Circle K’s success in the convenience retailing industry spans more than 60 years. Our roots trace back to 1951 when Fred Hervey purchased three Kay’s Food Stores in El Paso, Texas. Little did anyone know that these stores would serve as the beginning of Circle K.

During the early years, Hervey’s enterprising spirit enabled the company to make its mark in the southwestern part of the United States, growing the Circle K chain into neighboring New Mexico and Arizona.

During the next few decades, Circle K grew its retail network through a series of acquisitions, which were incorporated into the Circle K brand. By 1975, there were 1,000 Circle K stores across the U.S. The company’s growth continued and by 1984, sales had reached $1 billion.

In 2003, Circle K was acquired by Alimentation Couche-Tard, which developed the chain into a global brand represented in over 20 countries.

Circle K is one of the most widely recognized convenience store brands, known worldwide for quality products and great customer service. We have come a long way since our humble beginnings, and we’re proud of where we’ve been and where we’re going.

A Flexible Framework

Circle K offers business operators and entrepreneurs the opportunity to work with a franchisor who not only helps grow new ventures, but offers the flexibility to tailor individual stores to the customers they serve.

Whether establishing new locations or converting existing properties, Circle K offers benefits to every kind of franchisee.

We are the neighborhood corner store on thousands of corners. The bright-red Circle K logo is a beacon for customers seeking a convenient place to find quality products and a great shopping experience, nationwide and around the world.

Circle K has a strong family of proprietary products that provide our franchisees with high-quality, lower-cost goods. Recognized brands with attractive margins means more money in your pockets per units sold.

Polar Pop. Get your Polar Pop cup at Circle K and fill it up with one of our incredible fountain beverage options!
Circle K Premium Coffee & Simply Great Coffee. Our globally recognized coffee programs compete in quality and loyalty with the recognized global chains.

Circle K Favorites. Our private label line is the same excellent quality customers are used to at a much better price. Favorites stands for quality. Fresh Foods. We’ve got your hunger covered.

We may offer funding assistance for your site based on square footage for new-to-industry sites, and sales history for conversion sites. While we do not offer financing, we can direct you to several third-party lenders who can assist with financing.

Regardless of your fuel needs, we are flexible.

If you have an existing fuel supply agreement with a major oil company, we can work with you.

If you need fuel, we have established relationships with many major fuel brands through our National Wholesale Fuels division. National Wholesale Fuels delivers the simplest and most efficient solution to supplying gasoline, diesel products, and branding opportunities to sites across the country.

What if your site doesn't sell fuel? We franchise many non-fuel locations as well.

Our training programs utilize proven best-practices to empower you with the knowledge required to operate your stores successfully.

SMART Academy – A comprehensive program which combines classroom learning and in-store experience.
NETP (New Employee Training Program) – An eight-module, downloadable program provided to assist you in training your new employees.
Smart STEP – A four-step, advanced program provided to assist you in developing your store staff's management potential.
Continued Learning – Our Training Team, along with your Franchise Business Consultant, will continue to work with you to keep you up to date on the latest operational and marketing best-practices.