Circle K’s success in the convenience retailing industry spans more than 60 years. Our roots trace back to 1951 when Fred Hervey purchased three Kay’s Food Stores in El Paso, Texas. Little did anyone know that these stores would serve as the beginning of Circle K.
During the early years, Hervey’s enterprising spirit enabled the company to make its mark in the southwestern part of the United States, growing the Circle K chain into neighboring New Mexico and Arizona.
During the next few decades, Circle K grew its retail network through a series of acquisitions, which were incorporated into the Circle K brand. By 1975, there were 1,000 Circle K stores across the U.S. The company’s growth continued and by 1984, sales had reached $1 billion.
In 2003, Circle K was acquired by Alimentation Couche-Tard, which developed the chain into a global brand represented in over 20 countries.
Circle K is one of the most widely recognized convenience store brands, known worldwide for quality products and great customer service. We have come a long way since our humble beginnings, and we’re proud of where we’ve been and where we’re going.
Franchise in the U.S.
In 1999, the Circle K Franchise program was introduced to support operators looking to build their businesses with a leading convenience store brand. Since it's inception, the U.S. franchise program has expanded to over 650 stores, spanning 3 separate brands: Circle K, On the Run, and Kangaroo Express.
Franchise in Canada
In early 2018, Alimentation Couche-Tard announced that they would be offering full-service franchise opportunities in Canada. The expansion marked the first time the Circle K brand was franchised in Canada with the offer initially targeting the Ontario province. Interested parties are now able to join a world-wide network of company-owned and licensed stores.
