Mike’s Holiday Gas Station rebranded as Circle K

Mike’s Holiday, a well-known local gas station in Grand Marais, is undergoing rebranding to become a Circle K.

In recent years, many small-town Holiday Gas Stations have disappeared throughout Minnesota following the 2017 acquisition by Couche-Tard, a leading convenience retailer.

The acquisition sparked a rebranding effort across the U.S. and 20 international countries as many small-town franchise Holiday Gas Stations transitioned to become part of Couche-Tard, and its global Circle K brand.

Tim Quaife, owner of Holiday Gas Station in Grand Marais, said that following the acquisition by Couche-Tard, Mike’s Holiday signed a five-year contract in 2019 with Circle K to keep its branding as Holiday. The contract has since ended, he said, and Circle K chose to rebrand the Grand Marais location.

Quaife said the rebranding initiative is happening across the entire state.

New Circle K sign | Photo by Kalli Hawkins

Signage crews replacing the Holiday sign | Photo by Kalli Hawkins

He said no changes are expected to occur to the business. The gas station will continue to provide the same products and goods.

“It’s just a rebranding,” he said.

Many other Holiday Gas Stations throughout the state have transitioned to Circle K branding, including locations in Rochester, Owatonna, Duluth, and the Twin Cities.

Kalli Hawkins February 6, 2025