Journey's End: Culver's Owner Granted U.S. Citizenship

Fernanda Fernandes started small with her goals: move to America, improve her English skills and start a career.

Today the Brazilian-born Culver's of Darien owner has not only fulfilled those goals, but has also started to craft her own version of the 'American Dream.' Just this month, she solidified her place in this country by completing a 12-year journey to become an official U.S. citizen.

With many accolades to her name, claiming the title of American Citizen is No. 1 on Fernanda's list. She was only 23 years old when she left Rio de Janeiro for the U.S., and in just over a decade she has forged a successful business as part owner of Culver's of Darien, a 2014 quarterfinalist in the national Culver's Crew Challenge.

The achievements are a testament to her hard-working nature and a passion for the restaurant business she didn't know she had.

Fernandes first began working at McDonald's of all places in order to pay tuition bills for her English classes. After moving across the street to a newly built Culver's in Downers Grove, she took on a second, part-time position there and became manager within months. Jump forward five years and her boss, Culver's of Downers Grove owner Bob Esposito, offered her an investment opportunity in nearby Darien. She has since been part owner and operating partner for five years.

"It wasn't hard for me to realize that I wanted to keep Fernanda 'in the family,'" says Esposito. "She is very bright, extremely hard working and totally dedicated to the restaurant and the Culver's brand in general. I'm very proud to have played a small role in helping Fernanda make the transition here in the U.S. Our entire family is thrilled to have her as a U.S. citizen."

Fernanda credits much of her success to Esposito, whom she considers a mentor and professional inspiration. "I believe my story is not a fairytale but a combination of dedication, passion, hard work and luck to have great people like Bob and a great company like Culver's in my life," she says. The passion Fernanda she speaks of was sparked greatly by the "family restaurant" environment that Culver's strives for. Her entire family in Brazil has supported her through the years and is proud of the life she has made for herself.

These accomplishments are what sparked, and eventually attributed to, her desire to apply for citizenship. Fernandes realized her dreams were coming true and she could actually live a full life in this country.