risk, our guests respond positively," McDonald noted. "The success of Jalapeño Cheese Curds and guest requests for more spice encouraged us to keep innovating."
While Culver's considers trending flavors in the industry when building their menu strategy, McDonald said it's crucial the brand remains original and true to its Wisconsin roots.
"We want to make sure, when we're creating something for our menu, we're putting a Culver's spin on it," McDonald said. "Being from Wisconsin is something we're proud of, and it shows when you take a look at our menu items."
In late 2025, the brand announced the launch of Delicious Rewards, a loyalty program designed to digitally extend the hospitality Culver's restaurants are known for and built specifically with guests in mind. As new menu items make their way to restaurants nationwide throughout the year, enhanced Delicious Rewards features will also become available for an even more personalized experience at every visit.
Culver's new menu items will be rolling out throughout the 2026 calendar year, with more information being revealed closer to each item's launch. To find your nearest Culver's restaurant and stay up to date on upcoming menu launches, visit culvers.com/locator.
About Culver's:
For over 40 years, Culver's guests have been treated to cooked-to-order food made with farm-fresh ingredients and served with a smile. The ever-expanding franchise system now numbers over 1,000 family-owned and operated restaurants in 26 states. The restaurants' nationally recognized customer service is based on small-town, Midwestern values, genuine friendliness and an unwavering commitment to quality. Signature items include the award-winning ButterBurger, made from fresh, never frozen beef, and Fresh Frozen Custard, including the famous Flavor of the Day program. For more information, visit www.culvers.com or connect with Culver's on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
CONTACT
Sam Brenner
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608-268-4371
SOURCE Culver's
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