Culver's: A Pioneer in Quality Fast-Food Dining

Culver's stands out in the fast-food industry, renowned for its unique menu and unwavering commitment to quality. Founded in 1984 by Craig Culver and his family in Sauk City, Wisconsin, the franchise has grown significantly, now spanning 26 states. Culver's began with a clear vision: to offer outstanding ButterBurgers® and Fresh Frozen Custard with genuine hospitality, supporting the Culver family's livelihood.

Culver's differentiates itself in the competitive fast-food market through its steadfast dedication to freshness and quality. Its hallmark offerings include ButterBurgers crafted from fresh, never frozen beef, and Fresh Frozen Custard made daily in each restaurant from premium family farm-fresh dairy. 

This commitment to quality permeates the entire menu, featuring whole, white meat chicken and Wisconsin-sourced Cheese Curds, ensuring every meal reflects high standards of taste and excellence.

The Culver's franchise model highlights active involvement and hands-on management by its owner-operators. This strategy ensures that each restaurant upholds the brand's core values of hospitality, quality, and community service, contributing to Culver's widespread success. Franchisees receive extensive support, including comprehensive training programs and ongoing operational assistance, ensuring they are well-prepared to maintain Culver's high standards.

Training 

The franchisee, or their designated operator, must complete a comprehensive Franchisee Development Program at one of the company-owned restaurants.

This program is available in three 16-week sessions annually, designed to thoroughly equip the franchisee or operator with the knowledge needed to successfully manage a Culver’s® Restaurant. While there is no fee for the Franchisee Development Program itself, the franchisee is responsible for covering all travel and living expenses during the training period.

Additionally, the franchisee is required to attend or participate in periodic reconnection training courses or programs as specified by the franchisor. There may be associated costs for any extra training requested or needed for new or existing managers hired post-opening.

Moreover, the franchisee must enroll in any electronic training programs offered through the franchisor's online support center, which includes all future updates, supplements, and modifications to the training curriculum.

Territory Protection

Franchisees are permitted to operate their Restaurant at a specific location and are generally granted a "Designated Territory," typically encompassing a 3-mile radius around the Restaurant. This radius may be adjusted based on factors such as physical barriers or population density.

Despite having a Designated Territory, franchisees may experience situations where other Culver’s® locations serve customers from within their territory without any compensation to them.

Furthermore, franchisees are allowed to sell certain Culver’s® menu items from authorized locations other than their Restaurant within the Designated Territory, but this requires the company's prior written consent and must adhere to its established guidelines.