‘Too good to be true,’ cry 7-Eleven customers as convenience store promises to roll out sought-after cuisine in the US
7-ELEVEN is best known for its Slurpees, but the chain revealed it would soon be expanding its food and beverage options.
Earlier this week, the convenience store announced it would start introducing popular international food and snacks currently sold at 7-Eleven locations across the globe.
7-Eleven customers are eagerly awaiting items from a sought-after cuisine to hit shelves nationwide.
The convenience store revealed it was working closely with 7-Eleven Japan to "share learnings and best practices, including working with some of the same fresh food manufacturers," as its Japanese store counterparts, as reported by CW affiliate KTLA.
Some of the options, currently sold at 7-Eleven storefronts in Japan, include miso ramen, sweet chili crisp wings, and chicken teriyaki rice balls.
“We are constantly evolving the fresh food assortment in our stores, tailoring the offerings at each location to meet the needs and preferences of local customers," a 7-Eleven spokesperson said.
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"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."
The majority of the new items being introduced in convenience stores across the US can already be found at select 7-Eleven and Speedway locations worldwide.
Introducing these options is part of 7-Eleven's larger strategy. The company hopes to shift its focus from typical gas station fare like processed non-perishable staples to an array of fresher foods.
The chain also hopes to capitalize on the growing interest in Japanese convenience stores, called konbini, that has gone viral over the last few months.
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There are currently well over 150 million posts on TikTok related to Japanese convenience stores, with users sharing their thoughts on konbini food offerings, including drinks and snacks.
Some content creators, like @konbini.boy, have dedicated their social media platforms almost exclusively to the trend, sharing taste tests and new offerings to thousands of followers.
Social media users were mostly elated at the news, with some more "cautiously optimistic" than others.
"Ugh, too good to be true... if this is legit and the rollout is as good as Japan, I'll DIE," one user shared on Reddit.
"I'm cautiously optimistic but this could be amazing if they pull it off," another user wrote.
"I was in love with 7/11 in Japan. This would be a dream come true!" another user commented.
7-Eleven Locations Across the Globe
7-Eleven is a global brand with more stores than any other convenience store in the world, with over 84,000 locations worldwide.
7-Eleven convenience stores can be found in 19 countries, including:
- Australia
- Cambodia
- China
- Hong Kong
- India
- Indonesia
- Israel
- Japan
- Laos
- Macau
- Malaysia
- Phillippines
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- United Arab Emirates
- United States of America
- Vietnam
"Any idea when this might happen? I just want it to be as soon as possible," another user wrote.
Not all 7-Eleven customers were thrilled at the announcement, with some questioning how comparable the US items would be to their Japanese counterparts.
"This is awesome in theory but I have doubts about the quality control," one user wrote.
"But will it be as fresh and clean?" another user questioned.
"I'll believe it when I see it," another user commented.
Introducing Japanese cuisine into US 7-Eleven locations isn't an unusual move from the convenience store.
The chain is owned by a Japanese company, Seven & I Holdings through Seven-Eleven Japan Co., Ltd.
There are over 21,200 7-Eleven locations in Japan, making up nearly 30% of its global stores.
TOKYO TASTEBUDS
Japanese snack and food enthusiasts don't have to wait for 7-Eleven to introduce their new international fare in stores across the US.
Thanks to TokyoTreat, a unique subscription service tailored to Japanese snacks, consumers can sample a box of curated treats and eats right at home – no plane tickets required.
"@TokyoTreat Is finally here cant wait to dig in," one X user posted alongside a photo of assorted snack items.
"So excited for the snack tasting!" another user shared.
SLURPEE SURPRISE
As 7-Eleven gears up to expand its food and beverage offerings, some customers may be worried about the future of some of their favorite seasonal staples, like the chain's iconic Slurpees.
Despite introducing new international items to US stores, 7-Eleven has no plans to discontinue the fan-favorite sweet treat.
Earlier this summer, the chain even partnered with the makers of Drumstick frozen dessert cones for a unique collaboration, the Drumstick Slurpee Cone.
The Drumstick Slurpee Cone combines the flavors of a Blue Raspberry Slurpee in the shape of a Drumstick cone.
The fruity snack features vanilla ice cream with blue raspberry layers and candy bits.
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"I love Drumsticks. Never had a Slurpee but it would have to be pretty good to make me pass this up..." one social media user wrote.
"I'm conflicted with this one. It screams eat me, but my brain is saying it's not right," another user revealed.