FAQs
Interested in serving up your own juicy ButterBurgers® and delectably smooth custard sundaes, but still have some questions? Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions asked about franchising with us.
Please note: We have attempted to answer the most commonly asked questions about a Culver's franchise. Detailed information is outlined in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
- What type of franchise is available?
- What is the initial franchise fee?
- What is the current charge for the continuing service fee?
- Do I have to work in the restaurant?
- What about advertising?
- How much cash do I need?
- Does Culver's help with site selection?
- What size specifications are required for a Culver's restaurant?
- Do I have to buy my equipment from you?
- Do I receive training by Culver's?
- Do I receive assistance in opening my Culver's restaurant?
- Am I given territorial protection?
- How soon can I be in operation once I have signed a franchise agreement?
- How much money can I make?
- How do I get started?
1. What type of franchise is available?
An individual franchise for a single unit Culver's restaurant. We do not offer agreements to develop multiple units to our new franchise candidates.
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2. What is the initial franchise fee?
Each new franchisee currently pays an individual franchise fee of $55,000 to acquire a Culver's franchise for the basic 15-year term of the franchise agreement. If you qualify, you may renew for an additional 10 years for an individual franchise fee of $30,000.
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3. What is the current charge for the continuing service fee?
4 percent of gross sales.
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4. Do I have to work in the restaurant?
Yes. We are an owner/operator franchise system. At least one partner has to maintain a 50 percent ownership in the operating company or 25 percent in the business and real estate and must be involved full-time in day-to-day operations.
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5. What about advertising?
Building Culver's brand recognition and reputation is an essential ongoing objective that benefits everyone. For this purpose, each new franchisee currently contributes 2 percent of their monthly gross sales to the Advertising Fund. Franchisees are also required to spend at least 1 percent of their gross sales during each calendar year on advertising and promotional activities in their local geographic area.
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6. How much cash do I need?
You will need a minimum of $300,000 to $500,000 in liquid assets to qualify.
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7. Does Culver's help with site selection?
Yes. We assist you in selecting a site for your restaurant.
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8. What size specifications are required for a Culver's restaurant?
We have a variety of building prototypes, with land requirements ranging from 40,000 to 50,000 square feet of usable property. In addition, our buildings feature drive-thru's and patio seating. Our buildings range in size from approximately 3,600 to 4,500 square feet.
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9. Do I have to buy my equipment from you?
Although you will not purchase equipment directly through us, all necessary equipment will be purchased through our approved independent dealers and distributors based on specifications we provide.
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10. Do I receive training by Culver's?
Yes. All operating partners complete an intense 16-week training program. The cost of this training is included in the initial franchise fee. Franchisees pay their own costs for transportation, lodging and meals. All training takes place in Wisconsin in one of our family-owned restaurants and at our Culver's Support Center in Prairie du Sac.
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11. Do I receive assistance in opening my Culver's restaurant?
Yes. In addition to your 16-week training period, a CfSi opening team will work with you for one week prior to your restaurant opening as well as two weeks after your restaurant is open.
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12. Am I given territorial protection?
Yes. Under the Franchise Agreement, you may only operate your restaurant at a specific location. If you locate your restaurant in a metropolitan statistical area with a population of less than 500,000 people, you will receive a “Designated Territory” that will be a 3 mile radius around the location of your restaurant.
If you locate your restaurant in a metropolitan statistical area with a population greater than 500,000 people or if you propose a location which is not a free standing site, and/or does not have a drive thru, and/or does not have its own dedicated parking lot, you’ll receive a Designated Territory of a 3 mile radius or less around the location of your restaurant.
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13. How soon can I be in operation once I have signed a franchise agreement?
We estimate that there may be as little as 6 but up to 18 months before you open your restaurant.
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14. How much money can I make?
Unfortunately, federal and state laws prevent us from suggesting how much money you can earn from a Culver's restaurant. The amount of money you may make will depend on many factors including the location of your restaurant, traffic flow, local marketing and advertising, the cost of your investment, how well you manage your restaurant and control variable costs, and other factors.
However, unlike many franchisors, we do publish an "earnings claim" in our Uniform Franchise Offering Circular. This earnings claim contains certain historical gross sales information for existing Culver's restaurants as well as historical gross sales and certain cost information for a limited number of Culver's or affiliate-owned restaurants. Please review the Culver's Uniform Franchise Offering Circular for complete information regarding this earnings claim.
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15. How do I get started?
Complete and submit the online Franchise Application. Upon receipt, our franchise development representative will contact you to discuss your situation and will schedule a personal meeting if necessary.
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