Culver's vs Burger King: franchise cost side by side
Burger King is the cheaper of the two to open, from $2,039,200; Culver's starts at $3,406,350.
Every figure comes from the brand's FDD, the disclosure file it must hand you before you sign.
Burger King is the cheaper to open, from $2,039,200.
Culver's starts at $3,406,350, the lowest cost to open given in each FDD.
| From each FDD | Culver's | Burger King |
|---|
| Total cost to open | $3,406,350 to $10,294,100 | $2,039,200 to $4,730,600 |
|---|
| Upfront fee | $45,000 to $65,000 | $50,000 |
|---|
| Royalty (ongoing fee) | 4% of gross sales | 4.5% of gross sales |
|---|
| Marketing fund | 2.5% of gross sales | up to 4.5% of gross sales |
|---|
| Published sales | $4,142,737 a year (average of 988 locations, 2025) | $1,692,549 a year (average of 4,730 locations, 2025) |
|---|
| Outlets | 1,034 franchised, 7 company | 5,518 franchised, 1,132 company |
|---|
| Year filed | 2026 | 2026 |
|---|
Not sure which brands to pick? Get help choosing or browse the full table.
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Read the full figures on the Culver's franchise page and the Burger King franchise page, or read how to compare franchise costs.
Every brand's fee, royalty and Item 7 range is also in one table you can download: the franchise fee comparison.