Culver’s Sets Opening Date for Thatcher Location, Hiring to Begin in August

By Jon Johnson 

jonjohnsonnews@gmail.com

THATCHER — The wait for ButterBurgers and fresh-frozen custard in the Gila Valley is almost over.

Co-owners Kevin and Sandy Adams, along with Stacy Walker and general manager Nick Walker — who officially broke ground on their Thatcher Commercial Plaza location off Highway 70 back in February — have announced key timeline updates for construction, hiring, and the restaurant’s highly anticipated grand opening.

If all goes according to schedule, the new 4,400-square-foot restaurant — located at 3343 W. Main St., at the site of the former Red Lamp Mobile Home Park — will officially open its doors to the public on Monday, Aug. 31, 2026.

Construction Finishing Touches and Staff Training

Over the next few weeks, contractors will be busy installing commercial kitchen equipment inside the state-of-the-art building. The facility features a covered dining patio complete with outdoor heating, fans, and recessed lighting to accommodate guests year-round.

While construction wraps up in Thatcher, the restaurant’s newly appointed management team is currently in Sierra Vista undergoing intensive hands-on operational training to ensure a smooth transition when doors open locally.

To round out the full workforce, local hiring is set to begin shortly. Management plans to start interviewing team member applicants during the first week of August.

Opening Week Operations and Hours

Prior to the public opening, Culver’s will host a private VIP Family Day on Saturday, Aug. 29, which will be closed to the general public and reserved exclusively for team member families and invited guests.

The public launch on Monday, Aug. 31, will serve as a “soft opening” week, allowing the newly minted crew time to fine-tune operations and service standards. While residents are eagerly invited to visit starting Aug. 31, ownership asks for the community’s patience during the initial week while staff gets up to speed.

A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony in partnership with the Graham County Chamber of Commerce will be held a week or two following the initial launch.

What Customers Need to Know

• Official Opening Date: Monday, Aug. 31, 2026
• Operating Hours: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., 7 days a week
• Location: 3343 W. Main St., Thatcher (Thatcher Commercial Plaza)
• Delivery & Pickup Options: Online ordering via DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Culver’s signature “Curds-side” pickup will be available. (Note: Delivery features may be temporarily paused during the first week depending on initial crowd volume.)