First drive-thru opens at newest 7-Eleven evolution store

7-Eleven opened its sixth “Evoulution Store” concept store on March 23, according to an  announcement from PR Newswire. The essence, selection and services of the pilot stores were reported in detail in connection with the fifth such store opening.

Inventor of convenience store

7-Eleven invented convenience stores and now operates, franchises and/or licenses more than 72,800 stores in 17 countries, including 12,000 in North America. Known for its iconic brands such as Slurpee®, Big Bite® and Big Gulp®, 7-Eleven has expanded into high-quality sandwiches, salads, side dishes, cut fruit and protein boxes, as well as pizza, chicken wings and mini beef tacos. 7-Eleven offers customers industry-leading private brand products under the 7-Select™ brand including healthy options, decadent treats and everyday favorites at an outstanding value. Customers can earn and redeem points on various items in stores nationwide through its 7Rewards® loyalty program with more than 40 million members, place an order in the 7NOW® delivery app in over 1,300 cities, or rely on 7–Eleven for bill payment service, self-service lockers and other convenient services.

7-Eleven acquired the Laredo Taco Company restaurants along with Stripes® convenience stores in South Texas as part of the 1,000-store acquisition from Sunoco in 2018. Next year, at the retailer’s first 7-Eleven® Evolution Store in Dallas a Laredo Taco Company restaurant was opened. 23. March 2021 the premier name in convenience retailing unveiled its first-ever Laredo Taco Company drive-thru restaurant. This marks the first time 7-Eleven, Inc. has operated a corporate-owned drive-thru restaurant at one of its stores. The drive-thru customers can choose from over 30 beverages and even more food options and combinations both sitting in or driving through.

Tailored to customer needs

7-Eleven, Inc. is driving home its commitment to innovation with these Evolution Stores, and no two are exactly alike. Each 7-Eleven Evolution Store is an experiential testing ground, where customers can try and buy the retailer’s latest innovations in a pioneering store format. Already this year, the retailer plans to open several new concept stores. All include a restaurant concept, and the retailer continues to tweak the design and product mix based on customer feedback and shopping habits.

The most popular features include self-serve specialty coffee and espresso drinks, on-tap novelty beverages, cookies and croissants baked fresh in-store, a wide selection of national brand skincare and cosmetics items, and The Wine Cellar and Beer Cave, dedicated to an enhanced and expansive selection of wine, beer and specialty alcoholic beverages. Larger-than-life murals painted by local muralist Tex Moton and an expanded assortment of premium and better-for-you items are stocked keep customers coming back.

The new store is one of a growing number to offer mobile checkout and delivery. With the 7Rewards® loyalty program, in-store customers can skip the checkout counter and pay for their purchases on their phone. The convenient feature is found in the 7-Eleven app. The 7NOW® delivery app also lets customers order favorite 7-Eleven foods, beverages, groceries and household products to be delivered straight to their door.

“While opening the first Laredo Taco Company drive-thru restaurant with a 7-Eleven store would be exciting any time, we think customers looking for socially distanced ways to grab breakfast, lunch and dinner will really appreciate it now,” Tanco said. “Soon I hope, ordering tacos and beverages for in-person get-togethers with family and friends will be the norm once again.”