Is additional training required for Circle K franchisees?
Circle_K Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
to be certified under the then-current Circle K training requirements by Franchisor within the first 90 days of employment by Franchisee, regardless of the method that Franchisee selects to conduct training.
- 8.18 Additional Training. Franchisor has the right to hold refresher and/or additional training programs for Franchisee and/or its Store Manager at a location or locations selected by Franchisor. Attendance at such additional training shall be mandatory for Franchisee so long as there is no tuition charged by Franchisor for such programs. Franchisee will be responsible for travel, lodging, food, and other personal expenses of those who attend on Franchisee's behalf.
Notwithstanding the above, if Franchisee receives a written notice of default that relates, in whole or in part, to Franchisee's failure to meet any operational standards, Franchisor may require, as a condition of curing the default, that Franchisee and/or Franchisee's manager(s) re-attend and successfully complete the training program, at Franchisee's expense.
- 8.19 Employee Training. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, Franchisee, at its sole cost and expense, will be responsible for training its employees.
- 8.20 Annual Convention. Franchisor reserves the right to arrange for an annual convention sponsored and conducted by Franchisor for the benefit of all franchisees.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 100)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Circle K's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, additional training programs may be required for franchisees and/or their store managers at locations selected by Circle K. Attendance at these additional training sessions is mandatory if Circle K does not charge tuition for the programs. However, the franchisee is responsible for covering the travel, lodging, food, and other personal expenses for those attending the training on their behalf.
Furthermore, if a Circle K franchisee receives a written notice of default related to their failure to meet operational standards, Circle K may require the franchisee and/or their managers to re-attend and successfully complete the training program at the franchisee's expense as a condition of curing the default. This ensures that franchisees who are not meeting the brand's operational standards receive the necessary retraining to improve their performance and maintain the quality of the Circle K brand.
In addition to the above, if a Circle K franchisee hires a new or additional store manager, the franchisee is responsible for ensuring that the new manager is adequately trained. This includes a complete review of the Business Systems Manuals and may also include successfully completing Circle K's training program, all at the franchisee's cost. All store managers, including new ones, must be certified under the current Circle K training requirements within the first 90 days of their employment, regardless of the training method used.