Does the Circle K franchise agreement create a franchise relationship with the Key Individual?

According to the 2025 Circle K Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement explicitly states that it does not create a franchise relationship with the Key Individual. The agreement clarifies that the franchise relationship is exclusively with the franchisee, not with the Key Individual, even if the franchisee is a corporation or other entity that designates a Key Individual to assist in fulfilling the franchisee's obligations.

This distinction is important because the Key Individual, while responsible for the store's operation and management, does not have the same rights or obligations as the franchisee. The Key Individual must complete required training and be pre-approved by Circle K, but these requirements do not establish a franchise relationship. This ensures that Circle K maintains its franchise relationship solely with the franchisee, simplifying legal and contractual matters.

For a prospective Circle K franchisee, this means that if the business is run through a corporation or entity, the designated Key Individual is an employee or representative of that entity, not a direct franchisee. The franchisee (the corporation or entity) bears the ultimate responsibility for adhering to the franchise agreement terms. This structure provides Circle K with a clear point of contact and accountability while maintaining a consistent franchise relationship.