The holiday season is here, and for many of us, that means winter road trips are just around the corner. But before embarking on the journey to enjoy this festive break, there are a few to-dos. Is the car fueled up? Check. Do we have warm blankets and cozy snacks? Check. Is the coffee cup full? (Very important for chilly mornings!) Check.
Luckily for us, there are over 7,000 trustworthy Circle K stores nationwide to help navigate pit stops along any route, especially during the ever-important drive leading up to the season’s much-anticipated holiday vacation.
Circle K’s success in the convenience retailing industry spans over 60 years. Their story began in 1951 when Fred Hervey purchased three Kay’s Food Stores in El Paso, Texas. Over several decades, Circle K expanded its retail network, and by 1975, there were 1,000 Circle K stores across the U.S.
Today, Circle K is one of the most widely recognized convenience store brands, known for quality products, reliability, and customer service. From humble beginnings to its current global presence, Circle K’s journey is proof of thoughtful strategy and innovation.
Timmons Group began working with Circle K in 2015 to support a shared vision of success. Over the years, this collaboration has led to the effective development of convenience stores across Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, each project reflecting our commitment to supporting access to the Circle K brand for their loyal client base. Now, our partnership is commemorating a significant milestone—200+ completed projects.
Have you ever wondered why it’s so easy to navigate the traffic pattern, pumps, and parking lot at a Circle K? Quite simply put, it’s because the store was designed to be familiar.
From prototype designs and site layouts to environmental assessments and ADA compliance, our comprehensive services have been integral to Circle K’s consistency across locations throughout the Southeast:
- Standardized Prototype Designs — Our teams use standardized prototype designs for all locations to maintain a branded look and feel across the franchise.
- Uniform Site Layouts — We implement uniform site layouts, including parking lot configurations, entrances and exits, and utility infrastructure to ensure a familiar customer experience.
- ADA Compliance — Our teams use thoughtful and compliant accessibility designs to ensure all patrons can enjoy Circle K locations.
- Branding Elements — We work with Circle K to ensure that all branding elements, such as signage, color schemes, and logo placement, are uniformly applied across all sites.
- Centralized Design Guidelines — We develop and enforce centralized design guidelines that detail specifications for materials, finishes, and landscaping to maintain a cohesive aesthetic.
- Site Investigation and Due Diligence — Our teams conduct thorough site investigations and due diligence to ensure that all new locations meet the franchise’s standards for site suitability and compliance with local regulations.
- Environmental and Geotechnical Assessments — We perform environmental and geotechnical assessments to address site-specific challenges while adhering to franchise-wide standards.
- Traffic Impact Analysis — Our teams implement standardized traffic impact analysis protocols to ensure that each site can handle projected traffic volumes and maintain safety.
- Utility Design and Coordination — We use utility design and coordination practices to ensure reliable and efficient service delivery across all locations.
- Permitting and Sustainability — Our surveys and environmental assessments support the Circle K brand’s sustainability efforts.
Circle K’s expansion has seen significant growth in North Carolina, with projects spanning across the state. From Garner to Onslow County to Hope Mills, and beyond, each project reflects Circle K’s commitment to providing high-quality convenience stores to its customers. Recent ventures into South Carolina, with projects in North Charleston, Summerville, and Myrtle Beach, extend the brand’s reach and services to new regions with consistency and innovation at the forefront.
“As we celebrate this 200-project milestone, we recognize the importance of our partnership in supporting Circle K’s goals and achievements,” said Rick Baker, a principal in Timmons Group’s Raleigh land development practice. “We look forward to many more years of collaboration, bringing innovative solutions and exceptional service to every project, from the Southeast and beyond.”
Though consistency remains a staple of the Circle K brand, the team is excited about an existing store on U.S. Highway 264 near Wilson, NC that will soon experience a renovation that strays from the typical store layout. The redesign includes the installation of 24 electric vehicle charging stations, making it the largest supercharging site in North Carolina. Andy Priolo, Real Estate Development Manager for Circle K, emphasized the significance of the renovation.
“It’s a huge investment for the community Andy said. “We’re the halfway point between New York and Florida, so we felt that this location was suited for adaptability, creating a new idea of what Circle K’s measure of consistency could look like in the future.”
Timmons Group’s experts will continue to support Circle K in their growth throughout the Southeast. As we reflect on the milestone of 200 completed projects with Circle K, it’s clear that our partnership is more than just business—it’s a shared journey towards innovation driving excellence in convenience retailing.
From ensuring consistent, high-quality experiences at every location to pioneering new advancements like the upcoming supercharging site in North Carolina, Timmons Group is honored to be part of Circle K’s enduring legacy and looks forward to many more years of supporting their growth and success, one project at a time. Here’s to fueling journeys and building futures together!
