At a Glance: Key Differences
Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.
Investment & Fees
| Metric | Chick-fil-A | Culver's |
|---|---|---|
| Min Investment | $343K | $2.4M |
| Max Investment | $2.4M | $5.9M |
| Franchise Fee | $10K | $55K |
| Royalty Rate | 15.0% | 4.0% |
| Ad Fund Rate | 0.0% | 2.5% |
Unit Economics
| Metric | Chick-fil-A | Culver's |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Unit Revenue | $8.4M | $3.8M |
| Avg Profit Margin | N/A | N/A |
Scale & Growth
| Metric | Chick-fil-A | Culver's |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 3,059 | 960 |
| Annual Growth | 5.2% | 6.5% |
| Failure Rate | 0.5% | 0.5% |
Franchisee Performance
| Metric | Chick-fil-A | Culver's |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisee Satisfaction | 92/100 | 90/100 |
Track Record
| Metric | Chick-fil-A | Culver's |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | 57 | 40 |
| Years Franchising | 57 | 36 |
Financial Requirements
| Metric | Chick-fil-A | Culver's |
|---|---|---|
| Min Net Worth Required | N/A | $1.5M |
| Liquid Capital Required | $10K | $500K |
Operations
| Metric | Chick-fil-A | Culver's |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Employees | 80 | 60 |
| Training Weeks | 12 | 16 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chick-fil-A or Culver's a better franchise investment?
The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. Chick-fil-A has 3,059 total units and a 92/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Culver's has 960 total units and a 90/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.
How much does it cost to open a Chick-fil-A franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Chick-fil-A franchise requires an initial investment of $343K – $2.4M. The franchise fee is $10K, with ongoing royalties of 15.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
How much does it cost to open a Culver's franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Culver's franchise requires an initial investment of $2.4M – $5.9M. The franchise fee is $55K, with ongoing royalties of 4.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
What is the royalty rate for Chick-fil-A vs Culver's?
Chick-fil-A's royalty rate is 15.0%. Culver's's royalty rate is 4.0%. That means Chick-fil-A has the lower ongoing royalty burden.
Which has more locations — Chick-fil-A or Culver's?
Chick-fil-A has 3,059 total units. Culver's has 960 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.
Is Chick-fil-A or Culver's semi-absentee friendly?
Chick-fil-A is typically run as a owner-operator model. Culver's is typically run as a owner-operator model. If passive income is your goal, semi-absentee models let you hire a manager to run day-to-day operations.
Related Comparisons
Data sourced from franchise disclosure documents and public records. Investment ranges, royalty rates, and unit counts change — always request current FDD before making investment decisions. Last updated March 2026.
Get Personalized AI Matching
See which franchise fits your budget, lifestyle, and goals — not just which has better raw numbers.
Start Free →Compare Up to 4 Franchises
Our full comparison tool adds personalized fit scores, FDD insights, and territory availability.
Open Comparison Tool