Culver's

EST. 1984 · Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin

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US UNITS7722025 record · QSR Pro estimates

GLOBAL UNITS9202025 record · QSR Pro estimates

FRANCHISED %99%2025 record · QSR Pro estimates

FRANCHISE REQUIREMENTSView source notes ↓Figures, scope and source dates

01Our Coverage

12 STORIES

Latest

How Culver's Quietly Became the Midwest's Most Profitable Franchise

Culver's average unit volume hit $3.69 million in 2024, with locations near interstates generating $3.7 million. The chain grew to over 1,000 locations while keeping its franchise model uniquely operator-focused. Here is how butter burgers built a billion-dollar system.

Mar 20, 2026

Culver's: the Midwest's best-kept QSR secretMar 20, 2026 The Regional Chain Advantage: Why Whataburger, Culver's, and Wawa Are Outperforming National Brands in Customer SatisfactionMar 18, 2026 Gabriel Vesci opens Paris Baguette after years running McDonald’sSep 15, 2026 Wendy's Project Fresh Hits a Wall: U.S. Same-Store Sales Drop 11.3% as the Turnaround StallsMar 20, 2026 Freddy's Frozen Custard: the premium burger value play Mar 20, 2026 Whataburger: why Texas won't share its burger chainMar 20, 2026 Wawa vs Sheetz vs QuikTrip: The Convenience Store QSR WarMar 20, 2026 How Wawa Is Quietly Becoming a QSR GiantMar 20, 2026 Five Guys: The Anti-Franchise FranchiseMar 20, 2026 How Net-Lease REITs Are Quietly Reshaping QSR Franchise OwnershipMar 20, 2026 Best Fast Food Franchise to Own in 2026Mar 19, 2026

02About the Brand

Midwest fast-casual chain known for ButterBurgers and frozen custard

FIG 1 — US UNIT COUNT, 2019–2025

741

2019

730

2020

740

2021

747

2022

768

2023

763

2024

772

2025

RECORD YEARS AND SOURCE LABELS BELOW

Records can refer to different reporting dates within a year. Estimates are identified in the source labels; these records are not a like-for-like growth calculation.

2019: QSR Pro estimates
2020: QSR Pro estimates
2021: QSR Pro estimates
2022: QSR Pro estimates
2023: QSR Pro estimates
2024: QSR Pro estimates
2025: QSR Pro estimates

Franchise Requirements

Availability and model

Available markets and areas reserved for existing franchisees differ. Check the brand’s development map for the proposed territory.

United States; confirm the format and territory with the franchisor

Culver's franchise FAQSource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).

Operating commitment

Full-time owner-operators must hold at least 50% of the business, or at least 25% of the business and real estate.

United States; confirm the format and territory with the franchisor

Culver's franchise FAQSource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).

Initial investment / development estimate: Not verified in reviewed sources
United States
No applicable amount verified in the linked sources. Request the current disclosure for this format and territory.
Culver's franchise FAQSource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).
Initial franchise fee: $65,000
New franchisee; initial 15-year term
Culver's franchise FAQSource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).
Separate development fee: Not verified in reviewed sources
United States
No applicable amount verified in the linked sources. Request the current disclosure for this format and territory.
Culver's franchise FAQSource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).
Liquid capital / personal funds: $500,000–$750,000
Minimum liquid assets across applicant and investors
$500,000 minimum; $750,000 if owning the real estate, building and equipment. These are two scenarios, not an investment-cost range.
Culver's franchise FAQSource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).
Net worth: Not verified in reviewed sources
United States
No applicable amount verified in the linked sources. Request the current disclosure for this format and territory.
Culver's franchise FAQSource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).
Royalty / service fee: 4%
Percentage of gross sales
Culver's franchise FAQSource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).
Advertising / marketing contribution: 2.5%
Published contribution for new franchisees
Also requires local advertising spending of at least 1% of gross sales. Confirm contribution basis and full obligations.
Culver's franchise FAQSource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).

Full cost guide and sources →Official Culver's website

Segment Peers

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