Circle K is operated by TMC Franchise Corporation, based in Tempe, Arizona. The brand has offered franchises since October 2019 and provides the operation of a combined retail convenience store and motor fuel business selling TMC (or its affiliate)-sourced motor fuel under the "Circle K" trade name and service marks and grocery items, consumer goods, food service items and other merchandise.
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Circle K provides a comprehensive support system designed to guide you from your first day of training through every stage of your business ownership.
Support and training provided by TMC under Item 11 includes pre-opening and continuing obligations, marketing/advertising support, computer systems requirements, and an initial and ongoing training program.
TMC reviews and consults on site selection, approves property/lease, provides site development and construction standards, consults on design and layout, conducts periodic and final inspections, provides a list of approved suppliers, may select a third-party management firm, provides motor fuel per the Motor Fuel Commodity Schedule, provides online access to Business Systems Manuals, provides on-site opening assistance, may provide Funding, and trains the franchisee and business manager.
Initial Training covers Business Management, State of the Industry and Category Management, Merchandising Strategies, Brand Standards and Image Programs, Inventory Management, Customer Experience, Safety and Security, Food Service Safety, Shift Management, TMCfranchise.com, Human Resource Management, Loss Prevention, and Back-Office System Training: 32 hours classroom, minimum 24 hours on-the-job training at various locations including online classes, Microsoft Teams video-conferences, and Circle K company-operated or franchised stores. On-the-Job Training totals 40 hours at various regional company-operated locations. Additional In-Store Training of up to 80 hours (as determined by TMC) may also be required at various Circle K Businesses or company-operated locations regionally located. Training is led by David Williams, Training Manager of Worldwide Franchising since May 2026, with 15 years of experience with TMC and its affiliates and 15 years in the industry. Failing training requires retaking it at $2,000 per week, and failure to complete training can result in termination of the agreement.
TMC periodically inspects the Circle K Business, updates the online Business Systems Manuals, provides motor fuel per the Motor Fuel Commodity Schedule, offers periodic specialized training, discusses operating and marketing issues, provides names of new approved suppliers, provides reasonable operational assistance, recommends an electronic accounting/record-keeping system, provides periodic recommendations on products, vendors, and pricing strategies, makes available advertising and promotional materials, and approves all advertising and promotional materials submitted by the franchisee.
TMC provides written materials on development and construction standards, site selection guidelines, construction management techniques, and development planning; site selection counseling and assistance; on-site evaluation upon request; and the services of a TMC area consultant who assists with strategic decisions such as site selection, marketing, and operational issues.
The Promotional Fee is divided into Tier I (General Promotion, 0.25% of Gross Sales up to $125,000), Tier II (Local and Regional Promotion, up to 1.25% of Gross Sales up to $125,000), and Tier III (National Promotion, up to 0.25% of Gross Sales up to $125,000, not currently in effect). Funds support image/customer service inspections, incentive programs, administrative costs, outside advertising agency work, regional promotion, equipment upgrades, and local store marketing programs. During the year ended April 26, 2026, Promotional Fees were spent 73% on Point of Purchase Promotions and Advertising, 24% on Third-Party Inspections/Incentives, and 3% on Administrative costs. Franchisees must also conduct a grand opening advertising campaign within 100 days of opening, with partial reimbursement available from the Promotional Fund.
TMC may hold additional or refresher training courses from time to time with no course fee charged (unless conducted near the franchisee to accommodate their needs), though franchisees pay travel, lodging, meals, and other expenses.
Franchisees must obtain and use a point of sale and operations data management system meeting TMC's specifications, currently licensed from NCR/Radiant Systems, Inc. and PDI. The acquisition cost of the Computer System is about $70,000 to $115,000, with a service cost per Accounting Period of $600 to $1,000. Franchisees must maintain internet access and an active e-mail account, and TMC has full access to sales-related data in the Computer System. Franchisees must also sign a Credit Network Agreement to use the TMC Network for processing debit and credit card transactions.