Is a Circle K franchisee required to have internet access at their store?
Circle_K Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
e Effective Date if the Store is a new store, shall be grounds for immediate termination by us.
Computer System
You must obtain an integrated electronic point of sale scanning cash register/motor fuel dispenser controller system (the "EPOS System") for the management of your Store. The EPOS System will record management, accounting and record keeping functions, utilizing certain computer hardware and software specified by us, including any subsequent enhancements and upgrades. You may also be required to obtain certain hardware and software, and associated communication lines, in the form of payment, activation, or acceptance terminals related to proprietary gift card, cash card, telecom, or other electronic card based proprietary programs. We currently require you to use Verifone or Radiant for the EPOS System. The EPOS System currently costs about $38,000 to $45,000.
In addition to the EPOS System, we may require you to install a back-office computer system, including both hardware and software (currently SSCS), or other existing or future communication or data storage systems (collectively "Computer Systems"), meeting our standards, as modified from time to time in response to business operations and marketing conditions. These Computer Systems may include hardware and software components and require you to attend training, purchase on-going support and perform periodic upgrades. The Computer Systems currently cost approximately $13,000 to $15,000.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 60–72)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Circle K's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to obtain certain hardware and software, and associated communication lines. These communication lines are needed for payment, activation, or acceptance terminals related to proprietary gift card, cash card, telecom, or other electronic card based proprietary programs. This implies that internet access is necessary for the operation of these systems within the Circle K store.
Circle K also requires franchisees to obtain an integrated electronic point of sale scanning cash register/motor fuel dispenser controller system (EPOS). The EPOS system records management, accounting, and record-keeping functions, utilizing specific computer hardware and software. The computer and EPOS requirements for a store also apply to a Branded Business.
Additionally, franchisees must sign a Credit Network Agreement to access the TMC Network, Circle K's online debit/credit network for processing transactions. This access requires paying a monthly Network Fee, which as of the FDD's date is $50 per month. Circle K reserves the right to modify this fee with a 30-day written notice. The necessity of the EPOS system and the TMC Network, along with the associated fees, underscores the importance of maintaining reliable internet connectivity for daily operations.