Who is responsible for the safety and well-being of employees and customers at a Circle K franchise?
Circle_K Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
No employee of yours will be deemed to be an employee of ours for any purpose whatsoever, and nothing in any aspect of the Business System, the Motor Fuel System, the Branded System or the Marks in any way shifts any employee or employment related responsibility from you to us. You alone are responsible for hiring, firing, training, setting hours for and supervising all employees.
Franchisee is, and will remain, the sole employer of its employees at all times, including during all training programs, and Franchisee is solely responsible for all employment decisions and actions related to its employees. Franchisee is solely responsible for ensuring that its employees receive adequate training.
Franchisee agrees to adhere to good business practices, observing high standards of honesty, integrity, fair dealing and ethical business conduct and good faith in all business dealings with customers, vendors, Franchisee's employees, Franchisor's corporate employees, and all other Circle K franchisees.
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.
Source: Item 15 — OBLIGATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE FRANCHISED BUSINESS (FDD pages 77–78)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Circle K's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is responsible for the safety and well-being of their employees. The FDD states that the franchisee is the sole employer of its employees and is responsible for all employment decisions and actions related to its employees. This includes ensuring that employees receive adequate training. Circle K provides training or guidance to the franchisee's employees regarding the provision of approved products and services to customers in a manner that reflects Circle K's customer service standards. However, this does not shift the responsibility for employee-related matters from the franchisee to Circle K.
In addition to employee well-being, the franchisee is also responsible for maintaining the Circle K store in a safe condition. The franchisee must maintain the interior and exterior of the store and the surrounding area in a high degree of cleanliness, orderliness, safety, and sanitation. They are also responsible for making any necessary repairs or replacements to conform to Circle K's requirements and applicable laws and regulations.
Furthermore, the franchisee agrees to adhere to good business practices, observing high standards of honesty, integrity, fair dealing, and ethical business conduct in all business dealings with customers. While Circle K retains the right to determine a response in crisis situations to protect the brand, the franchisee's role in maintaining a safe and ethical environment for both employees and customers is clearly defined.