Culver vs Jon Smith Subs Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Culver Franchise
Jon Smith Subs Franchise
Investment $2,349,000 - $5,356,000$309,500 - $887,760
Franchise Fee $55,000$39,500
Royalty Fee 4%6%
Advertising Fee 2.5%3%
Year Founded 19841988
Year Franchised 19882007
Term Of Agreement 15 years20 years
Term Of Agreement 15 years20 years
Renewal Fee $30K$1K


Business Experience Requirements

 
Culver Franchise
Jon Smith Subs Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options

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

Training & Support

 
Culver Franchise
Jon Smith Subs Franchise
Training - On-The-Job Training: 80 hours Classroom Training: 80 hours Additional Training: At existing store
Support Newsletter, Meetings, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesPurchasing 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 advertisingCo-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: 15 - 20

Expansion Plans

 
Culver Franchise
Jon Smith Subs Franchise
US Expansion YesYes
Canada Expansion NoNo
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 Jon Smith Subs

Sometimes it seems that everyone sells the “highest quality food at the lowest price.” But saying it doesn’t make it so. I, Jon Smith, am totally committed to providing the best quality food and service for my customers. Look at our food, look at our stores, look at our employees and see our commitment. At Jon Smith Subs, quality is our only deal.
The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Jon Smith Subs Restaurant is from $309,500 to $615,790. These amounts include $134,500 to $213,790 that you must pay to the franchisor and its affiliates.
The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Jon Smith Subs Restaurant as a developer under the Multi-Unit Development Agreement is from $370,500 to $887,760 for five restaurants. These amounts include $194,500 to $677,290 that you must pay to the franchisor and its affiliates.
Veteran Incentives  10% off franchise fee