Moe's Southwest Grill vs Culver'sFranchise Comparison 2026
Moe's Southwest Grill and Culver's represent two different approaches in the QSR space. Here's how they compare on investment costs, fees, revenue potential, and market presence.
Quick Comparison
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Moe's Southwest Grill | Culver's | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 | $55,000 | -45% |
| Total Investment (Low) | $350,000 | $2.6M | -87% |
| Total Investment (High) | $710,000 | $8.6M | -92% |
| Cash Required | $250,000 | $825,000 | -70% |
| Royalty Rate | 5.0% | 4.0% | Higher |
| Advertising Fee | 3.0% | 2.5% | Higher |
| Estimated Revenue | $920,000 | $3.7M | -75% |
| Number of Locations | 720 | 960 | Fewer |
| Year Founded | 2000 | 1984 | Newer |
| Training Duration | 4 weeks | 8 weeks | Shorter |
Note: Data sourced from public FDD filings and industry reports. Actual costs vary by location, real estate, and format. Always review current FDD Item 7 and Item 19 disclosures before making investment decisions.
Detailed Analysis
About Moe's Southwest Grill
Fresh Tex-Mex with free chips and salsa. Part of Focus Brands. Strong unit economics and operational simplicity.
About Culver's
Midwest-based fast-casual chain famous for ButterBurgers and frozen custard with one of the highest AUVs in QSR.
Investment Comparison
Moe's Southwest Grill requires a lower initial investment (avg $530,000) compared to Culver's(avg $5.6M), making it more accessible for first-time franchisees. However, Culver's may offer higher revenue potential.
Fee Structure
Culver's has lower ongoing fees (6.5% total) compared to Moe's Southwest Grill(8.0% total), which means more of each sales dollar stays with the franchisee. Over time, this can significantly impact profitability.
Market Position
Culver's has a significantly larger footprint with 960 locations compared to Moe's Southwest Grill's 720. This larger network typically means better brand recognition, more purchasing power, and stronger operational support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a Moe's Southwest Grill vs Culver's franchise?
Moe's Southwest Grill requires an initial investment of $350,000 to $710,000, while Culver's requires $2.6M to $8.6M. Moe's Southwest Grill has the lower average investment at $530,000.
What are the ongoing fees for Moe's Southwest Grill vs Culver's?
Moe's Southwest Grill charges a 5.0% royalty plus 3.0% advertising fee (8.0% total). Culver's charges 4.0% royalty plus 2.5% advertising fee (6.5% total). Culver's has lower total ongoing fees.
Which franchise makes more money: Moe's Southwest Grill or Culver's?
Based on estimated average unit revenue, Culver's generates $3.7M per location compared to $920,000 for Moe's Southwest Grill. However, profitability depends on many factors including local market, operating costs, and management.
How many locations does Moe's Southwest Grill have vs Culver's?
Moe's Southwest Grill has 720 locations, while Culver's has 960 locations. Culver's has the larger footprint, which typically means stronger brand recognition and supply chain advantages.
Is Moe's Southwest Grill or Culver's a better franchise investment in 2026?
Both Moe's Southwest Grill and Culver's are established QSR brands with proven models. Moe's Southwest Grill offers a lower entry point, while Culver's shows higher average revenue. The best choice depends on your available capital, local market conditions, and personal goals. Always review the current FDD before making investment decisions.
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