Get All Access for $5/mo

7-Eleven Stores in the U.S. Will Introduce Some Japanese-Inspired Changes. Here's What to Expect. You'll soon be able to pick up some fresh sushi or a new type of snack at your local 7-Eleven — but the Big Gulp isn't going away.

By Carl Stoffers Edited by Jessica Thomas

Key Takeaways

  • Later this year, 7-Eleven, the world's largest convenience store chain, plans to introduce Japanese-inspired offerings in the U.S.
  • 7-Eleven, which ranked #25 in the 2024 Franchise 500 Ranking, has been owned by Japan's Seven & I Holdings since 2005.
  • Unlike its U.S. stores, the franchise's Japanese locations offer fresh food tailored to local tastes.

7-Eleven in Japan is known for high-quality fresh food, while its American counterpart is more typically associated with gas stations, Slurpees, hot dogs and pizza. But later this year, the world's largest convenience store chain, with more than 13,000 locations in North America and over 83,000 worldwide, plans to introduce Japanese-inspired menu offerings in the U.S.

Related: Considering franchise ownership? Get started now to find your personalized list of franchises that match your lifestyle, interests and budget.

7-Eleven, which ranked #25 in the 2024 Franchise 500 Ranking, has been owned by Japan's Seven & I Holdings since 2005. The franchise's Japanese 7-Eleven stores excel with data-driven operations, offering fresh food tailored to local tastes. This differs from U.S. stores, which have historically made most of their money on gas and cigarette sales — revenues that are declining, per the Wall Street Journal.

Now, the focus is shifting more towards food: The company's goal is to increase its food sales from 24% to one-third of total sales, according to the WSJ.

Related: Find Out Which Brands Have Ranked on the Franchise 500 for Longest, Earning a Spot In our New 'Hall of Fame'

To do so, 7-Eleven is upgrading its U.S. commissaries — 17 "hub" type locations around the country that make food for all its U.S. stores — and partnering with Japanese suppliers to offer a broader range of fresh food options. Although you'll still be able to get a Big Gulp at your local 7-Eleven, you'll also be able to pick up some fresh sushi — or a new type of snack.

"Our team draws inspiration from around the world to introduce new items like Mangonada donuts with Tajin, barbecue pork sliders, chicken curry bowls and everything breakfast sandwiches," a brand spokesperson told Today.

The company also plans to leverage data and targeted advertising to bring the Japanese convenience stores' fresh, high-quality vibe to the American market.

Related: Find Out Which Brands Have Ranked on the Franchise 500 for Longest, Earning a Spot In our New 'Hall of Fame'

7-Eleven won't be the first large U.S.-founded corporation to inject Japanese thought into its operations. The philosophy of kaizen, meaning "continuous improvement," combines the Japanese words "kai" (change) and "zen" (good) and was popularized in the West by Masaaki Imai's 1986 book Kaizen: The Key to Japan's Competitive Success. Trader Joe's began practicing kaizen in 2007, when then-CEO John Bane, who retired last year after 22 years running the specialty grocer, adopted it to drive the company's expansion.

Read More: Food & Wine

Carl Stoffers

Entrepreneur Staff

Senior Business Editor

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Science & Technology

Why Businesses Are Relying on Automation to Survive the Labor Crisis

Robots are revolutionizing industries by addressing labor shortages and enhancing efficiency, while businesses navigate challenges like workforce adaptation and high implementation costs.

Green Entrepreneur®

How Global Business Leaders Can Build a Sustainable Supply Chain

Businesses can build sustainable supply chains by leveraging technology to reduce environmental impact, optimize resources and track emissions while balancing operational efficiency and sustainability goals.

Side Hustle

'Hustling Every Day': These Friends Started a Side Hustle With $2,500 Each — It 'Snowballed' to Over $500,000 and Became a Multimillion-Dollar Brand

Paris Emily Nicholson and Saskia Teje Jenkins had a 2020 brainstorm session that led to a lucrative business.

Productivity

6 Habits That Help Successful People Maximize Their Time

There aren't enough hours in the day, but these tips will make them feel slightly more productive.

Celebrity Entrepreneurs

The Pep Talk From Mickey Mouse We All Need to Hear, Compliments of Chris Diamantopoulos

Chris Diamantopoulos, the star of "The Sticky," "Red Notice" and the voice of Mickey Mouse, gets real about resilience, chasing dreams, and his desperate wish for a normal hobby.