Proprietary Franchise System Builds Consistently Good Culver's(R) ButterBurger(R) and Frozen Custard Chain

By: Culver's | 1 Shares 191 Reads

Quality food, exceptional service and hospitality allow Culver's to expand to more than 370 restaurants

February 26, 2008 // Franchising.com // Prairie du Sac, Wis. – Statistics show franchises are a better entrepreneurial investment than independent business ownership; over 30 percent of small businesses fail in the first year1 versus franchise success rates of 95 percent2.

Culver's®, a Wisconsin-based restaurant chain serving its famous ButterBurgers® and frozen custard, hedges as much of this risk as possible with the help of Culver Franchising System, Inc. (CFSI). To Culver's, the franchise process is just as much about the company choosing the right franchisee as it is the franchisee choosing Culver's. After all, Culver's has a responsibility to protect its product, service, and reputation.

Culver's built its brand on quality and genuine customer service, resulting in a personalized approach to dining and hospitality. This commitment to Midwest values and sense of community has resulted in a double digit percent growth in franchised stores across the country and in new locations like Arizona, Michigan, and Colorado.

"It's exciting to see how our Culver's family has grown over the past twenty-four years," said Craig Culver, Culver's co-founder. "Our franchise partners and team members are passionate about what they do and it shows. It's great to have so many wonderful people
embracing the core values of Culver's quality food served with a warm smile. We love to make guests happy every day."

Training is paramount at CFSI; the Company begins with a comprehensive program that ensures every franchisee completes a 16-week training course consisting of both classroom experience and restaurant exposure at one of the family-owned operating restaurants.

CFSI team members assist new franchisees during the developmental process to better their decisions in areas such as choosing a location, building and design suggestions, inventory management, and marketing techniques. It continues as franchisees have access to a fully equipped test kitchen and learning center at the CFSI headquarters in Prairie du Sac. Courses are available to assist owners in safe food handling skills, leadership, profitability, etc.

CFSI was recently praised for its franchise success with recognition from The Wall Street Journal3 as one of 25 high performing franchises in the country. Analysts compared several competitive franchise and operating criteria and whittled down the once more than 2,900 list of active franchise brands to only 25.

Culver's takes great pride in doing it right for its guests at more than 370 independently owned and operated restaurants in 16 states. With new restaurants opening by 2008 in Arizona, and plans to expand into Arkansas and Tennessee, guests will be able to enjoy their Culver's favorites in 19 states across the nation. The owner/operator concept has been a cornerstone of growth for Culver's since the first location opened in Sauk City, Wis., on July 18, 1984. Culver's invests deeply in partnerships and programs, including its VIP scholarship program, Culver's Cares™ charitable program and countless other franchise-driven local efforts. The American Red Cross became a partner in 2007, and since then a number of local, regional and system-wide programs raised funds and awareness for their efforts. Culver's is the recipient of numerous recognitions, including the #1 burger chain in the country as voted by Restaurants & Institutions® 2007 consumer survey and ranking as one of the Top 25 Franchise High Performer by FRANdata and The Wall Street Journal. For more information on Culver's locations, franchise opportunities, promotional programs, menu selections and other areas of interest, visit www.culvers.com.