When indicating franchisee status on business materials, what specific designation must a Circle K franchisee use?
Circle_K Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee will at all times hold itself out to the public as an independent contractor operating the Store pursuant to a license from Franchisor.
Whenever practical, Franchisee will clearly indicate on its business checks, stationery, purchase orders, business cards, invoices, receipts, advertising and promotional materials, and other written materials that Franchisee is a "Circle K®" franchisee.
Franchisee will display signs at the Franchised Location that are clearly visible to the general public indicating that the Store is independently owned and operated as a franchised Circle K Store.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 100)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Circle K's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must identify themselves as independent contractors operating under a license from Circle K. This means a franchisee is not an employee or agent of Circle K but rather a separate business entity authorized to run a Circle K store.
To ensure clarity, Circle K requires franchisees to explicitly state their franchisee status on various business materials. Specifically, 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.
Furthermore, franchisees must display clearly visible signs at the franchised location indicating that the store is independently owned and operated as a franchised Circle K store. This dual requirement—written disclosure on business materials and visible signage—aims to inform customers and the public that the store is operated by an independent franchisee, reinforcing the distinction between Circle K as the franchisor and the individual business owner.