What expenses are Circle K franchisees responsible for during the initial Training Program?
Circle_K Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
rogram 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.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 100)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Circle K's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are responsible for specific expenses related to the initial and ongoing training programs. While Circle K provides the initial Training Program to the franchisee or their operations manager and one Store Manager at no cost, the franchisee must cover the fee for any third-party technology training and the Regional In-Store Training.
During the Training Program, the 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 the franchisee's behalf. This applies not only to the initial training but also to any refresher or additional training programs that Circle K may require. Attendance at these additional training sessions is mandatory if Circle K does not charge tuition for them, but the franchisee remains responsible for the associated travel, lodging, food, and personal expenses.
If a franchisee hires a new or additional Store Manager, the franchisee must ensure they are adequately trained, potentially including completing Circle K's Training Program at the franchisee's expense. The franchisee is also responsible for all travel, lodging, food, and other personal expenses for these new managers attending the training. Furthermore, if a franchisee receives a written notice of default related to operational standards, Circle K may require the franchisee and/or their managers to re-attend and successfully complete the training program, again at the franchisee's expense. These stipulations highlight the franchisee's ongoing investment in training and adherence to Circle K's operational standards.