Culver vs Wayback Burgers Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Culver Franchise
Wayback Burgers Franchise
Investment $2,349,000 - $5,356,000$209,000,524,500
Franchise Fee $55,000$35,000
Royalty Fee 4%5%
Advertising Fee 2.5%2%
Year Founded 19841991
Year Franchised 19882006
Term Of Agreement 15 years-
Term Of Agreement 15 years-
Renewal Fee $30K-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Culver Franchise
Wayback Burgers Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options

 
Culver Franchise
Wayback Burgers Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees No/Yes-/-
Start-up Costs No/Yes-/Yes
Equipment No/Yes-/Yes
Inventory No/Yes-/-
Receivables No/Yes-/-
Payroll No/Yes-/-

Training & Support

 
Culver Franchise
Wayback Burgers Franchise
Training -Up to two people are included in the training process as part of the initial franchise fee. Additional staff may attend for a fee. On-The-Job Training: 80 hours Classroom Training: 40 hours
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 Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
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
Wayback Burgers Franchise
US Expansion YesYes
Canada Expansion No-
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 Wayback Burgers

Though only in a few states as yet, Wayback Burgers' potential has been demonstrated by our loyal following. From our first humble shop in Newark, DE, opened in 1991 as Jake's Hamburgers and still a state favorite, we've now begun franchising aggressively. Having only recently grown to 54 contracted locations (21 currently operating) throughout the East Coast and beyond, we're moving fast. With new stores available nationwide [we may need to file a prospectus in your state prior to executing an agreement], here's the opportunity to set your course for success. At Wayback Burgers, our juicy, fresh-off-the-griddle burgers are cooked to order and never frozen. Our signature house-made potato chips go perfectly with our thick, rich milkshakes. The warm, welcoming decor makes the short wait for a hot burger that much easier, or customers can pick up orders placed by phone, fax or Web. Monthly burger and shake specials keep things lively for our many repeat customers. Additional menu items include hot dogs, a variety of sandwiches, chicken fingers, and fresh salads. Many Americans crave better taste and atmosphere than fast food chains offer, but they want value, too. That's why the number of US fast casual burger units (including Wayback Burgers) nearly doubled from 2004-2008, and their revenues grew even more. The 17 largest fast casual burger chains grew sales by 11% in 2008, at the height of a recession! A Wayback Burgers franchise offers a way to capitalize on this demand with a proven system for success. Simple, classic fare from Wayback Burgers lets you capitalize on options like drive-through, delivery, catering and fundraisers. We also participate in VetFran to support our American armed services veterans. Open the restaurant you always dreamed of, or take advantage of our discount on multi-unit purchases. Whether you're looking to open several units, a few, or even just one, we'd love to talk to you. We offer multi-unit discounts and we're Area Developer friendly, too. Plus, our affordable investment level also makes Wayback Burgers the perfect opportunity for those wanting to open just one store.

The total investment necessary to begin operation of a traditional Wayback Burgers restaurant franchise is approximately from $209,000 to $524,500 for a single unit. This includes $40,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or their affiliates.
The total investment to begin operation of a Wayback Burgers area development franchise to develop a minimum of three traditional franchised units is from $597,000 to $1,543,500. This includes $90,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or their affiliates.
The total investment to begin operation of a Wayback Burgers restaurant franchise at a Walmart location is approximately $218,500 to $529,500 for a single unit. This includes $22,000 to $162,000 in security deposits and premises improvement charges that you will also pay the franchisor or their affiliates.
Veteran Incentives  $5,000 off franchise fee