'Up To The Challenge': Oak Forest Culver's Owner Proud To Be In Top 5 Again

OAK FOREST, IL — For the second year in a row, the Oak Forest Culver's location has been named among the top 5 in the country.

The location at 5410 W. 159th St. has earned recognition as a Gold Finalist in the annual Culver’s Crew Challenge, which will crown a winner in January 2026.

Nick Strache is the owner-operator of the Oak Forest Culver’s, which has established a strong culture of service excellence and guest satisfaction since its October 2023 opening. In that short time, the team has won over the hearts of their community on the way to its second Crew Challenge Finals appearance. It was previously recognized as a finalist in 2024.

In the Crew Challenge, restaurants compete in the areas of quality, service, cleanliness, hospitality, community outreach and team member training and development. The winner will be announced at Culver’s annual convention in Nashville in January 2026.

Each of the five finalists will receive prize money, with the winning team awarded $100,000 and the 4 others $25,000. Winnings are shared between the restaurant managers and team members.

Strache, who is a Midlothian native and 2014 graduate of Bremen High School, shared his pride for his business and team following a visit from Culver's Co-Founder Leah Culver and Culver Franchising System CEO Julie Fussner.

"There is a lot to be said about being top 5 two years in a row," Strache told Patch. "I think for starters, it truly shows how committed the team is here to truly make a difference for their community. After being top 5 and not bringing home a national championship (in 2025), this team had a fire in them to elevate the experience for our guests each and every day. They were truly up to the challenge."

Strache said his team focuses on going above and beyond for the customer.

"This team is truly led by young individuals that use the foundation that Culver's set to execute and exceed operational standards and Hospitality with heart," Strache said. "They truly believe that it costs nothing to be kind and have bought into the culture that this is a people business first, and we just happen to also serve great food."

The City of Oak Forest also lauded Strache and his Culver's location.

"The Oak Forest Culver's is basking in the limelight today as Nick and his team celebrate another Top 5 Culver’s Crew Challenge Award," they said, in a social media post sharing news of the co-founder's Dec. 2 visit. "… second year in a row! They will compete for the national champion title next month in Nashville! We're rooting for you!"