Who is responsible for the maintenance and repair of a Circle K store?
Circle_K Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
7.4 Maintenance and Repair.
As between Franchisee and Franchisor, Store maintenance and repair will be the sole responsibility of Franchisee.
Franchisee will at all times maintain the interior and exterior of the Store and the Franchised Location and all fixtures, furnishings, signs, and equipment located at the Store and surrounding area used in connection with such business in the highest degree of cleanliness, orderliness, safety, and sanitation and in good repair as set forth in the mandatory provisions of the Business Systems Manuals. Franchisee will make such additions, alterations, repairs, and replacements as necessary to conform to Franchisor's requirements. All replacements of furniture, fixtures, and equipment must conform to the quality standards for Circle K Stores, any applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations, and must be approved by Franchisor in writing.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 100)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Circle K's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is solely responsible for the store's maintenance and repair. This encompasses both the interior and exterior of the store, the franchised location, and all fixtures, furnishings, signs, and equipment. The franchisee must maintain these elements to the highest standards of cleanliness, orderliness, safety, and sanitation, ensuring they are in good repair as detailed in the Business Systems Manuals.
This responsibility extends to making necessary additions, alterations, repairs, and replacements to meet Circle K's requirements. All replacements of furniture, fixtures, and equipment must adhere to Circle K's quality standards, comply with applicable laws and regulations, and receive written approval from Circle K.
This requirement means that a Circle K franchisee will need to budget not only for the initial investment in the store but also for ongoing maintenance and repairs. Failing to maintain the store to Circle K's standards could result in the termination of the franchise agreement. Franchisees should carefully review the Business Systems Manuals to fully understand the scope of their maintenance and repair obligations and factor these costs into their financial projections.