7-Eleven Day Brings Free Slurpees

DALLAS -- On July 11, 7-Eleven stores across the nation will celebrate the chain's 80th birthday, also known as 7-Eleven Day, with free 7.11-ounce Slurpee drinks in special birthday cups while supplies last.

"We want to thank the six million customers who come through our doors each day in the USA by giving them a birthday gift synonymous with 7-Eleven -- a refreshing and free Slurpee beverage on July 11," Joe DePinto, 7-Eleven president and CEO, said in a written statement.

As the chain' birthday approaches, the company took a look back its roots, when a loaf of bread cost 9 cents, a gallon of milk 56 cents, a dozen eggs was 46 cents, and ice was sold in blocks rather than bags.

"7-Eleven has been providing convenience-oriented and time-pressed customers with products and services they need while keeping up with their ever-changing preferences," DePinto added. "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. It's at this time of year when we take a look back at all we've accomplished and anticipate the many great things ahead for our company, our customers, franchisees and employees."

In 1927, an entrepreneurial ice dock manager, named Uncle Johnny Green, created the convenience store when he added milk, bread and eggs for the convenience of ice customers and stayed open on Sundays when no one else did, the company stated.

Then, in the 30s, The Southland Ice Co., based in Dallas, Texas, were open-front, drive-ins, operating 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week, and offered curb service, staples, canned goods, salt, cookies, candy and, in season watermelon.

In the late 30s, beer was sold through the Southland's Tote'm stores. In the 1940's stores' hours of operation stretched to meet consumer demand. Ice shops operating under the Southland banner stayed open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. The name was changed to 7-Eleven to reflect the hours of operation.
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