What does 'TMC' refer to in the Circle K Disclosure Document?
Circle_K Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
To simplify the language in this Disclosure Document, "TMC," "we" or "our" means TMC Franchise Corporation, the franchisor. "You" means the person or persons, including legal entities and their owners, who are buying the franchise.
We were incorporated under the laws of the state of Arizona on February 7, 1995, under the name Circle K Franchise Corporation. On September 27, 1997, we changed our name to TMC Franchise Corporation. Our principal business address is 1130 West Warner Road, Tempe, Arizona 85284, (602) 728-8000.
Source: Item 1 — THE FRANCHISOR, AND ANY PARENTS, PREDECESSORS, AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 10–16)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Circle K's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, "TMC," "we" or "our" refers to TMC Franchise Corporation, which is the franchisor. TMC Franchise Corporation was incorporated in Arizona on February 7, 1995, originally named Circle K Franchise Corporation, and changed its name on September 27, 1997. The principal business address for TMC Franchise Corporation is 1130 West Warner Road, Tempe, Arizona 85284.
Circle K Stores Inc. licenses TMC the right to use the trademarks in its franchise program. TMC also acquired the rights to the On the Run® franchise system from ExxonMobil Oil Corporation on May 28, 2009, and has been offering and selling franchises under the Kangaroo Express marks since November 2015. TMC continues to offer franchises for combined retail convenience stores and motor fuel businesses under the Circle K trade name for 'Other Circle K Franchised Outlets'.
For a prospective franchisee, understanding that TMC Franchise Corporation is the direct franchisor is crucial. All dealings, legal agreements, and support will come directly from TMC. Franchisees should be aware that Circle K Stores Inc., the parent company, owns the trademarks and licenses them to TMC, which means the strength and reputation of the Circle K brand ultimately rests with the parent company. Furthermore, TMC's involvement with other franchise systems like On the Run and Kangaroo Express indicates its experience in managing multiple brands, which could be a positive factor for franchisees.