Feature Story and Photos By Larry H. Oskin
Clermont Culver’s celebrated its grand re-opening on a beautiful spring morning. Its new owners, managers and team members were greeted by lots of well-wishers, which included family, fans, and friends. The South Lake Chamber of Commerce hosted the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Clermont Mayor Tim Murry and numerous local dignitaries were there to show their support.
New Partner Owners: Manny Montanez is the new Owner Operator who will be on the premises leading, educating, training and supervising their Clermont Culver’s Team. Montanez is originally from Patterson, New Jersey, while most of his family now live in North Port, Florida. Montanez moved here to Clermont earlier this year for this exciting career opportunity with Culver’s. At only 28, he is one of the youngest Culver’s franchise owners nationwide. As one of 9 children, he started to work at a young age. His very first job was with Wendy’s Hamburgers. While still in high school, he trained and worked with Wendy’s from 2011 to 2018. He quickly moved from being a team member to top management. His big dream was to someday own his own restaurant. With three other partner owners, his dream has become a reality. Steve Buchmeier knew him for the past 3 and a half years and he actively recruited Montanez to join their Clermont Culver’s Ownership Team. Their local entrepreneurial ownership team consists of Manny Montanez, Steve Buchmeier, Shad Finley and Josh Clark.
Culver’s Menu: Every Culver’s food serving is custom made to order. Culver’s signature sandwich, the ButterBurger, is made with 100 percent fresh and never frozen beef. It gets its name from its lightly buttered and toasted bun. Culver’s Fresh Frozen Custard gets its legendary creamy decadence from only using high-quality, fresh Wisconsin dairy products. Each batch of custard is freshly handcrafted each day. Guests can customize their frozen treats with more than 30 mix-ins and toppings. Culver’s offers three flavors of Fresh Frozen Custard every day including vanilla, chocolate and their ever-changing Flavor of the Day. Other guest favorites include chicken sandwiches and fresh garden salads. Side options include Crinkle-Cut Fries and Wisconsin Cheese Curds. Kids’ Meals are always available. They do offer a self-service soda bar with free refills as well as regular and gluten-free buns.
Culver’s Story: For over 30 years, Culver’s Restaurant guests have been treated to cooked-to-order food made with farm-fresh ingredients and served with a friendly warm smile. Their franchise system now has over 700 family-owned and operated restaurants in 25 states. The restaurants’ nationally recognized customer service is based on small-town, Midwestern values, genuine friendliness and an unwavering commitment to quality.
Manny Montanez shares, “We are really proud and excited to be a part of the Clermont and South Lake County communities! We want to reach out and get very involved with our community to help offer our support for local sports teams, schools and churches with Share Nights, fundraisers and local activities. We have been very pleased to have the Clermont Police, the Clermont Fire Department and many local first responders as regular guests. In the fall, we plan to host a complimentary First Responder’s Breakfast. We are following all of the proper COVID safety protocols with gloves, face masks and safe social distancing. One of the best things about our Culver’s culture is that you will be able to experience our genuine feeling of warm family-friendly hospitality. Come on in!”
Clermont Culver’s is located at 1431 John’s Lake Road at the corner of Highway 27 in Clermont, FL 34711 near Walmart. They are conveniently open at 10:30 AM to 10 PM, 7 days a week. For more information, call: 352-394-1181 or visit: www.culvers.com/restaurants/clermont-fl to sign up for coupons and discounted specials. They offer a Senior Citizen Benefits Club. Like and follow them on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/CulversClermontFl. Culver’s is a Wisconsin-based franchise restaurant organization. For more information, visit: www.Culvers.com,
