Culver's Franchise: Cost, Fees & Earnings
1,041 locations (2025), +4.4% YoY(Item 20)
A Culver's franchise requires an estimated total investment of $3,406,350 to $10,294,100, including a $45,000 initial franchise fee (2026 FDD, Item 7). Franchisees pay an ongoing royalty of 4% (Item 6). Per its disclosed Item 19 P&L, the average unit ran roughly a 13% EBITDA margin in FY2025 — company-operated unit figures, before the royalty and ad fees a franchisee pays; unaudited.
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Median Revenue (AUV)
$4,036,522
Source: 2026 FDD, Item 19
Initial Investment
$3,406,350 – $10,294,100
Source: 2026 FDD, Item 7
Franchise Fee
$45,000
Source: 2026 FDD, Item 5
Royalty
4%
Source: 2026 FDD, Item 6
Culver's Franchise Key Facts
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Investment | $3,406,350 – $10,294,100Source: 2026 FDD, Item 7 | |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $45,000 – $65,000Source: 2026 FDD, Item 5 | |
| Royalty | 4%Source: 2026 FDD, Item 6 | |
| Median Revenue (AUV) | $4,036,522Source: 2026 FDD, Item 19 | |
| Total Locations | 1,041 (2025)Source: Item 20 |
Culver's Franchise Fees
Initial franchise fee(Item 5)
$45,000 – $65,000
Ongoing royalty(Item 6)
4%
National ad / brand fund(Item 6)
2.5%
Local marketing spend(Item 6)
4%
Buildout / construction(Item 7)
$2,047,000 – $4,391,000
Additional Item 5–6 fees (transfer, renewal, area development, and any veteran discounts) are not yet parsed on Franchable — see the brand's FDD for the full fee schedule.
About Culver's
Culver's is a quick-service, casual dining restaurant franchise specializing in burgers, sandwiches, salads, dinners, frozen custard desserts, and beverages. The restaurants offer drive-thru, carryout, and on-site consumption in both metropolitan and rural areas.
What Culver's FDD Discloses
Per Culver's disclosed Item 19 P&L, the average unit ran an approximately 13% EBITDA margin in FY2025. Figures reflect company-operated units, before the 4% royalty and 2.5% ad fees a franchisee pays, and are unaudited. Individual results vary.
The largest disclosed cost line for the average Culver's unit was Salaries and Wages, at about 31.7% of revenue (disclosed Item 19, FY2025).
Gross Sales by Performance TierSource: 2026 FDD Item 19
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Additional Item 19 Analysis
Deeper Item 19 Analysis (Charts 3–6)
Openings & Closings, Transfer Rates, Franchise vs Corporate Mix
Culver's vs Competitors
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Culver's Franchise FAQ
How much does a Culver's franchise cost?
Per Item 7 of the 2026 FDD Franchise Disclosure Document, the estimated initial investment ranges from $3,406,350 to $10,294,100.
What is the Culver's franchise fee?
The FDD reports an initial franchise fee of $45,000 to $65,000.
What royalty does Culver's charge?
The FDD reports an ongoing royalty of 4%.
How much revenue does a Culver's franchise generate?
The 2026 FDD reports a median revenue per unit of $4,036,522 for fiscal year 2025. Individual results vary.
How much does a Culver's franchise owner make?
Based on Culver's disclosed Item 19 figures ($3,658,175 average revenue × 13% EBITDA margin), Franchable estimates roughly $475,563 in average unit EBITDA for FY2025, before debt service, taxes, and owner compensation. Figures reflect company-operated units, before the 4% royalty and 2.5% ad fees a franchisee pays. Franchable estimate from disclosed figures; unaudited.
Can I finance a Culver's franchise with an SBA loan?
Many franchise purchases are financed with SBA 7(a) loans covering a large share of the total project cost. You can check what you'd qualify for with Franchable's free SBA prequalification.
Data sourced from the brand's Franchise Disclosure Document. Franchable is not affiliated with or endorsed by Culver's. This is not an offer to sell a franchise. Individual results vary.