Is initial and ongoing training required for the operation of a Circle K store?

According to Circle K's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, initial and ongoing training is required for the operation of a Circle K store. The FDD states that Circle K does not offer or require any training for the operation of a Branded Business except for the initial training program and ongoing training required for the operation of a Circle K Store.

Prior to opening a Circle K store, the franchisee, operations manager, and store manager must complete the training program. This includes up to 2 weeks of classroom training and up to 2 weeks of in-store training, which may overlap. The training must be completed no earlier than 180 days before the store opens. If a new manager is hired, they must be adequately trained, including a review of the Business Systems Manuals and potentially completing the training program at the franchisee's cost. New store managers must be certified within 90 days of employment.

Circle K's training manager of Worldwide Franchising, Stacy Huber, is responsible for the store management training programs. Classroom training is conducted remotely, and Back-Office System Training is provided remotely by a third-party provider. Depending on the store's location, regional in-store training may also be required, costing $500 per person. The franchisee is responsible for wages, travel, lodging, meals, and incidental expenses during training. Failure to pass the final exam or any part of the on-the-job training may require re-training at a cost of $2,000 per week, and failure to complete training can lead to termination of the franchise agreement.