Two area franchise owners win Culver's award

Chuck Martin and Jim DiVerde, owners and operators of 10 Culver's restaurants in the suburbs, are the recipients of the 2020 GM Culver Award. The award, named after George M. Culver, father of co-founder Craig Culver, is the highest honor in the organization, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated long-term visionary leadership and success.

Together, Martin and DiVerde own MD Restaurant Group, which own Culver's restaurants in Arlington Heights, Aurora, Schaumburg, Darien, Crystal Lake, Bolingbrook, Mount Prospect, Yorkville, Rosemont and St. Charles.

This is the first time in the award's history that it has even been given to two people in one year, the company said. Martin joined Culver's in 2004 as an owner and operator with his first restaurant in Mount Prospect. DiVerde joined the Culver franchising system in 2005 and became an owner-operator in 2007, beginning their partnership in the Bolingbrook restaurant.

"Chuck and Jim are very deserving of this honor as exceptional owner-operators and restaurant partners," said Craig Culver, in presenting the award at Martin and DiVerde's restaurant in Crystal Lake.