What expenses are associated with the initial training for a Circle K franchisee?
Circle_K Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
all training programs, and Franchisee is solely responsible for all employment decisions and actions related to its employees. Franchisee is solely responsible for ensuring that its employees receive adequate training.
- 8.15 Expenses. Franchisor will provide the Training Program to Franchisee or Franchisee's operations manager and one (1) Store Manager at no cost to Franchisee, except that Franchisee will be required to pay Franchisor's then-current fee for any third-party technology training and for the Regional In-Store Training. However, during the Training Program, Franchisee is responsible for all salaries, fringe benefits, payroll taxes, travel costs, lodging, food, and other personal expenses incurred by those attending the Training Program on Franchisee's behalf.
- 8.16 Opening Assistance. After Franchisee and Franchisee's Store Manager have successfully completed the Training Program, Franchisor will furnish a representative to the Store who will provide opening assistance and training to Franchisee and its employees as deemed necessary and appropriate by Franchisor, including, but not limited to, assistance with training employees, implementing the Business System, and evaluating initial business operations. Franchisee may not open the Store until Franchisor has given Franchisee written approval to open the Store.
- 8.17 Changes in Store Manager. If Franchisee hires a new or additional Store Manager, Franchisee is responsible to ensure that such new or additional Store Manager is adequately trained, which includes a complete review of the Business Systems Manuals and which may include successfully completing Franchisor's Training Program, at Franchisee's cost. Franchisee is also responsible for all travel, lodging, food, and other personal expenses incurred by all new or additional Store Managers attending the Training Program.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 100)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Circle K's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Circle K provides the initial training program to the franchisee or the franchisee's operations manager and one store manager at no cost. However, the franchisee is responsible for paying Circle K's then-current fee for any third-party technology training and for the Regional In-Store Training.
During the training program, the franchisee must cover all salaries, fringe benefits, payroll taxes, travel costs, lodging, food, and other personal expenses for those attending the training on the franchisee's behalf. If a franchisee hires a new or additional store manager, the franchisee is responsible for ensuring they are adequately trained, which may include completing Circle K's training program at the franchisee's cost. The franchisee is also responsible for all travel, lodging, food, and other personal expenses incurred by all new or additional store managers attending the training program.
If Circle K holds refresher or additional training programs, attendance is mandatory for the franchisee if there is no tuition charged. However, the franchisee will be responsible for travel, lodging, food, and other personal expenses for those attending on the franchisee's behalf. If a franchisee receives a written notice of default related to 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. Franchisees are also responsible for training their employees at their sole cost and expense.