Gsquared
07-11-2007, 08:09 AM
Dallas-based 7-Eleven Inc. is celebrating its 80th birthday with free Slurpees for all.
Throughout the day Wednesday, customers at all U.S. locations can get a free 7.11-ounce Slurpee in a special cup commemorating the chain's humble beginnings.
According to company lore, the Southland Ice Co. in Dallas was facing stiff competition with the advent of mechanical refrigeration. But in the summer of 1927, an enterprising ice dock manager added milk, bread and eggs for sale at his stand, and the convenience store was born.
The chain now operates, franchises or licenses more than 7,200 stores in North America and more than 23,400 stores worldwide. In 2005, the company was bought out by its largest investor, Seven & I Holding Inc. of Japan, but its headquarters remain in Dallas.
While 80 may be a milestone, it's certainly not the first time 7-Eleven has thrown a birthday bash for itself. Just two years ago, the chain celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Slurpee (technically, marking 40 years of its selling the drink), and just a year before that, it celebrated the big 77 with a similar free Slurpee deal.
"The changes the company has made over the decades have been amazing, yet our stores continue to play a relevant role in the lives of busy people," 7-Eleven president and chief executive Joe DePinto said in a statement
Throughout the day Wednesday, customers at all U.S. locations can get a free 7.11-ounce Slurpee in a special cup commemorating the chain's humble beginnings.
According to company lore, the Southland Ice Co. in Dallas was facing stiff competition with the advent of mechanical refrigeration. But in the summer of 1927, an enterprising ice dock manager added milk, bread and eggs for sale at his stand, and the convenience store was born.
The chain now operates, franchises or licenses more than 7,200 stores in North America and more than 23,400 stores worldwide. In 2005, the company was bought out by its largest investor, Seven & I Holding Inc. of Japan, but its headquarters remain in Dallas.
While 80 may be a milestone, it's certainly not the first time 7-Eleven has thrown a birthday bash for itself. Just two years ago, the chain celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Slurpee (technically, marking 40 years of its selling the drink), and just a year before that, it celebrated the big 77 with a similar free Slurpee deal.
"The changes the company has made over the decades have been amazing, yet our stores continue to play a relevant role in the lives of busy people," 7-Eleven president and chief executive Joe DePinto said in a statement