If mediation is required for a Circle K franchise dispute, where will the mediation take place?

According to Circle K's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a dispute arises and mediation is required, it will take place in Maricopa County, Arizona. Specifically, the mediation must occur within forty-five days after a mediator is selected. However, there is a condition: if Circle K's headquarters are located in a different county at the time mediation is demanded, the mediation will occur in that county instead.

Both Circle K and the franchisee are responsible for their own mediation costs. They will also share the mediator's fees equally. This arrangement is typical in franchise agreements, where both parties are expected to contribute to dispute resolution expenses.

For prospective Circle K franchisees, it's important to note that the location for mediation is predetermined, which could involve travel expenses if the franchisee is not located near Maricopa County, Arizona, or wherever Circle K's headquarters are located at the time. Franchisees in North Dakota should note the addendum stating that the mediation site must be agreeable to all parties and not remote from the franchisee's place of business.