What specific requirements must a Circle K franchisee adhere to when constructing the store?
Circle_K Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ase crediting Franchisee's account with any vendor discounts, rebates, or allowances as of the effective date of such termination.
ARTICLE 7 BUILDING DESIGN AND SPECIFICATIONS; FRANCHISEE'S LEASE
7.1 Store Improvements, Fixtures, and Equipment; Compliance with Franchisor's Standards. Franchisor must approve any proposed site for the Franchised Location, which site must meet Franchisor's then-current site selection criteria. The Store building and premises must conform to the approved building plans and specifications, exterior and interior decorating designs, required equipment and color schemes for Circle K Stores. Franchisor will provide Franchisee with a typical Circle K Store floor plan layout and Franchisor's standard construction and equipment specifications, and Franchisee will take all actions necessary to bring the Store into compliance with the then-current layout and equipment specifications prior to the Open Date. If the Store is a Conversion Store, Franchisor, in its sole discretion, may require that the Store either close or remain open for business during the conversion process. Any general contractor or architect that will be making any improvements to the Franchised Location must be pre-approved by Franchisor. Franchisee will effect building improvements and will install such fixtures and equipment at the Store as required by Franchisor's current specifications as set forth in the mandatory provisions of the Business Systems Manuals, and Franchisee will provide Franchisor with an architectural schedule prior to making any renovations to the Store. All plans and specifications must be approved by Franchisor prior to the commencement of construction. All architectural, engineering, construction, and design services for the Store will be at Franchisee's sole cost and responsibility, although Franchisor will consult with Franchisee regarding the design and layout of the Store upon the request of Franchisee. Failure to construct and furnish the Store in accordance with the plans and specifications may result in termination of this Agreement.
Franchisee will not make any architectural, structural, design or decorating changes to the interior or exterior of the building or the premises, including any signs bearing the Marks, without Franchisor's prior written approval (unless such change is specifically required under applicable law).
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 100)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Circle K's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere to specific requirements during store construction to ensure brand consistency and operational standards. Circle K must approve the proposed site, ensuring it meets their current site selection criteria. The store building and premises must conform to approved building plans, specifications, exterior and interior decorating designs, required equipment, and color schemes. Circle K will provide a typical store floor plan layout and standard construction and equipment specifications.
The franchisee is responsible for taking all necessary actions to ensure the store complies with the current layout and equipment specifications before the opening date. If the store is a conversion, Circle K has the discretion to require the store to either close or remain open during the conversion process. Any general contractor or architect making improvements to the franchised location must be pre-approved by Circle K.
Franchisees must effect building improvements and install fixtures and equipment as required by Circle K's current specifications, as detailed in the Business Systems Manuals. An architectural schedule must be provided to Circle K before any renovations. All plans and specifications require Circle K's approval before construction begins. While the franchisee bears the costs and responsibility for architectural, engineering, construction, and design services, Circle K will consult on the store's design and layout upon request. Failure to construct and furnish the store according to the approved plans and specifications may result in the termination of the Franchise Agreement.
Additionally, franchisees must work with a third-party management firm designated by Circle K for the construction and development of their store, with a list of approved firms available in the Business Systems Manuals. Using a different firm requires Circle K's prior written approval. These measures ensure that all Circle K stores maintain a consistent brand image and meet operational standards, with the franchisee bearing the responsibility for adhering to these guidelines and specifications.