- Founded in 1984
- Franchising Since 1988
- 937 US Franchises
- $2,811,500 - $6,867,000 Investment Range
- $3,487,505 Average Gross Revenue
- 4% Royalty Fee
- $20,000 Franchise Fee
Use the Pre-qualification tool to see how much funding you could qualify for and see if you can affor a Culver's franchise.
Get pre-qualified for financingCulver's is an iconic Midwest-based restaurant franchise that has earned a devoted following for its signature ButterBurgers, fresh frozen custard, and genuine hospitality since 1984. Founded in Sauk City, Wisconsin, Culver's embodies the heartland's commitment to quality, freshness, and community values.
The restaurant's menu centerpiece is the famous ButterBurger, featuring fresh, never-frozen beef cooked to order and served on a lightly buttered, toasted bun. Beyond burgers, Culver's offers an extensive menu including hand-battered North Atlantic Cod, Wisconsin Cheese Curds, crispy chicken sandwiches, and farm-fresh salads. Their made-daily frozen custard, available in vanilla, chocolate, and a rotating 'Flavor of the Day,' has become legendary among dessert enthusiasts.
What sets Culver's apart is their unwavering commitment to quality and hospitality. Each restaurant maintains high cleanliness standards and employs a made-to-order system ensuring every meal is served hot and fresh. The franchise is particularly known for its exceptional customer service, with team members consistently praised for their friendliness and attention to detail.
The restaurant's design features a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere with comfortable seating, drive-thru service, and in many locations, outdoor patio dining. Culver's strong emphasis on community involvement, including support for agricultural education through their 'Thank You Farmers' program, has helped establish each location as a valued community partner. For entrepreneurs seeking a proven restaurant concept with strong brand recognition and a loyal customer base, Culver's represents an opportunity to join a respected leader in the fast-casual dining segment.
How much does it cost to start a franchise with Culver's?
- Franchise Fee
- $20,000
- Investment Range
- $2,811,500 - $6,867,000
- Investment Midpoint
- $4,839,250
- Minimum Cash Required
- $2,811,500
- Royalty Fees
- 4%
- Brand Fund
- 2.5%
The $3.5 million reported gross revenue significantly exceeds the sub-sector average of $1.3 million, reflecting the brand's premium positioning and operational scale requirements. The fast-casual burger segment benefits from resilient consumer demand and growing preference for quality ingredients, though faces increasing competition and labor cost pressures.
With 944 units and 40-year operational history since 1984, Culver's demonstrates substantial system maturity and proven scalability. The brand's Midwest heritage and signature frozen custard differentiate it within the crowded burger category, supporting sustainable competitive positioning.
The elevated investment threshold requires investors with substantial liquid capital and restaurant experience, likely targeting multi-unit operators or institutional investors rather than first-time franchisees. Territory development opportunities may favor markets with demographics aligned to Culver's family-dining positioning.
Key considerations include the complex operational model requiring fresh food preparation and custard equipment, higher staffing requirements, and significant real estate footprint. Prospective investors should thoroughly review the FDD and conduct comprehensive due diligence given the substantial capital commitment required.
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See the Revenue Potential!
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Financing Details
Franzy connects you with top-tier financing partners to help secure the funds to invest in a franchise like Culver's. Whether you're looking for a loan or exploring other financial products, our partners provide expert guidance to ensure you obtain the necessary capital. They specialize in offering solutions tailored to the needs of franchisees, making the process of securing financing smooth and straightforward.
Why Financing with Franzy Partners?
Choosing to finance through Franzy's partners ensures you get the best terms and support for your franchise investment. Our partners have extensive experience in the franchising industry and offer specialized financial solutions tailored to your needs. With competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options, you can find the right financing plan that fits your budget and goals. Our partners are committed to providing personalized guidance throughout the financing process, making it easier for you to secure the necessary funds and confidently move forward with your franchise venture.
Finance Partners
The brand's concentration in Midwest markets leverages strong brand recognition and cultural alignment, while expansion into Southeast markets like Florida shows adaptability to new demographics. Ideal locations typically feature suburban or secondary market positions with strong family demographics, proximity to retail corridors, and accessibility to both residential and commercial traffic.
Growth opportunities exist in untapped regions, particularly in the Northeast and Western states, where the burger segment remains competitive but fragmented. Successful locations often share characteristics including sites with 1-2 acres, strong visibility from major arterials, and demographics featuring median household incomes above $50,000 with significant daytime population. Market analysis suggests substantial room for expansion beyond the current footprint, with significant potential for domestic growth across numerous additional markets.
Access the detailed territory map to find prime locations and see where this franchise operates. This information is vital for understanding your market potential and exclusivity rights.
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Track Growth to Gauge Success!
See how this franchise is expanding over time. The net unit growth reveals the health and popularity of the brand—key indicators for a promising investment.
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Executive Team
Get to know the leadership behind Culver's. Learn about the experience and expertise of the executive team guiding Culver's's success. For more details, refer to Item 2 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Litigation
Review any legal actions or pending litigation involving Culver's. Understanding the legal history helps assess potential risks and the brand's business practices. For more details, refer to Item 3 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Bankruptcy
Review Culver's's bankruptcy history and any filings by key personnel or affiliates. This critical information provides transparency about the brand's financial stability and management. For more details, refer to Item 4 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Franchisor Assistance
Learn about Culver's's comprehensive support system for franchisees, including initial training programs and continuous operational assistance. Understanding the available resources and support structure is crucial for franchise success. For more details, refer to Item 11 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2024. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.
- Founded in 1984
- Franchising Since 1988
- 937 US Franchises
- $2,811,500 - $6,867,000 Investment Range
- $3,487,505 Average Gross Revenue
- 4% Royalty Fee
- $20,000 Franchise Fee
Use the Pre-qualification tool to see how much funding you could qualify for and see if you can affor a Culver's franchise.
Get pre-qualified for financing
