The wait is over! Thatcher Culver’s opens Monday

By Jon Johnson/Gila Herald

jonjohnsonnews@gmail.com

THATCHER — The wait is finally over for Gila Valley residents longing for fresh-frozen custard and signature ButterBurgers. Following months of anticipation after breaking ground in February, the new Culver’s at Thatcher Commercial Plaza (3343 W. Main St.) will officially open its doors to the public on Monday, Aug. 31.

On Saturday, co-owners Kevin and Sandy Adams, Stacy Walker, and his son Nicholas Walker hosted a VIP and Family Appreciation Day, treating local stakeholders, community leaders, and team families to a free sneak peek of the restaurant.

The dining room was packed with eager diners experiencing the 4,400-square-foot facility, which features a covered patio with heating and lighting for year-round outdoor dining. While Kevin and Sandy worked hard in the back of house overseeing kitchen operations and ensuring food went out hot and fresh, Stacy and Nicholas worked the front of house, greeting guests and welcoming them to the table.

“Today we have our VIP day slash family day, and this is just a thank you to everyone that’s supported and helped out through the process of getting the doors open, as well as a celebration for the team and the hard work that they’ve done,” Co-Owner Nicholas Walker said. “They definitely earned it, and this is our way to show appreciation for everything. We’re just excited to feed some ButterBurgers to the town!”

Nicholas, who brings nine years of experience with the brand, will serve as the general manager of the Thatcher establishment.

Significant local economic impact and job creation

Beyond bringing Midwestern comfort food to eastern Arizona, the opening will significantly boost the local economy. The owners revealed that interest was overwhelmingly high, with more than 500 applicants competing for positions at the new establishment.

The new restaurant adds dozens of local jobs and completes the high-profile Highway 70 frontage at the former Red Lamp Mobile Home Park site, alongside the newly constructed American Southwest Credit Union. The rest of the property is slated to house a Palmer & Johnson Family Dental development.

For the Adams family, Thatcher marks location number seven. Their Sierra Vista location has twice earned the chain’s top national honor, beating out more than 1,000 locations nationwide.

A warm welcome from community leaders and fans

Local dignitaries and long-time fans of the franchise expressed enthusiasm for the restaurant’s quality and commitment to hospitality.

“This is going to be quite an addition in Graham County and Thatcher and the whole valley,” said Thatcher Mayor Jenny Howard during Saturday’s event. “They made my sandwich extra special without bread, so that was very nice of them. We eat at the Culver’s in Sierra Vista—same owners, same team. It’s amazing, it’s top-notch, and I’m glad they came. We’ve got a lot of students and a vibrant community.”

Safford Council Member-elect Mary Bingham and her husband Dave were equally thrilled to have a location in their backyard.

“It’s going to be amazing for the valley; everybody’s excited,” Mary Bingham said while enjoying a double deluxe burger and fries. “When we go out of town, it’s one of our favorite places.”

“I love those,” Dave Bingham added. “That’s where I go all the time when I go to Tucson.”

Culver’s will begin regular operational hours starting Monday morning, offering drive-thru, dine-in, and patio service for lunch and dinner.

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

A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony, in partnership with the Graham County Chamber of Commerce, will be held in early September after 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 and Uber Eats, plus 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.)