The wait is over: Oregon celebrates new Culver's with grand opening

OREGON, Wis. -- A tiny line of toy cars has turned into a long line of real ones, as Oregon's new Culver's celebrated its grand opening on Monday.

The Village of Oregon announced last August that the nationally recognized burger chain would be coming to 1075 Park St., and construction began a month later. On Monday, staff along with Culver's co-founder Craig Culver cut the blue ribbon on the new location.

"The reason we weren't here earlier is because we had so many franchisees who wanted Oregon," Culver said. "And if we gave it to one, somebody was going to be mad at us. So finally we decided let us do it, and now they're all mad at us."

Culver said he was won over by the persistence of Village president Randy Glysch and the kindness of Oregon residents. Culver also gave a special shoutout to Oregon resident Dana Terrian, who began a "mini drive-thru" after the new restaurant was announced, complete with a line of toy cars.

The mini "drive-thru" line grew longer and longer as excitement grew for the new location. A portion of the display as well as pictures are now housed inside the restaurant.

"There's something different about Culver's," Oregon resident Kevin Garvoille said. "It's different from your normal fast food-type restaurants."

Monday's customers said they were happy to have a Culver's closer than before

"We always just figured we didn't get one because Verona and Stoughton's are so close," Jill Hoff said. "Now we don't have to go too far for it."

Founded in Sauk City in 1984, Culver’s has grown to more than 900 restaurants spanning 26 states. The Oregon Culver's is restaurant No. 907.