

KEY FRANCHISE STATS
?
?
?
?
$1,309,000
Circle K is a well-established convenience store franchise that has been a significant player in the retail industry since its founding in 1951. Originating in El Paso, Texas, Circle K quickly expanded its operations, becoming known for its wide range of convenience products, including snacks, beverages, and fuel.
Today, the company is headquartered in Tempe, Arizona. Circle K began franchising in 1999 and has since grown into a global brand with a strong presence in the United States, Canada, Europe, and other regions.
The franchise differentiates itself by offering a full-service convenience store experience with a variety of products tailored to the needs of customers on the go. This includes not only traditional convenience items but also branded fuel options like Shell and BP.
The brand's extensive reach and comprehensive product offerings have made it a popular choice for franchisees looking to invest in a reliable and established business model.
Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Create an account to access 2,500+ franchises financial data and unlimited FDDs. For more information see our plans here.
Upgrade to Pro to access more data and download FDDs. For more information see our plans here.
Circle K offers 5 types of franchises:
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a new or rebuilt Circle K motor fuel businesses franchise.
For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
Create an account to access and download this FDD. For more information, see our plans here.
Circle K provides a thorough training program to ensure that franchisees are well-equipped to manage their convenience store effectively. The training begins with a remote classroom component, which is conducted through video and audio applications.
This is followed by a two-week regional in-store training program at an existing company-operated location. During this in-store training, franchisees gain hands-on experience in the day-to-day operations, including inventory management, customer service, and the specific business systems that Circle K utilizes.
In addition to the initial training, Circle K may require additional in-store training based on the franchisee's prior experience. This could overlap with the regional training or be conducted separately, depending on the needs of the franchisee.
Circle K also offers periodic ongoing training in specialized fields, ensuring that franchisees and their managers stay updated with the latest operational techniques and company standards. This continuous support underscores Circle K’s commitment to helping its franchisees succeed.
Circle K does not offer exclusive territory protection to its franchisees. The Franchise Agreement grants the right to operate one convenience store at a specific location, but franchisees may face competition from other Circle K franchises, company-owned stores, or other brands controlled by the franchisor.
This means that while franchisees have the right to operate at their designated location, they may still encounter nearby competitors within the Circle K network or other related brands.
This lack of territorial exclusivity can be challenging for franchisees, as it increases the potential for market saturation and direct competition.
Below are some of
Circle K
key competitors in the
Convenience Store
sector.

639
$25,000
$279,000
$5,367,000
n.a.
$1,309,000
$xxx,xxx
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.

Kangaroo Express is a convenience store franchise offering fuel, snacks, beverages, and everyday essentials, serving neighborhood motorists and local shoppers, and known for flexible store formats, strong franchisor support through the Circle K network, and tailoring assortments to local communities.
?
?

7-Eleven is a global convenience store franchise offering a wide range of products including snacks, beverages, and everyday essentials. Operating 24/7, it focuses on providing quick and convenient service to customers.
?
?

Raceway is a convenience store and gas station chain offering a variety of snacks, beverages, and essential items for travelers on the go.
?
?

Street Corner offers convenience store and retail products, providing a variety of snacks, beverages, and essentials for individuals on the go.
?
?

Petro Stopping Centers is a travel center franchise offering a wide range of services for travelers, including fuel, dining, convenience stores, and truck maintenance.
?
?

Holiday Stationstores is a convenience store chain offering a variety of snacks, beverages, and essential items for travelers and commuters.
?
?
Choosing a franchise goes beyond reviewing fees and financials — it requires an honest assessment of your goals, skills, and risk tolerance. This article outlines the key questions prospective owners should ask before committing. It helps clarify whether the opportunity aligns with your lifestyle, long-term plans, and operational preferences.
Speaking with current and former franchisees is one of the most reliable ways to understand how a franchise really operates. This guide explains how to conduct validation calls, what questions to ask, and how to identify patterns in feedback. It provides a practical framework for uncovering real performance expectations and support quality.
Not all franchise opportunities offer the same potential. This article breaks down how to evaluate a brand’s industry, financial health, support systems, and competitive positioning. It helps prospective buyers compare options and identify franchises with strong long-term viability.
A clear, well-structured business plan is essential for securing financing and preparing for the realities of franchise ownership. This article explains how to build a plan that covers market analysis, operations, staffing, and local marketing. It also outlines how to create realistic pro forma financials, including revenue projections, startup costs, and break-even analysis. Readers gain a practical framework they can use when applying for loans or planning their first years of operations.