Oak Forest Culver's Crowned As Best Of Chain's 1,000 Locations

OAK FOREST, IL — Oak Forest Culver's location owner Nick Strache is celebrating his team after being crowned the top location of the chain's 1,000 restaurants.

Strache announced last week that his location, 5410 W. 159th St., had earned the national champion title in the annual Culver’s Crew Challenge. Strache and his team had twice been named a finalist in the competition, in both 2024 and 2025.

In the Crew Challenge, restaurants compete in the areas of quality, service, cleanliness, hospitality, community outreach, team member training and development. Strache's location has established a strong culture of service excellence and guest satisfaction since its October 2023 opening, and has won over the hearts of their community. Each of the five finalists received prize money, with the winning team awarded $100,000 and the 4 others $25,000. Winnings are shared between the restaurant managers and team members.

Strache, who is a Midlothian native and 2014 graduate of Bremen High School, shared his pride for his business and team

"It truly is surreal, to think that a little over two years ago we opened the doors just looking to serve hot fresh food and amazing hospitality to the community we live in," he said.

"But when you find the perfect recipe of people and leadership you can accomplish extraordinary things. I’m proud of this team and I’m proud to be a part of this community."

Strache shared news of the win on an Oak Forest community Facebook page.

"I cannot say enough about how much your support means to me and our team here at the restaurant," Strache wrote. "Culver's in Oak Forest is built upon the strong foundation this community set long before we opened our doors in October 2023. From the amazing staff that is made up of your kids and residents. To the generosity you show during our community fundraiser nights and your overall support of our restaurant. We love serving you.

"These are your champions, your sons and daughters, brothers and sisters and even your neighbors!
This isn't just for those who work here, this is for our amazing community we serve. You truly make our dreams come true every single day. For that I'm forever grateful."

Strache went on to say they'll continue to strive for excellence.

"Year 1 we were good," Strache wrote. "Year 2 we got better. Year 3? The best is yet to come, as it is my promise that we will stay humble, never forget who we are, and continue to find ways to improve and elevate your experience and continue to strengthen our roots for a strong future."

They'll strive for a repeat title in 2026, he added.

"But as of today, YOUR Team is Number 1," he wrote. "This is for you."