Circle K vs GNC
Franchise Comparison 2026
Circle K is a retail franchise, while GNC operates in healthcare. Circle K requires an investment of $1.5M – $2.7M while GNC requires $188K – $507K. In terms of revenue, Circle K reports higher average unit revenue at $1.4M. On SBA loan performance, GNC has a lower charge-off rate (0.0%) compared to Circle K (6.7%). FranchiseVerdict rates Circle K A (Strongest tier) and GNC A (Strongest tier).
| Metric | Circle K | GNC |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | AStrongest tierStrongest tier | AStrongest tierStrongest tier |
| Investment Range | $1.5M – $2.7M | $188K – $507K |
| Franchise Fee | $25K | $20K |
| Royalty Rate | 3.0% | 6.0% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $1.4M | $476K |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | 6.7% (80 loans) | 0.0% (10 loans) |
| Total Units | 6,063 | 2,140 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 1995 | 2021 |
| FDD Year | 2024 | 2025 |
Investment Range
$1.5M – $2.7M
$188K – $507K
Franchise Fee
$25K
$20K
Royalty Rate
3.0%
6.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$1.4M
$476K
SBA Charge-Off Rate
6.7% (80 loans)
0.0% (10 loans)
Total Units
6,063
2,140
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
1995
2021
FDD Year
2024
2025