CIRCLE K (STANDARD)
Circle K (Standard) franchises allow operators to run retail convenience stores and motor fuel businesses under the Circle K brand and system, selling Circle K-sourced motor fuel along with grocery items, consumer goods, food service items, and other merchandise. The business emphasizes distinctive design, uniform standards, and procedures for operations, inventory, and customer service. It targets everyday consumers seeking quick access to fuel, snacks, beverages, and essential convenience products.
Franchise Costs
3.5% royalty (greater of 3.5% Gross Sales, $0.0075/gallon Motor Fuel Sales, or $1,500 per ~monthly Accounting Period) + promotional fees (0.25% general + up to 1.25% local/regional + up to 0.25% national on Gross Sales up to $125k/period) + $600-$1,000 per period POS/back-office support fee
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
Data Based On: 41 franchised Circle K Businesses operating in the U.S. open and operating the entire 12-month period ending April 27, 2025, and for which complete monthly Merchandise Sales information was received.
* Used the 'Overall' average gross revenue as provided for Franchised Businesses Merchandise Sales (Page 4). Revenue top quartile is the 'Average Merchandise Sales' for the Top Quartile, and revenue bottom quartile is the 'Average Merchandise Sales' for the 4th Quartile, both from the same table.
Extracted Item 19 Section
How CIRCLE K (STANDARD) Compares
Key Insights
- One of the lowest investment costs in Convenience Stores (ranked #3 of 4)
- #3 largest franchise system in Convenience Stores
- One of the lowest SBA loan default rates in Convenience Stores
| Franchise | Investment | Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CIRCLE K (STANDARD) Current | $2.6M – $8.0M | $25K | 3.5% | 54 |
| APLUS SUNOCO | $240K – $727K | $15K | 6.0% | 246 |
| HOLIDAY STATIONSTORES | $3.4M – $7.7M | $25K | 3.5% | 83 |
| STREET CORNER | $128K – $682K | $30K | 5.0% | 28 |
Convenience Stores Average 4 franchises | $1.6M – $4.3M | $24K | 4.5% | – |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5.
Locations & Growth
Outlet Growth Over Time
Total outlets at end of each year
Geographic Distribution (2025)
Outlets by state across the United States
SBA Loan History
Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for CIRCLE K (STANDARD) franchisees (2010 – 2018)
Loans by Year
SBA 7(a) loan activity over time
* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.
Franchisee Contacts
113 franchisee contacts on file from official FDD filings.
| Name | SBA Loan |
|---|---|
John Smith ABC Franchise LLC | $350,000 2023 · Active |
John Smith ABC Franchise LLC | $350,000 2023 · Active |
John Smith ABC Franchise LLC | $350,000 2023 · Active |
John Smith ABC Franchise LLC | $350,000 2023 · Active |
John Smith ABC Franchise LLC | $350,000 2023 · Active |
113 Contacts Available
Unlock all CIRCLE K (STANDARD) franchisee contacts with verified contact information
Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
Primarily termination disputes, post-termination obligations, liquidated damages, breach of fuel agreements, and misrepresentation claims in franchise sales.
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions
The total initial investment to open a CIRCLE K (STANDARD) franchise ranges from $2,600,000 to $8,000,000. This includes a franchise fee of $25,000. Ongoing royalty fees are 3.5% of gross sales.
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