Mayor: Harvard Culver's plans October opening

Culver’s has announced a construction date for its Harvard location.

The fast-food spot, known for its Butterburgers and frozen custard, plans to move forward with the development in June and will hold a groundbreaking ceremony at a date to be announced, Harvard Mayor Mike Kelly said in a statement.

The restaurant plans to open for business in October, Kelly said.

The restaurant will be located near the Walmart and Cardinal Wine and Spirits at 5410 S. Division St. The company announced plans to acquire the property last June and originally had planned to start construction in September.

“The delay was related to a land transaction between the original developer and the operators of the Culver’s,” Harvard City Administrator Dave Nelson said.

“The financing is in place for the franchise owners to proceed, and it is construction season, so they want to get moving. All of the planning documents, site plans and building plans have been approved by the city, and construction season is upon us.”

At one point last fall, the site garnered attention because of an inflatable “union rat” on the property.

The new restaurant will provide 15 full-time jobs and 50 part-time jobs, and the franchise intends to hire locally, city officials have said.

Craig Culver founded the restaurant chain in 1984 in Wisconsin, and the franchise has since grown. It has more than 500 restaurants across 22 states, according to the Culver’s website.

At the end of last year, the Crystal Lake Culver's announced plans to move a couple of hundred yards north on Pingree Road.