Culver's 2026 FDD lists an Item 7 estimated initial investment of $3,406,350–$10,294,100, against $2,642,500–$8,573,000 in the 2025 filing.
Source: MN CARDS & WI DFI state filings · Updated April 2026 · Clearly FDD
Item 7 — Estimated Initial Investment
2025 FDD
2026 FDD
Change
Low end of range
$2,642,500
$3,406,350
+$763,850 (+28.9%)
High end of range
$8,573,000
$10,294,100
+$1,721,100 (+20.1%)
Full range
$2,642,500–$8,573,000
$3,406,350–$10,294,100
The 2026 filing puts the Item 7 estimated initial investment at $3,406,350–$10,294,100, against $2,642,500–$8,573,000 in the 2025 filing.
Item 20 — System Size (Outlet Count)
2025 FDD
2026 FDD
Change
Total outlets (Item 20)
997
1,041
+44 (+4.4%)
Culver's reports 1,041 outlets in the 2026 FDD, up 44 from 997 in the 2025 filing — the system crossed 1,000 restaurants between filings.
Item 19 — Financial Performance Representations
Culver's provided an Item 19 financial performance representation in both the 2025 and 2026 filings.
Item 6 — Ongoing Fees
2025 FDD
2026 FDD
Change
Royalty rate
4%
4%
unchanged
The ongoing royalty rate remains 4% of Gross Sales between filings; the initial franchise fee moves from a $30,000–$55,000 range in 2025 to a flat $65,000 in 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Did the cost to open a Culver's franchise change in the 2026 FDD?
The 2026 FDD for Culver's states an Item 7 estimated initial investment of $3,406,350–$10,294,100, against $2,642,500–$8,573,000 in the 2025 filing. The low end moves from $2,642,500 to $3,406,350 (+$763,850 (+28.9%)) and the high end moves from $8,573,000 to $10,294,100 (+$1,721,100 (+20.1%)).
How many locations does Culver's have?
The 2026 FDD for Culver's reports 1,041 outlets in Item 20, against 997 in the 2025 filing — 44 more.
Did Culver's change its royalty rate?
No. Both the 2025 and 2026 filings for Culver's state a standard royalty of 4%.
Does Culver's disclose financial performance in its FDD?
Culver's provided an Item 19 financial performance representation in both the 2025 and 2026 filings.