It’s happening: Columbia is getting a Culver’s restaurant. Check out where
A popular restaurant chain known for burgers, frozen custard and more is planning its first location in Columbia.
Culver’s, which has locations in states across the U.S., plans to open a restaurant at 2744 Clemson Road in northeast Columbia, according to Ryan Gabel, who will be the owner/operator of the Columbia unit.
Construction has begun at the Clemson Road property, Gabel said, and he anticipates the restaurant could open in October.
Culver’s has more than 1,000 restaurants across the country, according to data website ScrapeHero. The company currently has 11 locations in South Carolina, per its website, in places such as Greenville, Anderson, Greer, Summerville and elsewhere. The Clemson Road spot will be the first Midlands location.
Gabel is originally from Wisconsin, which is where Culver’s is headquartered. He said Columbia was a natural spot for a new Culver’s restaurant. He noted he specifically chose the Clemson Road property because of the growing population in the area, the traffic volume and the ease of access.
The Columbia location will be near the intersection of Clemson and Longtown Roads. It’s an area just east of Interstate 77, with numerous businesses nearby. About 27,100 cars per day travel down that stretch of Clemson Road, per SC Department of Transportation data.
The Culver’s menu is highlighted by their signature ButterBurgers, which come in a number of varieties, including the fully loaded Culver’s Deluxe. They also have chicken sandwiches, seafood, salads and more.
And a particular highlight of the Culver’s roster is its fresh frozen custard, available in shakes, sundaes, malts, mixers, floats and other variations.
Gabel said he’s ready to debut the Culver’s brand in the capital city.
“I’m so excited,” Gabel told The State in an email. “I grew up in Wisconsin and often visited the original location in Sauk City, WI. The brand will be new for Columbia and I can’t wait for our guests to enjoy the ButterBurgers, cheese curds, and freshly made custard!”
This story was originally published June 4, 2026 at 8:53 AM.
