Page 88 - Entrepreneur - USA (January - February 2020)

THE FRANCHISE

through company ranks via
a formalized mentorship pro-
gram wherein ButterBurger
University graduates work
closely with general managers
who aspire to one day own
their own stores. So far,
the program has produced
175 new franchisees—a
number that testifies to the
strength of the company’s
culture.
Lately, happy customers
have been paying handsome
dividends. Beyond stellar
poll results, they’ve also galva-
nized Culver’s expansion
efforts. In March, the com- PHOTOGR APH COURTESY OF CULVER’S
pany celebrated its 700th
store opening, and for the
remainder of 2019, it averaged
5.5 openings per month.
—TERRY RICE