Where will the forum be for dispute resolution related to a Circle K franchise?

According to Circle K's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the forum for dispute resolution will be in a state or federal court located in the county where Circle K's corporate headquarters are located at the time of the dispute. This is subject to state law. This applies to disputes arising from both the Motor Fuel Agreement (Section 42) and the Branding Agreement (Section 12(d)).

This means that if a franchisee has a legal dispute with Circle K, they may have to travel to the location of Circle K's headquarters to resolve the issue in court. The specific location will depend on where Circle K's headquarters are situated when the dispute arises, which could change over time. Franchisees should be aware of this potential requirement, as it could involve significant travel and legal expenses depending on their location.

It is also important to note that Arizona law applies to Circle K franchise agreements, as stated in Section 20.5, Section 43 of the Motor Fuel Agreement, and Section 12(e) of the Branding Agreement. However, the forum selection is subject to state law, indicating that the specific court and its procedures will be determined by the laws of the state where Circle K's headquarters are located at the time of the dispute. Prospective franchisees should consult with a legal professional to understand the implications of these provisions and how they might affect their rights and obligations under the franchise agreement.