In Memoriam: Phil Keiser, CEO Of Culver’s

Phil Keiser, Culver’s president and CEO and a veteran of 20 years at the chain, passed away on October 15.

Co-founder Craig Culver will assume the role of interim CEO until a successor is named. “Culver’s would not be what it is today without Phil’s influence,” Craig said. “Yet as great a loss as this is for us professionally, it doesn’t begin to touch how much Phil will be missed on a personal level.”

Keiser, appointed president and CEO just last year, joined the Culver’s organization in 1996 and was a driving force in the development and expansion of the Prairie du Sac, Wis., chain. Since 1996, the system has grown from 44 restaurants to its 580 locations in 24 states.

Prior to joining Culver’s, he held various management positions with Burger Chef and Hardee’s.