Culver's Unveils Three New Chicken Sandwiches Ahead of Memphis Expansion!

Ocala, USA - In an exciting move for chicken lovers, Culver’s, the popular chain known for its „Butter Burgers“ and frozen custard, is gearing up to launch three new chicken sandwich recipes on June 16. CEO Julie Fussner and Head of Culinary Kasey McDonald were recently in the spotlight discussing these fresh offerings, which promise to tantalize taste buds with their crispy, spicy, and grilled variations. This news also coincides with potential expansion plans for Culver’s in the Memphis area, which has been identified as a promising market for several restaurant chains looking to set roots in the region. Commercial Appeal reports that Shelby County could soon see the arrival of Culver’s, alongside other popular chains like In-N-Out Burger and Portillo’s.

The new sandwiches are particularly noteworthy as they will be replacing the current trio on Culver’s menu. Each sandwich has undergone rigorous development, guided by extensive customer feedback and a series of taste tests to hone in on the best flavor combinations. The crispy chicken sandwich will feature an improved neutral marinade with double breading, while the spicy option will spice things up with a blend of three peppers. Grilled chicken enthusiasts will enjoy a filet marinated for enhanced flavor, all nestled between crunchy pickle slices, mayo, lettuce, tomato, and a new toasted brioche bun.

The Chicken Chain Surge

Culver’s isn’t alone in recognizing the burgeoning demand for chicken-focused dining. As reported by Restaurant Business, chicken chains are on an incredible rise, with recent trends showing a growing interest among consumers for both traditional and adventurous flavors. Following the pandemic, many quick-service franchises, such as BonChon Chicken, have found success by offering delivery-friendly options that appeal to families seeking affordable meals. Their menu heavily leans on chicken tenders and fried chicken meals, proving that convenience remains king in the current fast-food landscape.

The fried chicken market is projected to reach a staggering $9.85 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.50%. This rapid growth is fueled by consumers‘ increasing cravings for familiar recipes, while also expressing interest in unique global flavors – a trend highlighted by a 90% surge in interest for Korean cuisine since early 2022. Quick-service restaurants adapting to digital payments and delivery services have been reaping the rewards, with many chains reporting in-store sales now reflecting a significant shift towards online orders.

As the Memphis area considers a wider array of restaurant expansions, including the likes of Taco Cabana, Qdoba Mexican Eats, and Cava, it seems likely that the culinary landscape is changing rapidly. Nando’s, known for its Peri-peri chicken, and Portillo’s offering Chicago-style fare are just a few of the chains that could soon join Culver’s in this evolving food scene. While the public eagerly awaits these developments, Culver’s plans a festive kickoff for its new chicken sandwiches by giving away free sandwiches to the first 100 guests at all locations nationwide on launch day.

With the promise of diverse new flavors and exciting restaurant growth, it’s a fantastic time for food enthusiasts in Memphis and beyond. After all, when it comes to chicken sandwiches, there’s something to be said for variety!