Culver’s New Burger Makes A 2026 Trend Its Own

Pickles. We’re all talking about them. We’re STILL talking about them. Pickle flavors in everything have been a bit of a sleeper trend over the last few years, but what was a novelty in 2024 is now standard in 2026. Pickles in products that really have no business having them there are still absolutely everywhere, and pickle crackers and pickle chicken wings are just the latest two to cross our desk. 

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Well, Culver’s wasn’t going to be left out of all the vinegary, salty fun, was it? No, no. It’s got in on the pickle game too. Here’s what’s going on in its new burger.

Culver’s Fried Pickle Pub Burger: More Crunch, More Tang

In a press release issued yesterday, Culver’s announced its new Fried Pickle Pub Burger, which it’s framing as a back-to-school option perfect for picking up on the way home. In this burger, Culver’s is taking the classic pickle component of any self-respecting burger and amping it up a notch. In each Fried Pickle Pub Burger, you get fresh beef, cheddar cheese, Brewpub Sauce (a beery mayo), and crunchy fried pickles. It’s all served in a pretzel bun. 

The burger is the latest in Culver’s Pub Burger lineup, which it’s been rolling out throughout 2026 (we last checked in with it back in June, when it was testing a Buttery Parmesan Pub Burger at selected stores). This push towards pub burgers has been seen elsewhere: Just yesterday, Wendy’s announced that its Pretzel Bacon Pub Cheeseburger was heading back to its restaurants following a public vote. The people yearn for elevated sandwiches, and Culver’s and Wendy’s are giving ‘em to them. 

More Stuff!

Alongside its new Fried Pickle Pub Burger, Culver’s is also bolstering the sweeter side of its menu. The chain is adding two new Flavors of the Day for its frozen custard, with a Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie flavor landing on August 5, and an Oreo Reese’s Cheesecake flavor following on September 2. Then, we’ve got a Pumpkin S’Mores Concrete Mixer, a new entrant which joins the returning Pumpkin Spice Shake and Salted Caramel Pumpkin Concrete Mixer, from September 8. 

The Pub Burger, meanwhile, is available now through September 27 – and if it sounds a lil’ heavy for ya, you can get the fried pickles as a side on their own, with Brewpub Sauce as a dip. So far, the pickles have been a hit with customers, so they might be worth your time and money.