Culver’s Apopka earned a ranking of seventh in the nation earlier this summer — and now, the location is competing for the No. 1 spot.  

“Out of more than 1,000 Culver’s restaurants across 26 states, this achievement reflects the extraordinary commitment of our owners, managers, team members, and — most importantly — the loyal guests who support us every day,” said a July 22 news release from Culver’s. “For years, the Apopka community has embraced our restaurant, allowing us to give back through partnerships with local schools, nonprofits, youth organizations, and community events. This recognition is the result of a shared commitment to serving our guests and supporting the place we proudly call home.” 

Although the Apopka location opened in 2022, it already brings an award-winning legacy to the competition. Last year, Culver’s Apopka won first place in The Apopka Chief’s 2025 Best of Apopka Reader’s Choice Awards’ burger category. Culver’s also placed in the top 50 locations in the nation in 2025, earning a silver banner, Culver’s merchandise, and a $2,500 check for a Christmas party. 

“We did raffles with a bunch of gifts,” said multi-unit manager Zachary Grissom in a sit-down interview with the Chief. “I think we had TVs and computers and a bunch of tech for the team to raffle and win.” 

Culver’s annual restaurant ratings are based on a variety of factors, including food safety, turnover, and guest satisfaction as measured by customer surveys. 

“Everyone gets a survey on the receipt — it’s basically an all-or-nothing survey. They give you a one- through five-star rating; anything four stars or lower is technically like a zero,” Grissom said. “Out of our surveys — I think the average for Culver’s is about a 75 or 78 percent satisfaction rate — and all this year we’ve been pushing 90 percent.” 

If Culver’s Apopka lands in the top five in the final nationwide results, members of Culver’s corporate team will visit for a media day. The No. 1 restaurant will win $100,000, with Nos. 2-5 winning $25,000 each, according to manager Jordan Little. 

“That prize money — that’s for the team, so that’s not for the owner or for the restaurant,” Grissom said. “Trying to figure out the math to divide that up has been crazy, if we do get there, but that’s how passionate we are. We want to make sure that these team members are taken care of for their hard work.” 

According to Grissom, each Culver’s general manager and owner of a top-five restaurant will also fly out to the annual Culver’s Reunion, which will take place in Denver in January 2027. 

“They celebrate the top five, bring them on stage, and explain their stories and the successes of the restaurant,” he said. 

To help Culver’s Apopka reach No. 1, Little hopes to receive more five-star surveys from guests. 

“The nice part about it, they get free custard if they do something,” Little said.