7-Eleven Boosts Baltimore & D.C. Franchise Ops

DALLAS — 7-Eleven Inc. has significantly grown its franchise network in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. markets. According to the Dallas-based retailer, 85 percent of 7-Eleven convenience stores in those markets are now franchise operations.

The remaining stores are company operated and available for franchise. Currently, there are about 30 stores available for franchise in Maryland and the greater Washington, D.C. area, the company reported.

"A 7-Eleven franchise provides an opportunity for individuals, couples or small corporations to open their own ready-to-operate convenience store with an industry leader," said 7-Eleven's Vice President of Franchise Systems Greg Franks.

7-Eleven provides the land, building, equipment and a turnkey operation for its franchisees.

The retailer said 7-Eleven ownership also is ideal for retired or separated military veterans and others seeking second careers. Through 7-Eleven’s military veterans franchise program, qualified veterans who have left the military less than five years ago can receive up to a 20-percent discount on the franchise fee for the first 7-Eleven store they franchise. The dollar value of the discount varies according to the specific 7-Eleven store’s sales and gross profit.

The company has provided more than $1.1 million in discounts nationwide to military veterans since its first franchise-fee discount program started in 2009.

The one-time franchise fee averages between $50,000 and $175,000, in addition to approximately $28,000 for the store’s inventory and supplies, licenses and change-fund asset.

7-Eleven Inc. operates, franchises or licenses more than 10,300 7-Eleven convenience stores in North America.