Culver vs Chester's Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Culver Franchise
Chester's Franchise
Investment $2,349,000 - $5,356,000$12,385 - $277,313
Franchise Fee $55,000$3,500
Royalty Fee 4%-
Advertising Fee 2.5%-
Year Founded 19841952
Year Franchised 19882004
Term Of Agreement 15 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 15 years10 years
Renewal Fee $30K-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Culver Franchise
Chester's Franchise
Experience -
  • General business experience
    		•

    Financing Options
     
    Culver Franchise
    Chester's Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/Yes
    Equipment No/YesNo/Yes
    Inventory No/YesNo/No
    Receivables No/YesNo/No
    Payroll No/YesNo/No

    Training & Support
     
    Culver Franchise
    Chester's Franchise
    Training -On-The-Job Training: 30 hours Classroom Training: 3 hours Ongoing training as required
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesNewsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertisingAd Templates Social media
    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)

    		 International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 8

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (50% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Expansion Plans
     
    Culver Franchise
    Chester's 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 Chester's

    Chester’s serves Great Tasting Fresh Fried Chicken that’s cooked to perfection, with a unique taste and style. Our secret is a family recipe and process that’s been successful for over 40 years. Chester’s brings you delicious fried chicken, tempting tenders, sandwiches, wraps, salads, breakfast items and more. And that’s not all we’re known for! Our chicken is complimented by our signature Potato Wedges, Chester’s Original Sauce and delicious biscuits and sides. We offer a great deal of flexibility in the placement of Chester’s including restaurant-in-store (convenience stores, truck stops, supermarkets), co-branded with other national brands, malls and food-courts, and in-line shopping center locations. And there is variety in our menu formats, including take-out only, take-out and dine-in. We can tailor the restaurant to meet your needs and to properly position Chester’s in your market.

    "Entrepreneur

    #180 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #112 in Franchise 500 for 2021.