Circle K
Convenience stores
- 2022 Franchise 500 Rank
-
#52 Ranked #88 last year
- Initial investment
-
$269K - $2.1M
- Units as of 2022
-
11,127
Here’s what you need to know if you’re interested in opening a Circle K franchise.
Circle K is a chain of convenience stores with a significant presence in the U.S., as well as more than ten countries worldwide. This company can trace its roots back to Fred Hervey's three food stores back in 1951. He quickly developed them into a chain store that spread across the US. Since they began to offer franchising opportunities in 1995, they have grown to include more than 600 franchised stores in the U.S. Circle K also has more than 2000 locations outside of the United States.
Why You May Want to Start a Circle K Franchise
Circle K offers a high degree of flexibility to its franchisees. For example, you can choose whether to add fuel options or quick-serve restaurants to your location. They also encourage each site to customize its product offerings to suit the needs of the community. There is a strong support team available to help make choices about store layout and products.
As a franchisee, you'll be entitled to receive business assistance and consistent system-wide messaging from the parent company. Moreover, you'll have a centralized purchasing power that gives access to quality equipment and training, as well as established relationships between vendors and the franchise.
What Might Make Circle K a Good Choice?
This franchise has a well-established chain of stores with proven stability over time. Circle K locations are predominantly in the southern and western states in the US, with an overseas presence in Japan, Guam, Mexico, and China, and more. The company is still looking to grow and will offer training to its new franchisees. Here you'll have the advantage of covering new market areas.
To be part of the Circle K team, you should make sure you’re financially ready for an initial investment made up of a franchise fee and other startup costs. You should also be prepared for ongoing fees, including advertising fees and royalty fees. Franchisees will also need to meet the company's set net worth and liquid capital requirements. The company may be able to provide financing for equipment costs.
How to Open a Circle K Franchise
If you seek to start a franchise under Circle K, the process involves being granted a license through one of its subsidiaries, TMC Franchise Corporation. This license will be an agreement for the right to operate a convenience store under the brand name. You'll get the complete package for hosting such a business: adequate floor space, parking lot, and inventory. The aim is to allow you as the franchisee to operate a full-fledged store under the company brand name based on set rules and regulations in the agreement between the franchisor and franchisee.
Once you've begun the official process of becoming a franchisee, a franchise agreement may be issued for your preferred store location after your application has been reviewed and approved. After approval, a site development team will help customize your store location and buy fixtures and equipment. A marketing team will then help you establish vendor accounts and optimize your merchandising plans. At the end of these processes, you can start up your Circle K franchise.
Company Overview
About Circle K
- Industry
- Retail
- Related Categories
- Convenience Stores
- Founded
- 1951
- Parent Company
- Alimentation Couche-Tard
- Leadership
- Brian Hannasch, CEO
Franchising Overview
- Franchising Since
- 1995 (27 years)
- # of employees at HQ
- 80
- Where seeking
-
This company is seeking new franchisees throughout the US.
This company is seeking new franchisees in the following international regions: Africa, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Middle East, Central America, Canada, South America, Mexico
- # of Units
- 11,127 (as of 2022)
Franchisor Information
Information for Franchisees
Here’s what you need to know if you’re interested in opening a Circle K franchise.
Financial Requirements & Ongoing Fees
Here’s what you can expect to spend to start the business and what ongoing fees the franchisor charges throughout the life of the business.
- Initial Franchise Fee
- $25,000
- Initial Investment
- $268,500 - $2,084,650
- Net Worth Requirement
- $500,000
- Cash Requirement
- $100,000
- Veteran Incentives
- 10% off franchise fee
- Royalty Fee
- 2.5-5.5%
- Ad Royalty Fee
- 1.5%
- Term of Agreement
- 10 years
- Is franchise term renewable?
- Yes
Financing Options
Some franchisors offer in-house financing, while others have relationships with third-party financing sources to which they refer qualified franchisees.
- In-House Financing
- Circle K offers in-house financing to cover the following: equipment
- Third Party Financing
- Circle K has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the following: equipment
Training & Support Offered
Franchisors offer initial training programs and a variety of ongoing support options to help franchisees run their businesses.
- On-The-Job Training
- 24 hours
- Classroom Training
- 56 hours
- Ongoing Support
-
NewsletterMeetings & ConventionsToll-Free LineGrand OpeningOnline SupportSecurity & Safety ProceduresField OperationsSite SelectionFranchisee Intranet Platform
- Marketing Support
-
Co-op AdvertisingAd TemplatesNational MediaRegional AdvertisingSocial MediaSEOWebsite DevelopmentEmail MarketingLoyalty Program/App
Operations
Additional details about running this franchise.
- Is absentee ownership allowed?
- No
- Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit?
- No
- Can this franchise be run part time?
- No
- # of employees required to run
- 10
- Are exclusive territories available?
- No
Franchise 500 Ranking History
Compare where Circle K landed on this year’s Franchise 500 Ranking versus previous years.
Additional Rankings
Curious to know where Circle K ranked on other franchise lists? Find out below.
Want to stay updated on the latest franchise news?
Never miss a beat when you sign up to receive our newsletter.
We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy
Related Franchises
Are you eager to see what else is out there? Browse more franchises that are similar to Circle K.
Related Franchise Content
Catch up on the latest franchise news, trends, and more.
How to Start a Blue Moon Estate Sales Franchise in 2023
Looking for information about how to open a Blue Moon Estate Sales franchise? Here's what you need to know.
Use This Checklist to Avoid Buying a 'Zombie' Franchise
Here are 20 questions that will save you time and money. There are great franchise options out there, but you must do your due diligence.
The Hottest Franchise Trends for 2023
Looking for a business to buy in 2023? We predict which franchise categories will thrive, and list top brands available in each.
Thinking of Buying a Franchise? These Four Industries Are Flaming Hot Right Now
Turns out eating breakfast, working out, riding a rollercoaster and getting a job have something in common.
Want to Find New Franchisees? Here Are 4 Ways to Fix Your Online Marketing.
With a smarter strategy, your next recruit is clicks away.
Turning a Franchise Business Into a Nonprofit? Here's How It's Done.
Challenge Island recently helped a franchisee in New Mexico transform her location into a nonprofit. Here, she explains why she made the decision, and how it works.
