What must Circle K franchisees obtain approval for before beginning construction of their Circle K store?

According to Circle K's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must obtain approval for all construction plans, material specifications, and floor designs before starting construction. Circle K provides site development standards, construction standards, and specifications based on the as-built plans of the franchisee's existing store. These plans must be provided to TMC in a CAD format. If a CAD format is unavailable, TMC will hire a firm to create a plan in CAD format using funds from the franchisee's Equipment/Construction Funds. However, if the franchisee declines the Equipment/Construction Funding, they will bear the costs of providing the CAD.

Once the plan is approved, Circle K will provide a complete floor plan, work scope, interior sign and paint plan, and exterior sign and image plan for the project. This ensures that the construction aligns with Circle K's standards and specifications. Franchisees are responsible for ensuring their store is fully constructed within a specific timeframe. For conversion stores, the construction must be completed within one year, while newly constructed stores have a two-year window. Failure to meet these deadlines may result in the termination of the Convenience Store Franchise Agreement.

This requirement ensures uniformity and adherence to Circle K's brand standards across all franchise locations. By mandating approval of construction plans, material specifications, and floor designs, Circle K maintains control over the store's appearance and functionality. This process helps to protect the brand's image and ensures a consistent customer experience. Franchisees should factor in the time required for plan development, submission, and approval when planning their construction timeline.