Culver’s, the fast-casual restaurant chain founded in 1984, has navigated the complexities of the restaurant industry during the COVID-19 pandemic with remarkable consistency in its expansion efforts. Over the past five years, Culver’s has opened a steady number of new locations, with 50 restaurants established in both 2019 and 2020, followed by 55 openings in 2021 and 2022. In 2023, the brand added 52 new locations and plans to open 53 in 2024, bringing its total to 997 locations as of 2025. This growth has been primarily driven by franchising, with 990 of its restaurants now operated by franchisees, allowing the brand to approach the significant milestone of 1,000 locations. 

Despite broader market challenges, such as fluctuating capital access and rising interest rates, Culver’s has shown a commitment to maintaining its owner-operator model. This strategy ensures that franchisees are involved in the day-to-day operations and community engagement of their restaurants, paralleling successful models used by chains like Chick-fil-A. The company has experienced very few closures over its 37-year history, with only three franchised restaurants closing during this time. Currently, Culver’s expects to continue its growth trajectory with plans for 55 new openings in 2025, supported by a strong franchise agreement pipeline. 

Culver’s has also demonstrated impressive financial performance, with the average sales across its franchised locations rising to $3.79 million in 2024, a significant increase from the $2.43 million average in 2019. The company’s total operating revenues reached $298.6 million, with $269 million derived from franchise operations, marking an upward trend in revenue compared to previous years. As the brand looks to the future, it is focusing on expanding its market presence, particularly in states with fewer units, while continuing to adhere to its core mission of serving fresh, high-quality food. Following recent leadership changes, Culver’s is in search of a new CEO to guide its next chapter of growth. 

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Culver’s Steady Growth Continues to Set it Apart – QSR Magazine