Culver vs The Original Hot Dog Factory Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Culver Franchise
The Original Hot Dog Factory Franchise
Investment $2,349,000 - $5,356,000$97,500 - $517,887
Franchise Fee $55,000$20,000
Royalty Fee 4%5.5%
Advertising Fee 2.5%1%
Year Founded 19842010
Year Franchised 19882018
Term Of Agreement 15 years-
Term Of Agreement 15 years-
Renewal Fee $30K-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Culver Franchise
The Original Hot Dog Factory Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options
 
Culver Franchise
The Original Hot Dog Factory 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
The Original Hot Dog Factory Franchise
Training - On-The-Job Training: 20 hours Classroom Training: 20 hours
Support Newsletter, Meetings, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesOngoing Support Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Field Operations Site Selection
Marketing Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertisingMarketing Support National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO
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

Expansion Plans
 
Culver Franchise
The Original Hot Dog Factory 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 The Original Hot Dog Factory

The Original Hot Dog Factory is America’s favorite Hot Dog  restaurant. If you love hot dogs, then The Original Hot Dog Factory is the perfect place for you. We offer a wide variety of mouthwatering hot dogs that will make you ask for more. All hot dogs are served steamed, grilled, or fried with globally inspired toppings. A friendly staff and delicious food is what we are famed for. Not just hot dogs, our menu features many different beverages and desserts.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR IN A FRANCHISE PARTNER
The Original Hot Dog Factory is seeking experienced single or multi-unit franchisees to acquire and develop locations in shopping areas, airports, colleges, and more. We bring strong financials and a culture that promotes community. We will negotiate development agreements ranging from a minimum of three, to over one hundred locations.Being a great Franchise Partner requires a combination of aptitude, good judgement, and perseverance. We are looking for people with a passion for business, matched by their desire to deliver the highest-quality customer service and hospitality. A focus on delivering the The Original Hot Dog Factory experience and creating “wow” moments is a necessity.

Veteran Incentives  25% off franchise fee