The Tale of Two Burger Franchises
Both Culver’s and Wayback Burgers have established their own unique brand presence in the competitive fast-casual burger industry. The first Culver’s restaurant opened in 1984 in Wisconsin, and the brand has since grown to include over 800 franchise locations in the U.S. Culver’s is known for its straightforward approach to fast-casual dining, offering burgers, fries, and frozen custard desserts at a reasonable price.
On the other hand, Wayback Burgers started with a single burger stand in 1991 in Delaware, and has since grown worldwide, offering burger franchise opportunities to entrepreneurs from all backgrounds.
Different Flavors
Culver’s and Wayback Burgers have distinct approaches to their menu offerings. Culver’s prides itself on its made-to-order ButterBurgers, fresh frozen custard, and a variety of other menu options like salads, sandwiches, and sides. They emphasize quality ingredients and Wisconsin-inspired flavors.
Wayback Burgers sets itself apart with unique and customizable menu offerings. We specialize in providing classic, made-to-order burgers that can be tailored to individual preferences. From toppings to sauces and buns, guests can create their perfect burger. Additionally, Wayback Burgers offers hand-breaded chicken sandwiches and tenders, hot dogs, and cheesesteaks along with hand-dipped milkshakes and signature specialty items like the mouthwatering “Cheeeesy Burger.” This emphasis on customization and variety appeals to today’s discerning guests who crave personalized dining experiences.
A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Culver’s Franchise | Wayback Burgers Franchise | |
| Startup costs | $2.3 million-$5.7 million | $209,000-$698,000 |
| No. of units | 871 | 170+ |
| Franchise fee | $55,000 | $35,000 |
| Royalty fee | 4% | 5% |
| Ad royalty fee | 2.5% | 2% |
| Minimum net worth | $1.2 million | $500,000 |
| Liquidity required | $500,000 | $250,000 |
Source: Entrepreneur.com
Franchise Costs
While a Culver’s franchise and a Wayback Burgers franchise may have some things in common, when it comes to the cost, there’s a big difference. For a Culver’s restaurant, your initial investment will range between $2.3 million and $5.7 million, depending on factors like location. That’s a prohibitive cost for many first-time franchise owners, especially when you factor in royalty fees.
Royalty fees are 4%, and you’ll also have to pay an additional ad royalty fee of 2.5%. On the downside, the agreement term is for 15 years, so you won’t get much opportunity to renegotiate these terms.
The initial investment to purchase a Wayback Burgers franchise ranges from $209,000-$698,000 with an ongoing royalty fee of 5%, making it a more affordable initial and ongoing investment in comparison to Culver’s franchise costs.
Training and Support
Culver’s provides rigorous franchise training. Every new franchisee must complete 172 hours of classroom training and 550 hours of on-the-job training. Before opening your restaurant, you and six future employees must attend and complete a Culver’s Manager in Training Program. This takes place at Culver’s corporate headquarters and typically takes a few weeks.
Wayback Burgers understands that your success as a franchise owner relies on our support and training. We provide a comprehensive training program — a minimum of 100 hours on the job, 40 in the classroom, and 10 days on site with our trainers — that equips you with all the necessary knowledge and skills you need to be successful with Wayback Burgers. From initial training to ongoing support, we guide you every step of the way. Our marketing assistance, operational support, and access to proprietary systems and technology ensure that you have the tools to thrive in the competitive fast-casual restaurant industry.
What to Expect
While Culver’s may have an established customer base, Wayback Burgers presents an exciting opportunity for both new and seasoned franchise owners. With our affordable initial investment and growing brand presence, Wayback Burgers offers a quicker path to success. As our brand continues to expand in markets across the U.S. and internationally, you have the opportunity to benefit from increased foot traffic and growing customer demand, positioning you for long-term success.
To learn more about franchising with Wayback Burgers, get started.