Culver vs Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Culver vs Charleys Philly Steaks including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Culver Franchise
Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
Investment $2,349,000 - $5,356,000$253,231 - $637,568
Franchise Fee $55,000$24,500
Royalty Fee 4%6%
Advertising Fee 2.5%0.25%
Year Founded 19841986
Year Franchised 19881991
Term Of Agreement 15 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 15 years10 years
Renewal Fee $30K$5K


Business Experience Requirements
 
Culver Franchise
Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
Experience -
  • General business experience
    		•

    Financing Options
     
    Culver Franchise
    Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/Yes
    Equipment No/YesNo/Yes
    Inventory No/YesNo/Yes
    Receivables No/YesNo/Yes
    Payroll No/YesNo/Yes

    Training & Support
     
    Culver Franchise
    Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
    Training -On-The-Job Training: 120 hours Classroom Training: 60 hours
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesPurchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertisingCo-op advertising, Ad slicks
    Operations 30% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 40 - 50

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 20

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Expansion Plans
     
    Culver Franchise
    Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoYes

    Company Overviews

    About Culver

    After working with his parents in their restaurants, Craig Culver decided it was time to open one for himself. In 1984 Culver, with the help of his wife Lea and parents George and Ruth, transformed the A&W his parents owned since the sixties into Culver's Frozen Custard. Its founder's family inspired the menu for the initial Sauk City, Wisconsin, restaurant. When Culver's mother made hamburgers, she would put a dab of butter on the crown of the hamburger buns before toasting them; something her children felt made them taste better. Today, employees at each Culver's location use the same technique when making their ButterBurgers. There are Culver's locations in twelve states. All Culver's franchisees are owner/operators.
     
    We’re looking for leaders with the initiative and skills to take a team of people and operate a Culver’s according to our high standards. You need energy and enthusiasm. You have to be willing to work hard. You have to love people and believe, as we do, that having a great heart is also good business.

    Culver’s has grown to over 500 restaurants in 22 states.

    Culver's is leading the way in the industry and in our communities. If you are craving a restaurant business made to order for you, where your financial success is directly related to how well you and your team execute against Culver’s mission that every guest who chooses Culver’s leaves happy, we invite you to consider becoming a Culver’s franchisee.

    Seeking new franchise units in: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming

    "Entrepreneur


    #9 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #5 in Franchise 500 for 2021






    About Charleys Philly Steaks

    Visits to his relatives near Philadelphia inspired Charley Shin's entrepreneurial spirit, and he saw his future in cheesesteak sandwiches. In 1986, Shin opened his first Charley's Steakery at Ohio State University. The then-22-year-old's restaurant became an instant hit with professors and students. Since then Shin has expanded to locations nationwide. In 1999, he was named Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young.

    The #1 Cheesesteak in the World

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of CPS Restaurant is $253,231 to $570,540 (excluding real estate and related costs). This includes $24,500 that must be paid to the franchisor.
    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a CPSC Restaurant is $458,996 to $637,568 (excluding real estate and related costs). This includes $24,500 that must be paid to the franchisor.

    Veteran Incentives   50% off franchise fee

    ""  "Entrepreneur
    #126 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #294 in Franchise 500 for 2021.