Seven-Eleven (7-11)/7-Eleven

The Seveneleven 7117eleven franchise began in 1927 in Dallas, Texas, when Southland Ice Company employee John Jefferson Green sold eggs, milk, bread and other essentials from an ice house with permission from director Joe C. Thompson Sr. The stores became Tote'm Stores in 1928, and the 7-Eleven name was adopted in 1946 to reflect operating hours from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., seven days a week. Franchising began in 1961. In July 1999, The Southland Corporation became 7-Eleven Inc. As of August 2024, the brand operated, franchised or licensed approximately 85,000 stores across 20 countries and territories. Other reports cite more than 81,000 stores in 17 countries by October 2025 and more than 84,000 stores in 19 countries by November 2025. North America had approximately 11,900 to 15,000 stores in October 2025, including about 13,229 in the United States and Canada. These locations sit within two miles of 51% of the U.S. population and cover 47 of the 50 largest markets. Japan had 21,668 stores as of August 2024, including 2,824 in Tokyo. Other markets included Taiwan with 1,908 units, Thailand with 1,105, China with 398, Australia with 177, South Korea with 171, Malaysia with 151, and the Philippines with 2,176 outlets as of May 2023, including 1,182 franchise owned stores. The global convenience store market was valued at USD 704.11 billion in 2025.

The global convenience store market was valued at USD 704.11 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 1001.62 billion by 2031, with a 6.05% CAGR from 2026 to 2031. Other estimates put the market at approximately $750 billion in 2024 and $900 billion by 2028, while another forecast calls for USD 1036.9 billion and a 7.1% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. Growth reflects urban migration, demand for immediate purchases, digital ordering, loyalty programs and payment tools. Foodservice is a major contributor, as customers seek ready to eat and ready to heat meals and higher transaction values. Demand for private label products is also increasing, and 7-Eleven is expanding its own offerings. Mobile ordering, payment options and self checkout kiosks build on earlier innovations such as to go coffee cups, self serve soda fountains and 24 hour operations. Convenience stores also offer essential services and multiple revenue streams during economic downturns.

Investment varies by store, including whether the buyer develops a new location or takes over an existing one. Reported initial franchise fees range from $1,100,000, with Entrepreneur citing amounts up to $1,000,000 and some sources citing approximately $20,000. The official 7-Eleven FAQ says the fee depends on the selected store. Reported total initial investment ranges include $37,200 to $1,635,200, $25,000 to $677,800 in PeerSense data, $47,050 to $1,165,400, $50,000 to $1,000,000, $141,650 to $1,370,850, $37,550 to $1,149,900, and $142,000 to $1,628,000. Costs may include construction, equipment, inventory and opening expenses, with foodservice equipment and major upgrades increasing the investment. Suggested liquid capital ranges from $50,000 to $150,000 or $50,000 to $250,000, while ideal investors may have $250,000 or more. Suggested net worth ranges from $100,000 to $250,000, with another source specifying $150,000. An advertising fund contribution is often cited at 1%. Other reported costs include training of up to $9,000 or $13,650, a $20,000 opening inventory down payment, and additional inventory of $15,100 to $44,500 or $42,000 to $240,000. Cash register funds range from $500 to $1,500 or $2,500 to $15,360. Store supplies range from $500 to $2,500 or $1,000 to $3,700. Licenses and permits range from $8,000 to $10,000 or $7,150 to $11,000, and insurance ranges from $1,500 to $36,000. A grand opening fee of $8,000 and first three months of additional funds estimated at $60,000 to $180,000 are also reported. Seven Eleven Japan, a wholly owned subsidiary of Seven & I Holdings, is the parent company. Qualified applicants may receive financing for up to 65% of the initial franchise fee, an open account for inventory and operating expenses, and a 10% fee discount for honorably discharged veterans. Some sources cite a discount of up to 20%.

Franchisees are expected to manage daily operations and staffing directly in a business that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The model requires ongoing attention to employees, leadership and organization. The company is introducing larger New Standard stores with more foodservice and broader product and beverage selections. These formats evolved from Evolution stores, which began in Dallas in 2019 with in store restaurants, premium cigars, craft beer and wine cellars. A cashier less store opened at the Irving, Texas headquarters in February 2020. Franchisees receive training, a business system, trademarks and a recognized brand. Early leader Joe C. Thompson, Sr. established a practice of giving all staff the same training to support consistent service. The U.S. and Canada network of approximately 13,229 locations places the brand within two miles of 51% of the U.S. population. Its territory strategy emphasizes broad market access rather than large exclusive territories. Specific multi unit requirements are not provided. Retail management experience and strong operating skills fit the owner operator model.

The market was valued at USD 704.11 billion in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 1001.62 billion by 2031 at a 6.05% CAGR. Plans call for 1,100 new restaurants in U.S. stores by 2030 and 1,300 larger format stores with greater foodservice during the same period. The company also plans 500 new convenience stores from 2025 through 2027, including 125 in 2025.

The brand plans 1,100 new U.S. store restaurants and 1,300 larger format stores by 2030, with a greater foodservice focus. It also intends to build 500 convenience stores from 2025 through 2027, beginning with 125 in 2025 and reaching more than 500 by 2027. In October 2024, the company closed 444 underperforming North American stores following consumer pull back and declining cigarette sales. Joe DePinto retired as CEO of 7-Eleven Inc. at the end of 2025 after more than 20 years. Stanley Reynolds and Douglas Rosencrans became interim co CEOs, while Stephen Hayes Dacus became the first foreign CEO of Seven & I Holdings in 2025. In April 2024, the franchise completed a $1 billion deal to acquire additional Stripes and Laredo Taco Company locations from Sunoco LP. The transaction expanded its store and foodservice presence alongside existing Speedway operations nationally and Stripes Convenience Stores in the West South Central United States. The brand's competitive position rests on its brand recognition and its distribution network, which places 13,229 U.S. and Canadian stores near a large share of consumers.