What was the net change in the number of company-owned Circle K outlets during 2025?
Circle_K Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Outlets at the | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outlets at the | ||||
| Outlet Type | Year | Start of the Year | End of the Year | Net Change |
| 2023 | 636 | 639 | +3 | |
| Franchised | 2024 | 639 | 586 | -53 |
| Outlets | 2025 | 586 | 569 | -17 |
| 2023 | 5261 | 5289 | +28 | |
| Company- | 2024 | 5289 | 5477 | +188 |
| Owned** | 2025 | 5477 | 5556 | +79 |
| 2023 | 5897 | 5928 | +31 | |
| Total Outlets | 2024 | 5928 | 6063 | +135 |
| 2025 | 6063 | 6125 | +62 |
Source: Item 20 — OUTLETS AND FRANCHISEE INFORMATION (FDD pages 86–99)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Circle K's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the net change in the number of company-owned outlets during 2025 was an increase of 79 locations. The total number of company-owned Circle K outlets started the year at 5,477 and ended the year at 5,556. This data reflects the status of all Circle K outlets, which may or may not include a motor fuel business and/or branded business.
This increase in company-owned stores indicates Circle K's corporate strategy and investment in expanding its own operations alongside franchising. Potential franchisees should consider the balance between franchised and company-owned locations when evaluating the overall health and direction of the Circle K brand. A significant increase in company-owned stores could suggest a strategic shift, potentially impacting the support and resources available to franchisees.
It's important to note that this data encompasses all Circle K stores, regardless of whether they include a motor fuel business. Another table in the 2025 FDD provides a different view of company-owned stores that include a motor fuel business. That table shows that the number of company-owned motor fuel Circle K locations increased by 256, from 4,403 at the start of 2025 to 4,659 at the end of the year. This discrepancy highlights the importance of carefully reviewing all relevant tables and footnotes in the FDD to understand the nuances of Circle K's operations and reporting.
Prospective franchisees should inquire about Circle K's long-term strategy regarding the mix of franchised versus company-owned stores. Understanding the rationale behind these changes can provide valuable insight into the company's vision and its potential impact on individual franchise businesses.