Culver vs Submarina Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Culver Franchise
Submarina Franchise
Investment $2,349,000 - $5,356,000$161,818 - $334,118
Franchise Fee $55,000$25,000
Royalty Fee 4%-
Advertising Fee 2.5%-
Year Founded 1984-
Year Franchised 1988-
Term Of Agreement 15 years-
Term Of Agreement 15 years-
Renewal Fee $30K-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Culver Franchise
Submarina Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options
 
Culver Franchise
Submarina 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
Submarina Franchise
Training --
Support Newsletter, Meetings, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives-
Marketing Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertisingProfessionally designed advertising materials are provided to franchisees. Various types of print advertisements and in-store displays enhance the image and exposure of your restaurant. You will learn the most cost-effective ways of bringing in new customers and how to keep them coming back. We will help you implement a comprehensive Grand Opening promotional plan to start your restaurant in the right direction. Marketing allowances, or rebates, which manufacturers pay to Submarina are contributed to the Marketing and Promotional Fund and used for further promotion of all Submarina restaurants.
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)

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Expansion Plans
 
Culver Franchise
Submarina Franchise
US Expansion Yes-
Canada Expansion No-
International Expansion No-

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 Submarina

Once you qualify as a franchisee and become a licensee of the Submarina franchise system, we put our efforts into teaching you the Submarina system. Since the success of your franchise is mainly dependent on how well you follow our system, we are committed to you every step of the way. Our effective system of operation will give you the edge necessary to create a thriving business. The Submarina franchise program provides you the following support and assistance: *Financing *Site Selection and Lease Negotiations *Restaurant Design and Construction *Training and Operations Manual *Marketing Programs *Group Purchasing Power and Proprietary Products *New Product Development *Quality Control and Ongoing Support *Development Rights Program