Franchise Comparator

Culver's vs Taco Bell: franchise cost side by side

Taco Bell is the cheaper of the two to open, from $1,859,750; 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.

Taco Bell is the cheaper to open, from $1,859,750.

Culver's starts at $3,406,350, the lowest cost to open given in each FDD.

From each FDDCulver's logoCulver'sTaco Bell logoTaco Bell
Total cost to open$3,406,350 to $10,294,100$1,859,750 to $4,312,200
Upfront fee$45,000 to $65,000$45,000
Royalty (ongoing fee)4% of gross sales5.5% of gross sales
Marketing fund2.5% of gross sales4.25% of gross sales
Published sales$4,142,737 a year (average of 988 locations, 2025)Published, no single figure
Outlets1,034 franchised, 7 company7,335 franchised, 663 company
Year filed20262026

Not sure which brands to pick? Get help choosing or browse the full table.

Read the full figures on the Culver's franchise page and the Taco Bell 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.

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