SUGAR GROVE – The construction of the new Culver’s restaurant in Sugar Grove, located on the west side of Route 47 south of Dunkin’ Donuts and north of Walgreens, has experienced minor delays due to weather conditions. Although the franchise owner, Jeff Newkirk, has encountered some setbacks, Newkirk still anticipates a fall opening for the restaurant.
Newkirk explained the construction crew had to wait a few days to move forward with the plans due to weather.
“We have had some minor weather delays with the rain, but we hope to open mid-to-late October,” Newkirk said. “The process for the Culver's consists of the site being excavated, a four [foot] wall for the foundation, plumbing and electrical sewer being roughed in, pour the slab, and the building comes pre-panelized.”
Underground utilities are nearing completion and rough grading has been completed, according to Sugar Grove Community Development Director Walter Magdziarz.
Newkirk’s new Culver’s in Sugar Grove will the same metro design as his Culver’s restaurant in DeKalb, located at 1262 W. Lincoln Highway. The metro look includes features such as a natural stone exterior and roof that hides heating, ventilation and air conditioning units. The Oswego and Yorkville Culver’s restaurants have the classic design that includes different features, such as a blue roof. The metro design look fits in better with what the local municipalities are looking for, according to Newkirk.
Once the Culver’s restaurant is finished, Sugar Grove residents will have more options for a place to eat without having to leave town. Culver’s also participates in community nights where local organizations have the opportunity to raise awareness by bringing in fliers, and the organization receives 10 percent back from sales.
Working in the restaurant field has been a desire of Newkirk’s for many years. Originally, Newkirk had looked into owning a Dairy Queen almost 30 years ago, according to Newkirk.
Adam Newkirk, Jeff Newkirk’s son, will play an instrumental part in the organization of their new Culver’s in Sugar Grove. When Adam Newkirk was 16 years old, he worked at a Culver’s restaurant and enjoyed the everyday work atmosphere he experienced. Adam Newkirk’s interest in Culver’s piqued Jeff Newkirk’s interest in working at and owning a Culver’s restaurant.
Jeff Newkirk commented on how expensive permit and building costs can be when building a business.
“It can be incredibly expensive to get building permits and get started,” Jeff Newkirk said. “Illinois isn’t the friendliest state to do business, but this is where we are from. I feel there should be an incentive to come. Hopefully, we can all succeed together. The village will also benefit from sales. Our tax incentive spans the first seven years or up to $105,000 in sales tax.”