History and Timeline

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. He grew the Circle K chain into neighboring New Mexico and Arizona.

Storefront of Circle K.

International market

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. In 1979, Circle K entered the international market when a licensing agreement established the first Circle K stores in Japan. The company’s growth continued and, by 1984, sales had reached $1 billion.

In 1999, a franchise program was introduced to support operators looking to build a business with a leading convenience store brand. In 2003, Circle K was acquired by Alimentation Couche-Tard and has developed into a global brand represented in over 20 countries.

Circle K has become 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. Please visit our timeline to learn more about the Circle K story.

Timeline

  • 2017

    Continued roll-out of Circle K global brand to Canada (Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, and the Maritimes), Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland

  • 2016

    Roll-out of Circle K global brand in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark

  • Downtown view of a beautiful city in Europe.

    2015

    Circle K is launched globally - the world's preferred destination for convenience and fuel.

    Click on this link to find out more about the global brand launch.

  • 2012

    First Circle K President and convenience store icon John A. Gillett, Jr., passes away at the age of 87.

  • 2011

    Bigger and better than ever, Circle K celebrates its 60-year anniversary.

    Cityscape view of commercial buildings.
  • 2008

    Circle K heads overseas, adding licensing for stores in the Social Republic of Vietnam through GR Vietnam International Limited.

  • Palm trees under blue sky in Mexico.

    2005

    250 Circle K stores are scheduled to be opened in Mexico by a subsidiary of Grupo Kaltex, S.A. de C.V.

  • 2003

    The company launches a new creative campaign for the Circle K brand with the tagline “What Else Do You Need?”

    Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. acquires The Circle K Corporation

  • 2002

    Phillips Petroleum Company and Conoco Inc. merge to create ConocoPhillips, head- quartered in Houston, Texas. ConocoPhillips becomes the new owner of Circle K.

  • Curved Road along with mountain and forest.

    2001

    Circle K celebrates 50 years of fast, friendly service.

    Phillips Petroleum Company, headquartered in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, acquires Tosco Corporation and the Circle K brand.

  • 1999

    Fred Hervey, Circle K’s founder, dies at the age of 90 in his hometown of El Paso, Texas.

    City Skyline with lake view.
  • 1998

    Thirst Freezer®, the Circle K proprietary brand of frozen beverages, is introduced. Circle K is named the “Official Pit Stop of NASCAR.” The Circle K Domestic Franchise Program is launched.

  • 1997

    The Arizona Republic votes
    Circle K coffee the “Best Cup of Coffee” in Phoenix.

  • 1996

    Circle K is acquired by Tosco Corporation, an independent petroleum refiner and marketer. The company keeps its headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona.

    An alley in a forest.
  • 1995

    Circle K completes an initial public offering of 6.5 million shares of common stock. The company stock is traded under the symbol CRK on the New York Stock Exchange. Circle K launches Emily’s Meals & More, a new business venture in the home meal replacement category.

    Circle K forms a marketing alliance to sell 76-branded gasoline at stores in Arizona and Nevada.

  • 1994

    The tagline “Circle K – A Better Way” is introduced.

  • 1993

    The company is purchased by Investcorp, an international investment group, and emerges from bankruptcy. The tagline “Circle K – We’re on the Way” is introduced.

  • A crowd of people enjoying the sunset at a beach.

    1990

    After years of rapid expansion and learning the hard lessons of 1980s corporate economics, Circle K files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

  • 1984

    Sales reach the $1 billion mark.

    Sales reach the $1 billion mark. Circle K adopts United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) as its national charity and begins fundraising efforts in its stores.

    Curved road next to lake under horizon.
  • 1983

    The Thirst Buster® fountain drink is introduced.

    Circle K acquires 960 UtoteM stores doubling the company’s size.

  • 1979

    Circle K signs its first licensing agreement with a Japanese retail chain.

  • 1975

    The 1,000th store is opened on Christmas Day in Lehi, Utah.

  • 1971

    The Foodservice Division is introduced and sandwiches are made in the company’s fast food kitchen. The company marks its 20th anniversary with the opening of its 500th Circle K store in Deer Valley, Arizona.

  • Desert with short bushes under blue skies in Arizona.

    1965

    Circle K opens its 200th store in Tucson, Arizona.

    The “Pepe” logo is introduced illustrating a young boy dashing to the nearest Circle K store.

  • 1957

    Circle K expands into New Mexico and Arizona

  • 1951

    Fred Hervey purchases three Kay’s Food Stores in El Paso, Texas - stores which served as the beginning of Circle K