Culver vs Mr. Pickle's Sandwich Shop Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Culver Franchise
Mr. Pickle's Sandwich Shop Franchise
Investment $2,349,000 - $5,356,000$151,500 - $342,500
Franchise Fee $55,000$25,000 - $50,000
Royalty Fee 4%$250+/wk
Advertising Fee 2.5%Up to 2% Monthly
Year Founded 19841996
Year Franchised 19882006
Term Of Agreement 15 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 15 years10 years
Renewal Fee $30K-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Culver Franchise
Mr. Pickle's Sandwich Shop Franchise
Experience -Restaurant experience is always helpful but, if you have experience running another type of business including working with employees and customers, managing cash and generating financial statements, we have a complete training program and manuals as well as field operational staff that can help you learn this business as well as provide ongoing support for you. SBA funding may require some restaurant experience, please consult your SBA lender.
  • Up to $400,000 minimum liquid assets
  • Restaurant and/or Management experience
  • 680+ credit score
  • No bankruptcies, liens or Judgements
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    Financing Options
     
    Culver Franchise
    Mr. Pickle's Sandwich Shop 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/Yes
    Receivables No/YesNo/Yes
    Payroll No/YesNo/Yes

    Training & Support
     
    Culver Franchise
    Mr. Pickle's Sandwich Shop Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives-
    Marketing Ad slicks, National media, 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)

    		-

    Expansion Plans
     
    Culver Franchise
    Mr. Pickle's Sandwich Shop 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 Mr. Pickle's Sandwich Shop

    Mr. Pickle’s Sandwich Shop is a premium sandwich shop. Our shops offer hand sliced proprietary proteins and cheeses topped with sauces that are made daily. All sandwiches are served on our fresh baked rolls, including our famous Dutch Crunch roll. Mr. Pickle’s Sandwich Shop offers best in class sandwiches including the famous Big Jake, Reuben, and of course The Mr. Pickle. Our twenty- six plus years of success is rooted in the simple formula of "Making the Guest Happy” by providing craveable sandwiches, exceptional guest service, and local community involvement.The ideal Franchisee will strive to keep their customers happy while devoting their time and energy toward running a successful Mr. Pickle's shop.