Established
1984
Franchise Units
900
Minimum Investment
$500,000
Franchise Fee
$55,000
Total Investment Range
$2,398,000
Home Based
No
Description
Culver’s is one of America's favorite fast-casual restaurant chains, best known for its signature ButterBurgers®, Fresh Frozen Custard, and Midwestern hospitality. With a commitment to quality ingredients and community involvement, Culver’s offers a powerful franchise model for entrepreneurs seeking a strong, proven food service brand.
Founded in 1984 in Sauk City, Wisconsin, Culver’s has grown into one of the most respected brands in the foodservice industry, with over 900+ locations across the U.S.
Why Invest in a Culver’s Franchise?
✅ Proven Brand Legacy – 40+ years of brand trust and operational excellence
✅ Signature Menu – Home of the ButterBurger®, real Wisconsin cheese curds, and fresh frozen custard
✅ Loyal Customer Base – High repeat customer rate and strong brand following
✅ Steady Growth – Over 900 thriving units and expanding
✅ Strong Average Unit Volume – Higher than many competitors in the fast-casual category
✅ Recession-Resilient Model – Consistent demand for comfort food and casual dining
✅ Community-Centric Operations – Franchisees are local heroes, engaging with schools, charities, and civic groups
✅ Franchisee Satisfaction – Culver’s regularly ranks high in franchisee support and operational guidance
Background
Founded by Craig and Lea Culver, along with Craig’s parents, George and Ruth Culver, Culver’s started as a single family-owned restaurant with a unique offering: ButterBurgers and fresh frozen custard served with Midwestern hospitality. The concept quickly resonated with local communities, expanding across the Midwest and eventually the nation.
Today, Culver’s is a privately held company headquartered in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin. With 900+ locations across the U.S., Culver’s operates in the fast-casual restaurant industry, offering a premium alternative to typical fast food with a focus on made-to-order meals and high-quality ingredients.
Culver’s has not yet entered the Indian market, but in the U.S., it is a top-tier food franchise known for customer loyalty, strong unit economics, and consistent growth.
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Established Year: 1984
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Headquarters: Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin
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Industry: Quick Service Restaurant (QSR)
Support Training
Culver’s offers comprehensive, hands-on support to help franchisees build a successful business from the ground up:
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✔️ Onboarding & Business Training – 16-week training program including real-time operations at certified training locations
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✔️ Site Selection & Store Setup – Assistance with choosing locations, layout design, and construction management
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✔️ Hiring & HR Support – Guidance in staffing, team training, and leadership development
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✔️ Marketing & Local Advertising – Tools for community-based marketing and brand promotions
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✔️ Operations & Tech Support – Ongoing operational consulting, inventory systems, and point-of-sale tech support
Ideal Candidate
Culver’s is looking for franchisees who are:
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Committed to hands-on involvement in the business
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Passionate about guest service and quality food
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Strong leaders with prior business or management experience
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Financially capable of investing and operating a high-volume restaurant
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Eager to be active in their local communities
Financial Detail
Total Investment Range: $2,398,000 – $5,432,000
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Minimum Liquid Capital Required: $500,000
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Franchise Fee: $55,000
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Ongoing Royalty Fee: 4% of gross sales
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Marketing Fee: 2.5% of gross sales
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Franchise Units (2024): 900+ locations across the USA