From Bonds to Butter Burgers, Lake Zurich Culver's Owner Celebrates 10 Years

After a 20-year career as a successful trader at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Steve Anichini felt like it was time for a change. The Kildeer resident’s path quickly led to a brand new chapter: restaurant franchising. Although the directional change may seem strange, the timing couldn’t have been better. The transitional period after the new millennium changed the trading industry immensely.  Computers would soon take over the jobs of many employees, and Steve saw the writing on the wall.  Instead of learning new technology and starting over from square one, he decided to play up his strength in customer service and purchase a Culver’s restaurant in 2003.

From treasury bond futures to Butter Burgers, Steve has made strides in the past ten years.

His career switch signifies growth within himself and his business. The week of July 22 marks the 10th anniversary of his Lake Zurich store, which his son Dean manages. As general manager, Dean keeps structure within the restaurant, and his father attributes the health of the business to him.  

For the Anichini family, Culver’s was a different type of fast food. “We first visited the restaurant during baseball tournaments in Racine, Wisconsin, and I remember falling in love with the concept,” Steve says. “It actually reminded me of when I was a child; the team truly cared, and I felt like I was in a different era.”

Steve will host a week-long anniversary celebration at the Lake Zurich Culver’s, 645 N Rand Rd., from July 22-28. He is encouraging the entire the community to visit the store and take part in a series of fun activities and daily menu specials that will be offered.

Visitors can look forward to a car wash on Saturday, July 27 from 10a.m.-2p.m. hosted by the Lake Zurich Flames football team, who have also donated a 32” flat screen TV to be raffled off. Later that evening Culver’s will host an antique car show, accompanied by a live DJ, from 4p.m.-9p.m.

Dollar menu specials throughout the week will include Butter Burgers, Fresh Frozen Custard, root beer floats, lemon ice coolers and much more.

As part of the summertime “Give a Pint, Get a Pint” blood drive campaign, Culver’s has teamed with LifeSource Blood Services and will offer all donors a complimentary pint of its fresh frozen custard. Culver’s of Lake Zurich will hold its drive on Friday, July 26 from 11a.m.-6p.m. In addition to a free pint of custard, persons who pre-register will also receive a free Culver’s Value Basket.

“The only reason we’ve been able to be as successful this past 10 years is due to the tremendous support we’ve received from Lake Zurich and the surrounding communities,” says Anichini. “It’s no secret that we give back to that community when and where possible, and our anniversary is a way to not only say thank you, but for everyone to come together to celebrate a decade together.”