Culver’s Franchise Inc. recently opened its 390th store in Louisville, Ky. The restaurant is an example of the chain’s new prototype, which no longer includes the brand’s signature blue roof.

Culver’s Restaurants design has long included a blue metal roof, shown here, but zoning laws in new markets -- and cost -- caused the company to forego the design in its new prototype.

The interior redesign includes moving the customer drink station from its previous spot in the center of the dining room to the side wall to improve traffic flow and maximize efficiencies.

Other features in the new prototype dining room include more upscale furnishings, such as metal-and-wood seats and high-backed booths in privacy nooks. The new dining room provides more seating capacity on a smaller footprint than previous stores.

Culver’s signature menu items are its frozen custard and ButterBurgers. The menu also includes comfort foods, such as a roast beef dinner.

Culver’s menu includes daily features from its regular menu and a frozen custard flavor of the day.

All of Culver’s menu items are made to order, even for the drive-thru.

Culver’s president and COO Phillip Keiser explained the benefits of the brand’s new prototype stores.

Jason Behnke, a native of Madison, WI, is the owner/operator of the newly opened Culver’s of Louisville. Culver’s Franchise Inc. relies on the owner/operator model for its franchisees, which own 99 percent of the company’s stores