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Updated RecentlyCulver vs Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Culver vs Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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| Investment | $2,349,000 - $5,356,000 | $153,925 - $249,925 |
| Franchise Fee | $55,000 | $25,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 4% | 5% |
| Advertising Fee | 2.5% | 1% |
| Year Founded | 1984 | 1991 |
| Year Franchised | 1988 | 1993 |
| Term Of Agreement | 15 years | 10 years |
| Term Of Agreement | 15 years | 10 years |
| Renewal Fee | $30K | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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| Experience | - | We're looking for individuals with: *Strong business experience *A commitment to quality food & customer service *Restaurant industry know-how |
Financing Options |
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| In-House/3rd Party | In-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 |
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| Training | - | Full training program Hwy 55 will send trained representatives to work with you and your team at your restaurant for a total of 10 working days. We will assist with 5 on-site pre-opening days and 5 on-site post-opening days. We reserve the right to stay longer to ensure a successful opening. Costs of the training program are included in your franchise fee; however, all travel and lodging costs will be at the franchisee’s expense. On-The-Job Training: 40 hours Classroom Training: 40 hours |
| Support | Newsletter, Meetings, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives | Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter 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 | We have established and will administer a Marketing/Advertising fund on behalf of the Hwy 55 brand to provide national or regional creative materials for the benefit of your Hwy 55 location. We currently require Hwy 55 Franchisees to contribute 1% of gross sales for each restaurant to the Marketing/Advertising fund. In addition to contributions described above, we recommend you spend annually throughout the term of the franchise agreement, 2% of gross sales of the restaurant for local advertising in your primary area of responsibility. This amount is not paid to us, but rather is spend by you at your discretion. As a member of your local business community, you know the best local advertising opportunities. Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app |
| 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) | Absentee Ownership Allowed Number of Employees Required to Run: 20 - 50 |
Expansion Plans |
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| US Expansion | Yes | Yes |
| Canada Expansion | No | - |
| International Expansion | No | Yes |
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.
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About Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries
A retro-themed diner that features fresh, never-frozen hand-pattied
burgers, house-made frozen custard, and other classic favorites in a
unique open-kitchen setting, was founded in Goldsboro, North Carolina in
1991. Hwy 55 reflects founder Kenney Moore's commitment to authentic
hospitality and fresh food. Widely known in the state for its fresh food
and service that exceeds expectations, the chain won BurgerBusiness.com's
"Best Burger" in 2012. It also was recently named a top 500 franchise
in the United States by Entrepreneur magazine and a "Next 20" restaurant
brand by Nation's Restaurant News. Hwy 55 currently has 121 locations
in 10 states, Denmark and the United Arab Emirates. Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries has been serving up good times and great food since 1991. We've achieved a lot in the last over 25 years, growing to over 100 restaurants across North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Ohio and Florida, with 500 more locations scheduled to open. During that time, our mission has remained the same: to provide each guest with world-class service and fresh food in a family atmosphere.
Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries fits a niche between fast food and casual dining, offering the customer the best benefits of both segments. We provide the convenience of fast food, with rapid response times and an affordable menu, but with a twist: our freshly made food is a much tastier alternative to typical pre-cooked hamburgers and french fries.