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Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Culver vs Tim Hortons including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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Investment | $2,349,000 - $5,356,000 | $135,300 - $2,068,500 |
Franchise Fee | $55,000 | $35,000 |
Royalty Fee | 4% | 4.5% |
Advertising Fee | 2.5% | 4% of Gross Sales |
Year Founded | 1984 | 1964 |
Year Franchised | 1988 | 1965 |
Term Of Agreement | 15 years | 10 years |
Term Of Agreement | 15 years | 10 years |
Renewal Fee | $30K | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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Experience | - | *An entrepreneurial drive and ability to build a high performing team. *Prior management experience. Experience in food service and/or restaurant operations is a plus. *A lifestyle that allows for the time commitment required to launch and build a franchise restaurant. *Net worth of $500,000 and liquidity in the amount of $300,000 (The full investment from a Tim Hortons could be over $1,600,000) *A personal passion and commitment to the development of the Tim Hortons brand. *Ability to exemplify and execute the Tim Hortons principles and standards of operation on a daily basis. *Understand the importance of being a community partner that is proud to represent Tim Hortons. |
Financing Options |
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In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
Franchise Fees | No/Yes | No/No |
Start-up Costs | No/Yes | No/No |
Equipment | No/Yes | No/No |
Inventory | No/Yes | No/No |
Receivables | No/Yes | No/No |
Payroll | No/Yes | No/No |
Training & Support |
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Training | - | New franchisees undergo an intensive seven week training program at the Tim Hortons University, located next to the Oakville, Ontario, head office. The facility includes classrooms and a fully operational Restaurant, providing trainees with intensive hands-on experience in the preparation of all Tim Hortons products. Strong emphasis is placed on food handling and hygiene procedures, Team Member relations, equipment maintenance and in-Restaurant security systems. * Seven (7) week training program in the Oakville, Ontario, at Tim Hortons University * A Restaurant opening crew/Manager of Operations Standards (MOS) to assist the opening of the Tim Hortons Restaurant (for a maximum period of two weeks) |
Support | Newsletter, Meetings, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives | * The use of all Tim Hortons Manuals * Support from head office personnel who have vast knowledge in the food service business |
Marketing | Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising | Ad 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) |
58% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 25 - 30
Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators) |
Expansion Plans |
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US Expansion | Yes | Yes |
Canada Expansion | No | No |
International Expansion | No | Yes |
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.