Culver's

The Culver's franchise was founded in 1984 by Craig Culver, who was inspired to open a restaurant after working at one his parents owned. Culver's was born when he transformed the old A&W restaurant that his parents owned with the help of his wife, Lea, and his parents. As a child, his mother invented the ButterBurger, which involved putting a little butter on the crowns of the pieces of bread before toasting them, which made it taste better in Culver's option. The company still uses this technique to make its famous ButterBurger's today. If you are passionate about getting a great burger to the public, then the Culver's franchise is for you. 

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Culver's Franchise Cost and Requirements for 2024

Background

In terms of burger quick service restaurants (QSR), there is a lot of competition. So much so that big names like McDonald's and Wendy's are trying their hardest to make themselves stand out with things like the "Chicken War" to increase sales. But there is a way to be just an old-fashion good burger joint. This is where the Culver's franchise comes in. Founded in 1984 and franchising since 1988,  the brand was founded by Craig Culver when he transformed his parents', Ruth and George, old A&W restaurant. What makes Culver's different is that fact that they have the ButterBurger, which involves putting butter on the burger's bun before toasting them. Ruth did this for Craig as a kid, and the brand still uses this technique today. In Craig's opinion, this makes the burger taste better. In addition to marketing and site selection support, the franchise owners go to ButterBurger University in Wisconsin and sweep the parking lot and clean the floors, At Culver's, nobody is above dirty work. In addition to burgers, the brand also sells frozen custard, which goes great with a ButterBurger. The brand is also known for its charitable giving, with donations made to the Thank You Farmers Project and a charitable organization called Culver's Gives Back. The brand stays true to its Wisconsin roots and strives to give and work with the local community. If you are looking to invest in a franchise that offers a great product while also giving back to the community, then the Culver's franchise is for you. 

Company Details

Founded: 1984
Franchising since: 1988 
Canada: No
International: No

Support and Training Offered By Culver's

In terms of training and support, the franchisee can expect On-The-Job Training that lasts for 550 hours and
172 hours worth of classroom training. The franchise will also provide marketing materials and site selection support. Not to mention, franchise owners have a 16-week training program at Culver’s ButterBurger University in Wisconsin, where they are asked to clean floors and sweep parking lots, proving no one is above the dirty work.

2024 Franchise Requirements Needed to Own a Culver's Franchise.

What does a Culver's Franchise Cost?

Culver's franchise fees for 2024:

Initial Franchise Fee $55,000
Initial Investment $2,398,000 - $5,432,000
Cash Requirement $350,000 - $600,000
Veteran Incentives $10,000 off franchise fee
Royalty Fee 4%
Ad Royalty Fee 2.5%
Term of Agreement 15 years

Is Culver's a Semi Absentee Franchise with a Passive Ownership Opportunity?

No. Culver's is not a semi absentee franchise. The owner of the franchise (the franchisee) is expected to be involved in all aspects of day-to-day operations.

Is Culver's a Home Based franchise?

No. Culver's is not a home based franchise opportunity.

What Do Culver's Franchise Owners Make?

Click here to find out how much Culver's franchisees make. Culver's offers an Item 19 in their Franchise Disclosure Document which provides financial information about select franchisees in their franchise system.

Does Culver's Offer a Veteran Discount?

Yes. Culver's franchise does offer a veteran discount.

Is Culver's Looking for Franchisees in Canada?

No. Culver's franchise is not looking for Canada franchisees.

Is Culver's Looking for International franchisees?

No. Culver's franchise is not looking for International franchisees.

Where can I see Culver's's FDD (Franchise Disclosure Document)?

Buying a Franchise Guide: What is a Franchise Disclosure Document?

When evaluating a franchise opportunity, reading and understanding the current version of their FDD is a necessity. Considering the benefits of franchising, such as established brand recognition and support from the franchisor, it's important to also take into account franchise fees and franchising royalty fees. Since most franchisors are privately owned companies, the current versions of their FDDs are typically not available unless requested directly from them.

Click here to connect with a Franchise Consultant who can help you obtain a copy quickly and for free. They can also guide you through the essential franchise questions to ask, ensuring you make a well-informed decision about your investment.

Additional Information

Additional Categories

Food & Restaurants

Number of Units Open

100+ UNITS

Cash Required

More than $250,000

Passive Franchise

No

Home Based Franchise

No

Item 19 Franchise

Yes

Veteran Discount

No

B2B

No

Franchise Opportunities in Canada

No

International Franchise Opportunities

No

Culver's Franchises for Sale

Click Here to inquire about existing Culver's franchises for sale. We may have Culver's franchise resales. A franchise resale is an already established franchise owned by a franchisee and the franchisee is looking to sell their franchise.

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