Circle K

Based in Laval, Quebec, Alimentation Couche-Tard is the largest convenience-store operator in Canada and has a considerable presence in the United States and around the world. Its North American network (Circle K stores) consists of 15 business units, including 11 in the United States covering 41 states and the District of Columbia, and four in Canada covering all provinces (under the Mac’s and Couche-Tard flags). 

In 2016, the chain announced its acquisition of San Antonio-based CST Brands Inc., and in recent years made a number of considerable acquisitions, including the 1,500-store purchase of Cary, N.C.-based The Pantry and its Kangaroo store and gasoline brand in 2014. All will be rebranded Circle K over time, with the company announcing in 2015 that it will market under that brand name and logo for all of its assets globally.

Couche-Tard has approximately 8,000 convenience stores throughout the United States and Canada, 6,579 of which sell fuel under various flags. Most are freestanding and located on or near busy intersections. The design of the stores is based on attracting customers in their local markets rather than conforming to a single model, with the average store being 2,000 to 2,500 square feet. Some of its newer stores are more than 4,000 square feet.