PITTSBURGH & SAUK CITY, Wis. Fast-casual giant Culver’s has selected supply chain provider Armada to deliver redistribution services, network engineering, and supply chain orchestration. The partnership marks a major operational expansion as the Midwest-born restaurant chain continues its nationwide growth. The enhanced collaboration transitions Armada into an end-to-end strategic partner, expanding its role to support network planning, logistics, and new store development nationwide.
Escalating Scale and Strategic Vision
Culver’s, known for its ButterBurgers® and fresh frozen custard, ranks No. 29 on Technomic’s Top 500 list of U.S. restaurant brands. With over 1,000 locations nationwide, the restaurant chain maintains one of the most consistent expansion rates in the industry, opening 50 to 55 new units annually.
Culver's Expansion Profile:
• Historical Growth Rate: 50–55 new locations per year
• Current Footprint: 1,000+ restaurants nationwide
• Targeted Expansion States: Pennsylvania, New York, Oklahoma
• Projected Logistics Demand: 40% increase in annual case shipments by 2030
To support this rapid physical growth, Culver’s projects a 40% increase in annual case shipments by 2030. Armada’s orchestration framework will help manage freight costs, reduce system waste, and optimise supplier networks as volume increases.
“Culver’s is one of the most admired brands in American fast casual: consistent, profitable, and growing at a pace few brands achieve,” said Chris O’Brien, CEO of Armada. “Our work together is focused on strengthening their supply chain and improving distribution network efficiency to support long-term growth.”
Core Pillars of the Armada Supply Chain Solution
Armada’s end-to-end management covers both macro-level logistics planning and micro-level freight execution to support the restaurant chain:
1. Network Engineering & Planning
Armada designs optimal distribution routes and models regional warehouse needs as Culver’s enters new territories like Pennsylvania, New York, and Oklahoma.
2. Supplier Optimisation & Redistribution
By utilising centralised distribution hubs, Armada consolidates bulk shipments from suppliers before moving products to broadline distributors, curbing less-than-truckload (LTL) inefficiencies.
3. Supply Chain Visibility
Real-time tracking and inventory data enable logistics teams to anticipate delays, maintain optimal safety stock levels, and safeguard restaurant-level product availability.
| Focus Area | Tactical Strategy | Primary Benefit to Franchisees |
| Supplier Optimization | Directing factory outbound shipments into consolidation hubs | Lower inbound freight surcharges |
| Freight Consolidation | Merging multi-vendor orders onto single temperature-controlled trucks | Reduced shipping costs per case |
| Network Modeling | Simulating distributor coverage for expansion states | Smooth new store launches |
| Visibility Analytics | Dynamic inventory tracking across suppliers and distributors | Preemption of stockouts |
Protecting Brand Quality in Fast Casual
Maintaining a resilient cold chain is vital for a fast-casual restaurant chain that emphasises fresh, high-quality ingredients. Culver’s relies on strict quality parameters, including fresh beef and daily-churned frozen custard dairy mix.
“At Culver’s, we hold every aspect of our operations to the highest standard, and our supply chain is no exception,” said Adam Schriff, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Culver’s. “We selected Armada because they demonstrated the expertise, technology, and commitment required to support our long-term growth strategy.”
Through integrated network orchestration, Armada ensures that expanding shipping routes maintain product temperature integrity, helping the restaurant chain scale efficiently while protecting unit-level profitability.
