7-Eleven to Conduct Makeover of 30 Stores

pproximately a year after taking ownership of more than 100 convenience stores in the Oklahoma City metro area, 7-Eleven Inc. launched a refresh initiative.  30 of the newest stores in Oklahoma City will receive modifications to and expansion of their offerings as well as cosmetic changes.

The chain of more than 100 stores in the Oklahoma City metro were started by William Brown in 1953. Brown launched the chain with the blessing of his friend Joe C. Thompson Jr., who had renamed his Tote’m stores in Texas to the 7-Eleven name and business model of being open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week.  It was the only time a separate 7-Eleven chain was allowed. Brown's son, Jim Brown, sold the chain in February.

Some changes were quickly put into place upon acquisition. Lottery kiosks were immediately added by the chain as the sale was completed in late February (the stores did not have lottery sales under the prior owners).  Icy drinks, unique to the Oklahoma stores, were replaced with ‘Slurpees’ sold by the national chain.

The biggest change is the addition of Laredo Taco Company restaurants, a chain purchased by 7-Eleven in 2018.  Taco fans can learn about Taco Tuesday specials, new products and other promotions by following Laredo Taco Co. on its standalone social media pages.  

"We have lots of exciting things planned for the Oklahoma stores that recently joined the 7 Eleven family, and Laredo Taco Company gives customers a delicious taste of what's to come," said Chris Tanco, chief operating officer with Irving, Texas-based 7-Eleven Inc.

In addition to tacos, the chain is also bringing 7-Select brand items — including juices, ice cream, electronics and wines — to the newly acquired sites.  The physical transformation of stores with the newest locations built by the Brown family over the past few years. Tanco said some of the improvements will involve cosmetic changes and improved store flow and display.

7–Eleven Inc. operates, franchises and/or licenses more than 71,800 stores in 17 countries, including 12,000 in North America and is No. 1 on the 2019 Convenience Store News Top 100 ranking.