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Travelers motoring along Interstate 35 and diners in the Liberty area now have another option for eating out. Culver’s opened its 405th restaurant in Blue Jay Crossing near the intersection of Interstate 35 and Kansas Street on Sept. 14.

The popular chain restaurant is famous for its signature dish, ButterBurger, and its fresh made custard. Its extensive menu also features a pot roast dinner, chicken and tenderloin sandwiches, fish, hot dogs, salads and an array of side dishes such as cheese curds and mashed potatoes and gravy.

The ButterBurger got its name from its lightly buttered toasted bun topped with a pickle slice.

During a ribbon cutting Sept. 12, the custard flavor of day was butter pecan, and employees were busy “Culverizing” guests by pinning them with a Culver’s insignia.

The Liberty restaurant is owned and operated by partners Lynn and Paul Clause and Gary and Kari Strom. The couples also own two other restaurants in the Kansas City area and plan to open a Culver’s in Gladstone in March.

Among those attending the ribbon cutting, sponsored by the Liberty Area Chamber of Commerce, were founders Craig and Lea Culver.

According to Craig Culver, the family opened its first restaurant in Sauk City, Wis., in 1984 in what had been formerly an A&W root beer stand and called it Culver’s Frozen Custard and ButterBurgers.

Culver said that first year was difficult, and he was not sure they would make it from one week to the next, but they persevered and now the chain has franchised more than 400 restaurants, and more are on the way.

“The lesson I learned from my parents was to surround yourself with good people,” Culver said. “I plan to keep it a family-owned business forever.”

Lynn Clause said they had planned to open a Liberty location for three years, and it finally happened.

“I love being in historic Liberty. I love the hometown community,” she said. “It’s a great environment for growth, and the potential is phenomenal.”

Clause said the restaurant employs approximately 75 people and 90 percent are from Liberty.

In addition to Culver’s, the former Clayview Country Club site also includes a CVS pharmacy, and a US Bank is getting ready to open. The development plan also calls for a two hotels.

“We’re hoping to break ground for the 4,800-square-foot retail strip center in the next two weeks, which can accommodate up to three users,” said John Davis, project manager for Star Development. “Jimmy John’s gourmet sandwiches is taking 1,600 square feet of that.”

Liberty Editor Angie Anaya Borgedalen can be reached at 781-4941 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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