Culver vs Mary Brown's Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Culver Franchise
Mary Brown's Franchise
Investment $2,349,000 - $5,356,000$500,000 - $600,000
Franchise Fee $55,000$25,000
Royalty Fee 4%5%
Advertising Fee 2.5%4%
Year Founded 19841969
Year Franchised 19881969
Term Of Agreement 15 years-
Term Of Agreement 15 years-
Renewal Fee $30K-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Culver Franchise
Mary Brown's Franchise
Experience -At Mary Brown’s, we’re looking for results-driven individuals with the determination to succeed. Passion and pride in everything you do is essential. Here’s what we’re looking for: * Hands-on ownership is preferred * Food service experience is an asset * Individual or multi-unit operators are welcome * Must have a willingness to learn, innovate and try new ideas * Entrepreneurial spirit – a desire to work with Mary Brown’s to grow your business * Commitment to delivering extraordinary Guest experiences every time * Pride in leading and motivating your team * A genuine love of people and enthusiasm for getting involved in your community

Financing Options

 
Culver Franchise
Mary Brown's Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees No/Yes-/-
Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
Equipment No/Yes-/-
Inventory No/Yes-/-
Receivables No/Yes-/-
Payroll No/Yes-/-

Training & Support

 
Culver Franchise
Mary Brown's Franchise
Training -Our training team ensures you’re armed with the knowledge you need - from hiring to preparing product and beyond. Highlights include: Best-in-class training at our training centre 3 week comprehensive Training Course teaches you how to produce and serve consistently perfect product - profitably Your training includes seminars, 1-on-1 sessions and classroom style courses on all aspects of our business and related systems. Learn about every aspect of your Mary Brown’s operation: * Food preparation * Office procedures * Basic management * Hiring * Guest focused, service-centric approach
Support Newsletter, Meetings, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives-
Marketing Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertisingMary Brown’s marketing is focused on driving sales and growing brand awareness. High impact multi-media marketing programs include radio, television, direct mail coupon programs and in-store materials. There is a strong digital/online presence including a web site, social media, YouTube promotion and e-newsletters. Location-specific programs are built by local field marketing managers to drive traffic and increase sales within a community or for a particular store. New Mary Brown’s stores are supported by grand opening events, public relations efforts and radio/print support to attract huge crowds.
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)

Our operations team teaches you how to optimize your results - they're with you throughout your opening and beside you as you build your business. Mary Brown’s mirror report system, implemented by our in-field operations directors, provides continuous monitoring of your operational procedures. This digital evaluation system assesses operational processes, service standards, quality control and hygiene and food safety on a store-by-store basis, ensuring brand integrity, consistency and optimal efficiencies.

Expansion Plans

 
Culver Franchise
Mary Brown's Franchise
US Expansion Yes-
Canada Expansion NoNo
International Expansion NoNo

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 Mary Brown's

A well established chain of restaurants specializing in chicken with a variety of side dishes. The successful Mary Brown's formula employs a simple but unique cooking system to produce an extensive, high-quality chicken menu.

Mary Brown’s Chicken & Taters has a 50-year history of building successful stores. In that time, we’ve perfected our methodologies and systems. And yet, we’re still innovating. Staying ahead of trends. Employing technology to its fullest. When you become part of the Mary Brown’s family, our time-tested franchising system is there to support you every step of the way.

Our real estate specialists choose a location for you that meets your criteria and ours - taking into account demographics, traffic patterns, visibility and much more. Our construction team manages the build of your Mary Brown’s location from start to finish - from store design to subcontracting to signage and beyond. No detail is overlooked.

Our purchasing team ensures the highest quality products are available chain-wide for all Mary Brown’s menu items, reflecting market conditions and industry trends. Our suppliers are carefully selected for optimal quality, competitive pricing and reliable service. All Franchisees must use Mary Brown’s suppliers to ensure consistent product and service across the country - building and strengthening the Mary Brown’s brand.

"Top

#56 in Canada's Top franchises.