1928
99
$3,341,950
$25,000
$7,734,100
No
If you’re looking to step into a franchise that combines high-visibility real estate, fuel and convenience retail, and a trusted brand name under a proven support system, then the Holiday Stationstores franchise in the U.S. market presents a compelling opportunity. With a strong legacy spanning nearly a century, deep industry expertise, and an integrated convenience-store + fuel model, Holiday offers a unique platform—one that serves essential consumer needs every single day and thrives on location, speed of service, and brand trust.
Holiday Stationstores is positioned as more than just a fuel stop—it’s a destination for everyday conveniences: coffee, hot meals, fresh food, automotive fuel, merchandise, car-washes, and quick essentials. The brand appeals to commuters, travelers, neighborhoods, and fleets alike. In an era where convenience and speed matter more than ever, the Holiday model delivers the kind of one-stop service modern consumers demand.
From the moment you drive onto a Holiday lot, the brand identity—bright signage, clean forecourt, and a well-stocked store—is designed to project reliability and professionalism. That in turn builds repeat traffic, strong brand recall, and customer loyalty in both local and travel markets. For a prospective franchisee, associating with Holiday means tapping into that brand power, leveraging supplier relationships, benefiting from national buying power, and using decades of operational learning and system refinement.
The Holiday franchise isn’t a “start-from-scratch” retail concept—it is a mature, industry-tested business model with multiple revenue streams (fuel sales, convenience retail, food service, and car wash) and a brand framework ready to scale. For an investor-entrepreneur seeking a hands-on business with established fundamentals and the backing of a major player in the convenience-retail space, Holiday Stationstores offers a compelling opportunity.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
There are several strategic reasons why investing in Holiday Stationstores makes sense in today’s U.S. market:
Dual revenue streams – Holiday combines the fuel business (which drives traffic and volume) with a convenience-store/food service business (which delivers higher margins), providing diversification and stability.
Strong brand recognition & supply-chain leverage – Franchisees benefit from the brand’s national supplier relationships and purchasing power for better pricing and margins.
Proven systems and operational support – Holiday provides end-to-end guidance on store design, merchandising, POS systems, and training to reduce operational risk.
High-barrier to entry – The capital-intensive nature of fuel and convenience sites means fewer competitors, allowing well-capitalized operators to capture strong market share.
Resilient industry model – Convenience and fuel retail remain essential services regardless of economic shifts.
Scalability – Once the first location is established, franchisees can expand into multi-unit operations.
Corporate backing – Holiday operates under the global Couche-Tard and Circle K umbrella, offering financial stability, innovation, and infrastructure.
Founding & Brand Journey
Holiday Stationstores was founded in 1928 by brothers Arthur and Alfred Erickson in Centuria, Wisconsin. What began as a small general store expanded into a thriving fuel and convenience retail business across the Upper Midwest. Over time, the company evolved into one of the most recognized regional brands in its sector. In 2017, it was acquired by Alimentation Couche-Tard, aligning it with the Circle K network and expanding its operational resources and global reach.
Corporate Ownership & Presence
Today, Holiday Stationstores operates as part of Couche-Tard’s portfolio of convenience-retail brands, benefitting from a global supply chain and consistent innovation while retaining its Midwest identity and loyal customer base.
Franchise Footprint & Industry Category
The franchise falls under the “Gas & Convenience Retail” industry. The total investment to launch a Holiday franchise typically ranges from approximately $3.3 million to $7.7 million, depending on site size and configuration. Holiday operates a mix of corporate-owned and franchised locations, with roughly 99 franchised units across states such as Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Market Positioning
Holiday Stationstores is recognized for its clean, modern facilities, strong food-service offerings, and efficient operations. Positioned as a reliable, customer-focused fuel and retail destination, Holiday continues to lead in the regional convenience market with high consumer trust and robust infrastructure.
One of Holiday’s greatest strengths lies in its comprehensive training and support systems designed to help franchisees succeed at every stage of their journey.
Pre-Launch Support
Dedicated franchise development managers guide franchisees through every step—from site selection to grand opening.
Assistance includes store layout, architectural design, fuel forecourt planning, signage, and equipment procurement.
Marketing teams help plan grand openings, create local promotions, and establish community awareness before launch.
Training Program
New franchisees undergo a structured training program combining classroom and on-the-job learning.
The curriculum covers operations, food service, safety, fuel management, POS systems, merchandising, and customer service.
Managers receive practical mentorship at operating Holiday stores before opening their own units.
Operational & Marketing Support
Ongoing operational assistance includes merchandising strategies, technology updates, and equipment maintenance.
Franchisees gain access to national promotions, loyalty programs, and brand-approved marketing campaigns.
A network of regional managers and field consultants ensures operational consistency and performance optimization.
Ongoing Support
Holiday continuously updates its training materials, operations manual, and retail innovations.
Franchisees benefit from nationwide logistics, supplier negotiations, and shared best practices within the system.
Holiday Stationstores seeks franchisees who are driven, hands-on, and committed to excellence in service and operations.
Experience & Background
Previous experience in retail, hospitality, fuel, or food service is preferred.
Franchisees should possess strong leadership skills and business acumen to manage high-volume operations effectively.
Mindset & Passion
Must be customer-service oriented, quality-driven, and committed to maintaining the Holiday standard.
Entrepreneurial mindset with the willingness to manage staff, oversee financials, and engage with the local community.
Comfortable with the fast-paced, 24/7 nature of convenience and fuel operations.
Investment & Location Preference
Ideal for investors with $3 million+ in liquid capital or access to financing for large-scale retail/fuel developments.
Strong preference for sites along high-traffic corridors, commuter routes, and suburban or travel-focused markets.
Multi-unit expansion potential for qualified franchisees.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $25,000 |
| Total Investment | $3,341,950 – $7,734,100 |
| Working Capital (3 Months) | $75,000 – $150,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 3.5% of gross sales |
| Marketing/Advertising Fee | 1.0% of gross sales |
| Minimum Net Worth Requirement | $1 million – $4 million |
| Revenue Streams | Fuel sales, in-store merchandise, food service, coffee bar, car wash, fleet partnerships |
| Expected ROI / Break-Even Period | Break-even in about 12 months; payback typically within 24 months (varies by location) |
| Franchise Units | Approximately 99 franchised units across key Midwest states |
Key Insights:
The largest investment components include land, building, and fuel infrastructure.
Fuel drives traffic, while the retail and food components drive profit margins.
The business is ideal for well-capitalized operators with access to prime locations and an interest in long-term, stable revenue growth.
