Culver vs Chicken Delight Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Culver Franchise
Chicken Delight Franchise
Investment $2,349,000 - $5,356,000$428,900 - $603,100
Franchise Fee $55,000$20,000
Royalty Fee 4%5%
Advertising Fee 2.5%4%
Year Founded 19841952
Year Franchised 19881952
Term Of Agreement 15 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 15 years10 years
Renewal Fee $30KLegal fees (to be determined)


Business Experience Requirements
 
Culver Franchise
Chicken Delight Franchise
Experience -
  • General business experience
    		•

    Financing Options
     
    Culver Franchise
    Chicken Delight Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/No
    Equipment No/YesNo/No
    Inventory No/YesNo/No
    Receivables No/YesNo/No
    Payroll No/YesNo/No

    Training & Support
     
    Culver Franchise
    Chicken Delight Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesGrand opening, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertisingAd slicks, Regional advertising
    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)

    		 2% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 10

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (99% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Expansion Plans
     
    Culver Franchise
    Chicken Delight 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 Chicken Delight

    When Al Tunick bought some deep fryers from a company that was going out of business, he didn't quite know what to do with them. With the help of some friends, Tunick began experimenting, trying to cook different foods in the fryers. The entrepreneur found his answer in chicken, and in 1952, Chicken Delight was born. The company quickly expanded throughout the United States and first moved into Canada in 1958.
    Winnipeg entrepreneur Otto Koch purchased his first Chicken Delight franchise in 1969. Seeing the potential of the chain in Canada, Koch built and acquired additional franchise locations and in 1976 bought Chicken Delight of Canada Ltd. By providing quality service and cleanliness, the Canadian operation prospered. This success led to Koch’s acquisition of the U.S. and International arm - Chicken Delight International Inc. in 1979. For the first time the total Chicken Delight system was under one roof. Otto Koch passed away in December 2010 - but that wasn’t the end for Chicken Delight. Winnipeg couple Jim and Nadine Cartman became the new owners of Chicken Delight in June 2012. Under their leadership, Chicken Delight is now undergoing a brand refresh with focus on renovating existing stores, adding new menu items and improving customer service.
    The Cartmans and their team keep a close eye on the marketplace and are constantly looking to expand Chicken Delight through franchising.
    Learn more about franchising
    Chicken Delight features a menu of fried chicken, pizza and ribs for dine-in, delivery and takeout.

    Don't Cook Tonight, Call Chicken Delight!