How must a Circle K franchisee identify their store as an independent franchise?

According to Circle K's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must present themselves as independent contractors operating under a license from Circle K. This means a franchisee cannot represent themselves as Circle K itself, or as an agent of Circle K. They are an independent business owner who has been granted the right to use the Circle K brand and system.

To ensure this distinction is clear, Circle K requires franchisees to include specific language on business materials. Whenever practical, the franchisee must clearly indicate on business checks, stationery, purchase orders, business cards, invoices, receipts, advertising, promotional materials, and other written materials that they are a "Circle K®" franchisee. This reinforces the franchisee's independent status while still identifying their affiliation with the Circle K brand.

Furthermore, Circle K mandates that franchisees display signs at the franchised location that are clearly visible to the general public. These signs must indicate that the store is independently owned and operated as a franchised Circle K store. This requirement ensures that customers understand they are interacting with an independently-owned business operating under the Circle K franchise system. These measures protect Circle K's brand identity while clarifying the franchisee's role as an independent operator.