You’ve spent all morning hauling the grill out of the garage or maybe just finishing up that last-minute yard work before the summer sun starts to fade for good. Suddenly, the craving hits. It’s not just hunger; it’s a specific, deep-seated need for a ButterBurger and a scoop of salted caramel custard. But then you realize it's a holiday. You pause, car keys in hand, wondering: is Culver's open on Labor Day, or are they taking the day off like everyone else?
Honestly, there’s nothing worse than driving across town only to stare at a dark dining room and a "Closed for Holiday" sign taped to the glass. It ruins the vibe.
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The short answer is a big, resounding yes. Culver's is open on Labor Day 2025 at the vast majority of its locations. While some chains go dark for federal holidays, the blue-and-white signs usually stay lit for the first Monday in September.
Why Labor Day at Culver's is a Thing
Labor Day, which falls on September 1, 2025, marks the unofficial end of the "custard season" for a lot of people in the Midwest, even though true fans know custard is a 365-day commitment. Because it’s a day centered around celebrating workers and enjoying the final gasps of summer weather, most franchises see it as a prime opportunity to serve families on the move.
Most locations will stick to their standard operating hours. Generally, this means doors open at 10:00 AM or 10:30 AM and close around 10:00 PM.
But here’s where it gets kinda tricky. Culver's operates on a franchise model. This means that while Craig Culver and the corporate team in Prairie du Sac have their preferences, the person who actually owns the shop in your town gets the final say. If they want to let their staff head out early for a family barbecue at 8:00 PM, they can.
The Franchise Factor
You've got to remember that these aren't all corporate-run machines. Most are family-owned.
In smaller towns or more rural areas, you might find a location that decides to shave an hour or two off the end of the day. On the flip side, if you’re near a major highway or a tourist lake, they might stay open even later to catch the travelers heading home from the long weekend.
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Basically, don't just assume the one in the next county over is following the same rules as the one down the street.
What You Can Actually Order
Don't worry about a "limited holiday menu." If the lights are on, the fryers are hot. You can get the full lineup:
- ButterBurgers: The Deluxe, the Mushroom & Swiss, or just a plain double.
- The North Atlantic Cod: Surprisingly popular for a holiday that usually screams beef.
- Wisconsin Cheese Curds: Obviously. It's not a Culver's run without them.
- The Flavor of the Day: This is the big one. Every shop has a different special flavor of frozen custard.
If you're planning a big family gathering and don't feel like grilling, you can usually grab a few "Pints for the People" or even a 4-pack of custard to go. It's a solid way to win the backyard party without actually having to cook anything yourself.
How to Double-Check Before You Drive
Since hours can vary, don't leave it to chance.
- The Culver's App: It's actually pretty reliable. If a location has updated its holiday hours, the app usually reflects it in real-time.
- Google Maps: Check the "Hours" section. Google often flags holiday hours with a little warning that says "Labor Day might affect these hours," but many owners update their specific status.
- The Old School Phone Call: It takes ten seconds. Call them up. "Hey, are you guys closing early tonight for Labor Day?" It saves a lot of heartbreak.
What Most People Get Wrong About Culver's Holidays
People often lump Culver's in with Chick-fil-A or other chains that have very strict, uniform closing policies. That’s a mistake. While Culver's is famously closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day to give their "True Blue" crew a break, Labor Day isn't treated with that same level of mandatory shutdown.
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It’s more like a regular Monday for them, just with more people in the drive-thru and probably a lot more kids asking for extra sprinkles on their cones.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Labor Day Visit
If you are heading out, try to hit the drive-thru before the 12:00 PM or 6:00 PM rushes. Holidays usually mean "peak hours" are even more crowded because everyone has the same idea at the same time.
Also, keep an eye on their social media. Sometimes local franchises run "Labor Day Specials"—maybe a buck off a Value Basket or a deal on Concrete Mixers. It's not a corporate guarantee, but local owners love a good holiday promotion.
Check the Flavor of the Day on the website or app before you go. If it’s something like "Caramel Chocolate Cookie Dough" and you’re a vanilla purist, you’ll want to know that before you stand in line.
Plan your route, confirm the local closing time, and enjoy that last taste of summer. Whether you're dining in or taking a bag of burgers to the park, Culver's is one of the few reliable bets on a day when so many other things are shut down.