Circle K franchise
Circle K is a convenience store chain selling snacks, drinks and everyday goods, often with fuel. Franchisees can run convenience stores, add Circle K branded fuel, or convert an existing store to the brand. At the end of its 2026 fiscal year there were 6,071 Circle K locations in the US, 515 franchised and 5,556 company-owned, so most are run by the company itself.
- Cost to open
- $1.47M–$2.87M
- Franchise fee
- $25,000
- Royalty
- 3.5–6%
- Locations, 2026
- 6,071−124 in 3 yrs
Compare with similar brands Estimate your costs
Company snapshot
- Franchising since
- 1995
- First location
- 1951
- Franchisor based in
- Tempe, Arizona
- Time to open
- 150 to 200 days for a conversion, 15 to 18 months for a new build
- Agreement length
- 10 years
- Territory
- No exclusive territory
- Financing
- Some financing offered
From TMC Franchise Corporation’s 2026 filing.
How much a Circle K franchise costs
Opening a newly built Circle K store costs an estimated $1,472,500 to $2,874,650. That covers the franchise fee and everything else needed to open, through the first months of working capital.
| Conversion of an existing store | $327,500 to $1,481,650 |
|---|
Source: TMC Franchise Corporation, 2026 filing, page 37
Circle K franchise fee
The franchise fee is $25,000, for a single store (less for additional stores under a development schedule). You pay it when you sign the franchise agreement.
Source: TMC Franchise Corporation, 2026 filing, page 21
Royalty and ongoing fees
| Royalty | 3.5% to 6% of gross sales for a single-site operator, at least $1,000 a month, paid monthly. |
|---|
Source: TMC Franchise Corporation, 2026 filing, page 23
Sales and earnings
No figures Circle K does not share sales or profit figures for its locations. Talking to current and former franchise owners is the usual way to learn what a location earns.
Source: TMC Franchise Corporation, 2026 filing, page 85
Locations opened and closed
| Year | Franchised | Company-owned | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 586 (−53) | 5,477 | 75 |
| 2025 | 569 (−17) | 5,556 | 35 |
| 2026 | 515 (−54) | 5,556 | 61 |
Closed or left counts terminations, non-renewals, locations bought back by the franchisor and locations that stopped operating. Years are the franchisor's fiscal years.
Source: TMC Franchise Corporation, 2026 filing, page 86
How Circle K compares
Of the 16 retail franchises on this site, Circle K is the most expensive to open and the largest by number of locations.
| Measure | Circle K | Typical retail |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to open, low end | $1.47M | $231K |
| Closed or left per year | 9.5% | 3.4% |
| Change in franchised locations, 3 yrs | −19.4% | +7.2% |
| Shares earnings figures | No | 15 of 16 |
Typical is the median across the 16 brands in retail franchises.
Other retail franchises
Circle K franchise questions
How long does it take to open a Circle K?
150 to 200 days for a conversion, 15 to 18 months for a new build, according to Circle K's 2026 filing. Finding a site, permits and build-out are what usually stretch it.
Does Circle K help with financing?
Yes, in some cases. Circle K may finance part of the cost, such as the franchise fee, for qualified buyers; terms are in its filing.
Do Circle K franchisees get a protected territory?
No. Circle K grants the right to run one location but no exclusive area, so another Circle K can open nearby.
How long is a Circle K franchise agreement?
The initial term is 10 years. Renewal is usually possible if you're in good standing, often for a fee and a remodel.
Is Circle K growing or shrinking?
Over the last 3 years 47 franchised locations opened and 171 closed or left, a net change of −19.4%. About 9.5% of locations closed or left each year. That is above the 3.4% typical for retail franchises.
How does Circle K compare with other retail franchises?
Of the 16 retail franchises here, Circle K is the most expensive to open (low end $1.47M against a $231K median) and the largest by number of locations.
Does Circle K say how much franchisees make?
No, Circle K doesn't publish sales or profit figures for its locations, while 15 of the 16 retail brands here do. Current and former owners are the best source.
Where is Circle K based?
TMC Franchise Corporation is based in Tempe, Arizona and the brand has sold franchises since 1995; the first location opened in 1951.