Culver's is set to bring its ButterBurgers and frozen custard to 1212 S. Michigan Ave. in the South Loop, taking over the two-story corner space at the base of the Park Michigan apartments that once flew the Aurelio's Pizza flag. Branding for the Wisconsin-born chain is already up along Michigan Avenue, and plans call for outdoor seating that aims to catch everyone from stroller-pushing locals to office workers on a lunch break.
Lease and space details
A commercial listing shows the property was leased to Culver's in October 2025 and clocks in at roughly 5,200 square feet, with a patio and a second-floor roof deck, according to Strauss Realty Ltd. The listing lays out seating for 176 guests inside, plus room for 29 people on the patio and 50 more on the deck, and notes that some kitchen infrastructure comes with the deal. The brokerage also talks up the Michigan Avenue signage and Roosevelt Road frontage, suggesting Culver's is getting some serious visibility for its money.
What it's replacing
The new burger spot is moving into the former home of Aurelio's Pizza, which closed its lone Chicago location in May 2025 after about a decade on Michigan Avenue, according to ABC7 Chicago. CEO Joe Aurelio told the station that shutting the South Loop restaurant "allows us to focus on new territories and expand our franchise," signaling a strategic pivot away from downtown Chicago.
About Culver's
Culver's got its start in Sauk City, Wisconsin, in 1984 and has grown into a multi-state operation known for its ButterBurgers and Fresh Frozen Custard, as detailed by Culver's. Franchisees and corporate materials have leaned heavily on those signature items as the brand pushes beyond suburban drive-thrus into denser city neighborhoods.
Where this fits in Chicago
Culver's has been edging deeper into Chicago neighborhoods over the past several years, with the chain's first in-city location opening in Bronzeville in 2018, according to CBS Chicago. That move was followed by a new Wrigleyville outpost in 2023, framed in local coverage as part of a broader push to stake out territory inside city limits.
Why the South Loop
Brokerage notes highlight the address as a sweet spot for foot traffic. The Strauss listing points out that the space sits directly across from Grant Park and just steps from the Roosevelt 'L' station, which funnels in tourists, convention crowds, students, and daily commuters. Combined with the surrounding residential towers, the listing pitches the site as a natural fit for a walk-up concept that can make the most of its patio and rooftop deck once the grills fire up.
