What are the requirements for signs at a Circle K franchise location?
Circle_K Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 7.5 Signs. Franchisee will display at the Franchised Location signs, advertising, slogans, and symbols as Franchisor may prescribe from time to time, subject to any Lease and local zoning restrictions. Franchisee will pay for permitting and exterior signage at the Franchised Location and will be responsible for the installation and maintenance of all signs. Any signage may not be used except as permitted hereunder and may not be altered or removed by Franchisee except with Franchisor's prior written consent or upon termination of this Agreement.
- 4.3 Franchisee's Business Name.
Franchisee will not use any of the Marks or anything similar thereto, in or as part of its corporate, sole proprietorship, partnership or other legal entity name.
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.
- 4.4 Substitution of Marks.
Franchisor has the right to modify, or discontinue the use of, any Marks or to substitute different trade names, service marks, trademarks, logos, designs, and commercial symbols as the Marks used to identify the Store or in connection with the operation of the Store.
Subject to Section 4.5, upon Franchisor's written instructions, Franchisee will, at its expense, and within the time period specified by Franchisor, make all modifications to the Marks displayed or otherwise used at the Franchised Location as required by Franchisor, and if so directed by Franchisor, Franchisee will cease using all discontinued Marks and commence using the "new" Marks.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 100)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Circle K Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must display signs, advertising, slogans, and symbols at the franchised location as prescribed by Circle K, while adhering to any lease agreements and local zoning restrictions. The franchisee is responsible for the costs associated with permitting and exterior signage, as well as the installation and maintenance of all signs. Franchisees cannot use signage in any way not permitted by Circle K, and they cannot alter or remove any signage without prior written consent from Circle K or upon termination of the franchise agreement.
Circle K retains the right to modify or discontinue the use of any marks and substitute different trade names, service marks, trademarks, logos, designs, and commercial symbols. Franchisees are obligated, at their own expense and within a specified time frame, to make all modifications to the marks displayed or used at the franchised location as required by Circle K. If directed, franchisees must cease using discontinued marks and begin using the new marks.
In addition to displaying Circle K's prescribed signage, franchisees must also display signs that are clearly visible to the general public indicating that the store is independently owned and operated as a franchised Circle K store. This requirement ensures transparency and clarifies the relationship between the franchisee and the franchisor to customers.
These stipulations ensure brand consistency and compliance with Circle K's standards, while also informing the public about the store's independent ownership under a franchise agreement. Franchisees should be aware of the potential costs associated with signage, including permitting, installation, maintenance, and any required modifications or replacements directed by Circle K.