Culver’s — Restaurant in Payson

For the past 9 years I've lived on the east coast, having moved away from Arizona after 3 decades. I mention this fact because unfortunately, we don't have any Culver's restaurants where I'm located.

My Godmother who lives in Buckeye has been touting the deliciousness of her local Culver's for the past few years, much to my parents' and my chagrin and envy 😆.

But lucky me, I was able to visit the Valley of the Sun for 2 weeks in February 2024. So a few weeks ago I found myself on a drive back down from Pinetop/Show Low with my Aunt. As we drove through Payson, we ended up stopping at a Culver's. My 9-year drought was over 😆.

I ordered a medium sized order of their pretzel bites and my Aunt grabbed a fish dinner. If I remember correctly, it had 2 pieces of cod or haddock, a side of coleslaw, a side of steamed broccoli, and a roll included. She skipped the fries.

She ended up sharing a little bit of everything from her fish dinner with me and I gave her a few of my pretzel bites. Together we had a feast.

A few things I noticed...

Yes, the prices for their food is a bit higher. However, their portions are GINORMOUS. If you plan it right, you could split a meal between multiple parties if you're on a budget or enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day.

They also had a ton of staff. My Aunt chimed in while we were eating and said that they always have more staff present than they seem to need. But this allows them to always make sure that their patrons are getting the service they require.

It was also really cool that we got to sit down in the dining room and that a server brought our order to us. We didn't have to wait up at the counter for it to be ready. For someone who suffers from a spinal injury, that was really nice. And their dining room was a step up, as well. Very spacious and there were even plugs for your devices I believe at our table (in the wall). We weren't on top of each other which was nice because my Aunt and I ended up having an impromptu conversation during that lunch at Culver's that got rather deep. Tears were shed. But anyhoo! I was grateful for the privacy that our table provided.

Lastly, and I'd say most importantly, is something my Aunt recounted to me that she witnessed at another Culver's a month or 2 prior. She had seen them training a new hire, an individual who was disabled. They seemed to have been on the spectrum or handicapped, yet were being treated with respect and compassion. This was coming from both their employers and the other patrons around them.

Being disabled myself, I often deal with judgement thrown at me because I don't "look disabled" on the outside to people. When I'm forced to utilize an electric cart at the grocery store sometimes because of my debilitating back pain, I'll get comments. So when I hear of other individuals who have disabilities that are more difficult to hide, yet are thriving in a work environment, against a lot of odds, then this makes me stand up and take notice.

In conclusion, Culver's did not disappoint. The only reason why it gets 4 and not 5 stars is because it's a fast food chain and it's not gourmet dining. Perhaps I'll change my mind if I get their custard next time 😋😍. I know this is a longer review, so I appreciate your time in reading this far. I hope the individuals who have Culver's in their neighborhoods continue to enjoy this restaurant chain, and until my next trip out west...peace, love,...

I preface by saying please read other members comments especially for the drive thru. My experience is NOT a solo act!!!!!

I came for take out with a family member. She had told me that she had issues in the past because I saw her watching them bag the food. We were in a hurry and because she was watching she felt confident we got everything. Not the case. Everyone got almost everything but me . Some one did get there sauce but half of my meal was missing. I got shrimp and chips/fries , and the flipping fries were missing. A nine year old is not going to get full on 6 shrimp with no fries. I was so pissed, and because my time is important to me, I decided to go to a different fast food joint after our family visit and paid 4 bucks and change just so, I could get full and I was not about to set foot back in that place much less waste my gas. I will also point out that the only reason we went is because an elder in the family requested it for the fish and she's a selective eater. I myself will never go back after my experience and the stories I have heard about this place. This place is either ripping people off or they are completely incompetent. Either way I am amazed they are still in business. If it wasn't for the fact that my shrimp that I did have was decent, I believe in being honest so I gave them 2 stars but I Really would like to give them 1 star. Fool me once shame on you fool me twice shame on me. In this case I learned as a family we were the fools because this has happened just to many times. What a total rip-off and un professional staff and management to let this type of thing continue in what is supposed to be a family friendly style fast food restaurant.

If you have read this and had a similar experience or just agree please leave a thumbs up. People need to know what they are getting...

Ordered ice cream waited in the drive up line for over 20 minutes after I paid. People behind me were given their food and left. Finally walked into to ask for my order. They handed me melted ice cream and said we've been busy. I said I would prefer them to make me new ones that are not melted. The employee stomped off with it. There was also another order that they had not given to a customer yet of frozen custard it was an ice cream cone with ice cream melted down all sides of the cone. The customer finally came up and said I still haven't got my order. And they turned around and handed him melted custard and the ice cream cone that was melting and dripping off the bottom of the cone He asked for a spoon, With melting ice cream cone in hand after waiting a few minutes finally gave up and left. Then later, the employee came around with a spoon instead of giving that to him immediately when he asked if it was three feet away. She was mad, gave a big eye roll in disgust to all of us customers standing there made a rude comment and walked off. I saw at least 2 other custard orders go out almost completely melted wail I waited about another 10 to 15 minutes. Watched them, delivered five more orders with food to drive up customers outside. Still did not have my order and finally said, "Can I get a refund if you are not going to make my ice cream?" They said they'd needed to call a manager, Manager come out to the counter not very happy nor nice ask me what the problem was explain my problem and the girl turned around and said I have her order right here. The manager did not say anything else, just walked off. So if you want frozen custard only at this place, plan on a minimum of 30 minutes through the driveup window and chances are it...