<P> The Thirst Buster fountain drink was introduced in 1983 . It is one of Circle K's flagship products today . Now known as "Polar Pop" in many areas, Circle K advertises that customers can buy any size for just a single price . The Polar Pop brand is also used at Couche - Tard - branded stores . </P> <P> Karl Eller, a prominent Phoenix businessman, served as the company's CEO from 1983 to 1990 . During that time, Eller built Circle K into the second largest convenience store operation and the largest publicly owned convenience store chain in the U.S. with 4,631 stores in 32 states and an additional 1,300 or so licensed or joint venture stores in 13 foreign countries . Under Eller's leadership, the company grew from annual sales of $747 million to over $3 billion . </P> <P> In 1988, the company sent a letter to its over 8,000 employees announcing that it will cut off the medical coverage of those who become sick or injured as a result of AIDS, alcohol, drug abuse or self - inflicted wounds . The company stated that "There are certain lifestyle decisions that we are just not going to assure the results of ." </P> <P> Fortunes declined in the late 1980s as the US economy began to slow down, and Circle K filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May 1990; Eller resigned as CEO . Some underperforming locations were sold or closed . In 1993 the company was purchased by Investcorp, an international investment group, and emerged from bankruptcy . </P>

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