Midwest-based Culver's restaurant chain will be establishing restaurants in North Carolina and Georgia in 2016.

Ground has been broken in Arden, North Carolina, near Asheville, and soon in Dawsonville, Georgia, near Atlanta. Other locations are planned for both states, however specific locations and timelines have yet to be determined. Culver's has more than 550 restaurants in 22 states. The new states will bring the total to 24.

"We're looking forward to bringing the Culver's experience to guests in North Carolina and Georgia," says Phil Keiser, president and CEO. "We know there are many people in the southeast with ties to the Midwest and know the Culver's brand. They'll be great ambassadors for our food and hospitality. We also look forward to new guests enjoying their first Culver's experience."

Culver's has its roots in Sauk City, Wisconsin, where it was founded in 1984.