A trio of area hamburger restaurants are starting 2014 under new ownership.
Brothers Steve and Jim Wernimontsold their three Culver's— two in Rochester and one in Northfield — to Jeremy and Kasie Scheelon Dec. 19.
The Scheels previously owned and operated a Culver's in Rice Lake, Wis., for many years, but were looking for a chance to expand. They sold that one and now have moved to Minnesota to take over their new restaurants.
"When the opportunity came up to buy three restaurants that the Wernimonts were running so well, we just couldn't pass it up," said Jeremy Scheel, while working in the 28th Street Culver's. "We're as happy as can be to be part of Rochester."
He said taking over three Culver's that are doing such good business is rare.
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"They did such a great job, there's nothing to change," he added.
The three Culver's have about 180 employees on staff.
This sale ends the Wernimonts' run in the business that began in 1999, when the first Rochester restaurant opened on 55th Street Northwest. They built the south Rochester store in 2001. They added the Northfield Culver's to their corral in 2011.
Steve Wernimont says it was a great experience and the restaurants have been doing "tremendous business."
"It was just time. We've been doing this for a long time," he said.
According to Olmsted Countyproperty records, the Rochester restaurant at 36 28 St. S.E. sold for $1.3 million and the one at 3380 55th St. N.W. sold for $1.25 million. The purchase price for the Northfield Culver's was not available.
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