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Circle K
Circle K is one of the largest convenience store chains in the United States, and has store locations worldwide. Circle K stores offer everything needed by customers on the go, including a beverage fountain, coffee bar, frozen and refrigerated foods, packaged and dry goods and other groceries, and some locations offer gasoline. The Circle K store chain is owned and operated by Alimentation Couche-Tard, a Canadian convenience store holding company that alos owns On the Run stores. Circle K convenience store franchises are located mostly in the Southern, Western, Southwestern and Midwestern United States. With its many locations around the world and its full service of food and other items, Circle K is synonymous with convenience. More about the cost of owning a Circle K franchise below.
Facts & figures
Circle K provides franchisees with industry know-how and operational expertise backed by more than 60 years of experience in convenience store success. Circle K is a widely respected leader in the convenience store industry with a loyal customer base, a recognized brand, high-quality products and excellent service. The company is seeking franchise agreements coast to coast in the United States. Circle K franchisees receive business assistance, constant system-wide messaging through the company, centralized purchasing power and established vendor relationships. Circle K assists franchisees in all aspects of opening and operating their stores.
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Circle K Franchise Opportunities – History
Circle K was founded in 1951 when Fred Hervey purchased three Kay’s Food Stores in El Paso, Texas, and began the Circle K brand. He grew the chain into neighboring states New Mexico and Arizona, which became the company’s home based in 1957. By 1975, through constant expansion and several acquisitions, Circle K grew to more than 1,000 stores across the country. In 1979, Circle K went international, opening its first stores in Japan. By 1984, Circle K had topped $1 billion system-wide in annual sales.
The company began franchising in 1999, and has since grown to more than 6,000 locations in the United States and seven other countries, including Mexico, Honduras, Japan, China, Vietnam, United Arab Emirates and Indonesia. Circle K is one of the most widely recognized convenience store franchise brands in the world.
Circle K Franchise Cost, Total Investment and Royalty Fees
The franchise fee for Circle K is $25,000. The total investment to open and operate a Circle K franchise ranges from $171,000 to $1.9 million. A royalty fee of 4.5% of gross sales is paid to the company (franchisees who forgo funding from the company will pay a royalty fee of 3.7% of gross sales.
Circle K Business Franchise Opportunities: Other Information
Circle K strives to be a good corporate citizen through its charitable support in two key areas: youth-at-risk and education. Also, Circle K has been a national sponsor of United Cerebral Palsy since 1984.
