With summer right around the corner, it’s time to get ready for those ice-cold Big Gulps and super refreshing Slurpees—and don’t forget your free Slurpee on July 11th!
7-Eleven is an American icon. Its neon glow is a comforting reminder that snacks and drinks are always within reach. Here are ten awesome facts about this convenience store that you probably didn’t know.
The Big Gulp Revolutionized Soda Dispensing
Today, self-serve soda fountains are everywhere, but that wasn’t always the case.
In 1976, 7-Eleven wanted to stand out. What better way than offering an enormous amount of sugary soda?
Coca-Cola suggested a 32-ounce cup—a huge jump from the previous 20-ounce maximum. Before the Big Gulp, employees had to fill all fountain drinks. The new, larger size meant they spent more time pouring soda and less time at the register.
Inspired by the popularity of self-serve coffee, 7-Eleven introduced self-service soda stations. Customers could customize their drinks, and employees saved time. According to the Smithsonian, 7-Eleven was the first American retailer to offer self-serve beverage stations. [1]
The Big Gulp Stirred Up Controversy
Americans loved the Big Gulp’s low price and massive size. Throughout the ‘80s, both the Slurpee and Big Gulp symbolized fun and freedom.
But not everyone was a fan. 7-Eleven introduced the 44-ounce Super Big Gulp and the 64-ounce Double Gulp. Politicians and health experts criticized these sizes, pointing out the excessive sugar content.
Despite discussions about sugary drink bans and size limits, nothing ever stuck. We stand by our right to sugary drinks. [2]
It Started as an Ice Store
Before 7-Eleven, there was the Southland Ice Company. This small Texas station sold ice. In 1927, one Southland started selling milk, eggs, and other groceries.
Joe Thompson, the company’s founding director, realized people would prefer a nearby store over traveling to larger, distant grocery stores. He bought the entire Southland Ice Company and renamed it the Southland Corporation. This company then franchised the small convenience stores that became the original 7-Elevens. [3]
The Original Stores Featured Totem Poles
In 1928, a Southland Ice Station manager bought a totem pole from Alaska. He placed it in front of the store, and it attracted customers.
Company executives noticed the increased business and added totem poles to other stores. With this came a new theme: Alaska-native decor and a new name.
The stores were renamed “Tote’m stores,” a pun on the theme and the fact that customers “toted” away their purchases. [4]
The Name Reflects Store Hours
Anyone who’s ever craved a late-night snack knows that 7-Eleven stores are open beyond 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
After the Great Depression and World War II, Tote’ms extended their hours to 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. This might not seem special today, but late-night options were limited back then.
To promote these hours, the stores were renamed, and the name stuck. By 1963, when the company started offering 24/7 service, the name 7-Eleven was synonymous with convenience. [5]
Football Fans Inspired 24/7 Service
While 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. hours were revolutionary for their time, we now rely on being able to get a Slurpee any time. We can thank University of Texas football fans for that.
In the early ‘60s, 7-Eleven tested 24/7 stores in Las Vegas, anticipating high demand for food due to the city’s vibrant nightlife.
In 1963, a crowd of students in Dallas convinced a 7-Eleven near campus to stay open late after a football game. The store was packed all night. The store stayed open late after subsequent games, with similar success.
Eventually, the store adopted 24/7 hours permanently, and other college town locations followed. The success of this campaign led to the widespread adoption of 24/7 service. [6]
There’s a Lowercase “n” in the Logo
Ever noticed something strange about the 7-Eleven logo? All the letters are capitalized except for one.
The lowercase “n” is unique. The common explanation is that John Thompson’s wife, president of 7-Eleven in the ‘60s, thought the all-caps logo looked too aggressive. She suggested lowering one letter to make it more graceful.
Margaret Chabris, the company’s public relations director, supports this theory, and it’s even mentioned on the official 7-Eleven website. [7]
It’s Owned by a Japanese Corporation
Although 7-Eleven is an American company, it’s now owned by the Japanese corporation Seven & I Holdings.
Southland Ice Company filed for bankruptcy in 1991. The Japanese supermarket chain Ito-Yokado purchased over 70% of the company’s stock. In 2005, 7-Eleven Japan bought the entire corporation.
7-Eleven may be a symbol of American culture, but there are actually more stores in Japan than in the U.S., despite Japan being much smaller!
30% of all 7-Elevens are in Japan. The stores there differ from American stores, reflecting cultural differences. Japanese 7-Elevens are known for bento boxes, sushi, and onigiri (rice balls.)
You probably wouldn’t want to try sushi from a Texas convenience store. [8]
Slurpees Are Just Icees
Ever wonder about the difference between an Icee and a Slurpee? There isn’t one. They’re the same thing.
In 1965, the companies made a licensing deal allowing 7-Eleven to sell Icees under the name “Slurpee.” The name “Slurpee” comes from the sound the drink makes when you slurp it through a straw.
There are now over 300 Slurpee flavors. The Slurpee has become a 7-Eleven icon. Every summer, 7-Elevens offer deals like Free Slurpee Day (on 7/11) and Bring Your Own Cup Day, where you can fill any container (up to 10 inches in diameter) for a small price. [9]
It’s Considered the First-Ever Convenience Store
Today, convenience stores are everywhere, offering snacks and basic groceries. They provide an easier, closer shopping experience than mega-stores like Walmart and Target. Their smaller size allows them to be located almost anywhere.
It all began with 7-Eleven. Jeff Lendard, the vice president of the National Association of Convenience Stores, credits 7-Eleven’s extended hours as the start of the convenience store movement.
Whether you call them convenience stores, corner stores, or bodegas, we all owe the Southland Ice Company for our midnight snacking options. [10]
These facts only scratch the surface of what makes 7-Eleven a unique and important part of our culture. From its humble beginnings as an ice company to its current status as a global icon, 7-Eleven continues to surprise and delight us.
What’s your favorite thing about 7-Eleven? Leave your comment below!
