Your Franchise General Counsel

Bud Culp delivers more than just legal advice — he offers transformative guidance to franchisors and franchisees ready to overcome challenges, scale successfully, and safeguard their brands. With decades of experience across franchise law, C-suite leadership, and board-level advisement, Bud is available to serve as General Counsel, interim executive, or trusted advisor to companies navigating growth, restructuring, or reinvention.

Bud’s legal and operational expertise is grounded in over ten years as General Counsel for national restaurant franchisors, three years co-chairing the Franchise & Distribution team at a leading business law firm, and more than 15 years resolving complex franchise and commercial disputes. He understands firsthand the legal, financial, and strategic pressures on franchise systems — and how to move through them with clarity and confidence.

As a former Chief Business Officer and General Counsel, Bud knows that effective legal leadership isn’t just about compliance — it’s about empowering smart growth, supporting executive teams, and delivering measurable business results. Whether advising on legal infrastructure, brand enforcement, or corporate governance, Bud brings a practical, business-first mindset to every engagement. He routinely counsels boards, C-suite executives, and founders on:

• Franchise Disclosure Documents ("FDDs") & Franchise Agreements
• Corporate governance
• Contract and commercial lease negotiation
• Dispute resolution, litigation, and arbitration 
• Restaurant purchases and sales, restructures, and franchise system transitions
• Real estate, IP, technology, and licensing agreements

Whether you're a private equity-backed franchise platform, an emerging restaurant concept, or a legacy brand in need of revitalization, Bud brings a rare blend of legal acumen, franchise experience, and executive insight.