Who’s ready for lunch?
In-N-Out throws the cleaner, higher-volume punch from a smaller ring. Culver’s brings heavier reach, dairy-forward power, and consistent expansion while still hitting hard on unit economics. Both crush typical burger AUVs.
🍔Bright Labs Menus🍔
Burger Brawl: In-N-Out (West Coast) vs. Culver’s (Midwest). How do these 2 stack up?
Store unit economics
• In-N-Out: Highest AUV in the burger category. ~$5.8M in 2024 (~415 stores), with later estimates near $6M. System sales roughly $2.1–2.6B. Fully company-owned, simple menu, never-frozen beef, and controlled growth that keeps demand high. Fewer stores, bigger punch per location.
• Culver’s: AUV ~$3.8M in 2024 (~997 stores), rising past $4.1M in recent data. System sales in the multi-billions with steady growth. Mostly franchised (owner-operator focused), broader menu, and strong volumes even in smaller markets. Adding roughly 40–55 stores a year while holding high productivity.
In-N-Out leads pure sales per store. Culver’s leads in scalable footprint with still-elite volumes.
Signature item
• In-N-Out: Double-Double and Animal Style (mustard-grilled patty, grilled onions, extra spread, pickles). Minimalist burgers, fries, and shakes built around fresh, never-frozen beef and that classic California drive-thru style.
• Culver’s: ButterBurger (fresh beef on a lightly buttered bun) plus Fresh Frozen Custard (small-batch, made throughout the day) and Wisconsin cheese curds. Heartier, dairy-rich comfort with a wider menu.
Region served
• In-N-Out: ~440–445 stores across about 10 states (late 2026). Roughly two-thirds in California; also Texas, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and limited presence elsewhere including newer Tennessee spots. Slow, deliberate expansion; still largely West Coast/Southwest. Scarcity is part of the brand.
• Culver’s: 1,000–1,100+ stores across 26–27 states. Strongest in Wisconsin, Illinois, Florida, Michigan, Indiana, and Minnesota, with broader national reach. Franchise model supports faster spread from its Midwest base.
Brawl summary: In-N-Out throws the cleaner, higher-volume punch from a smaller ring. Culver’s brings heavier reach, dairy-forward power, and consistent expansion while still hitting hard on unit economics. Both crush typical burger AUVs.