A visit to Culver’s
That friendly signature Culver’s sign and those blue and white awnings have beckoned loyal Midwest customers for many years. Now, a growing number of new fans from other parts of the country—and the world—have discovered Culver’s, too. They come for the delectable ButterBurgers, famous custard, and the new chicken sandwiches that made their nationwide debut last month.
Culver’s in the Gulf Gate neighborhood, at 7207 South Tamiami Trail, has been a favorite destination for Gulf Gate, Siesta Key, and Palmer Ranch locals, as well as beachgoers visiting the area since 2014.
A year ago, in July 2024, Margo Valenzuela—a former IT professional who made the restaurant business, and Culver’s particularly, her second career—along with her son Yair Ortega, became franchise owner/operators of the Culver’s Gulf Gate location. They are also franchise owners/operators of the two other Sarasota Culver’s restaurants: one at 2605 University Parkway and the other at 90 Cattlemen Road. Ortega manages the Gulf Gate location, while Valenzuela oversees the other two…