7-Eleven

7-Eleven

7-Eleven, Inc. was founded in 1927 by Joe C. Thompson Jr. as an ice dock in Dallas, eventually expanding into the world's first convenience store. The company pioneered self-service soda fountains, fresh coffee to-go cups, and gasoline sales. It remains privately held, with ownership split between Seven & i Holdings and regional franchisees. The firm's strategy centers on convenience retail, operating over 86,000 stores in 19 countries across Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia. It manages multiple banners including Speedway, Stripes, Laredo Taco Company, and Raise the Roost Chicken & Biscuits. 7-Eleven has acquired over 4,800 stores since 2018, including 1,030 Stripes locations in January 2018 and 3,800 Speedway stores in May 2021 (per firm website). The company also owns Skipcart, a delivery platform acquired in 2022, and offers proprietary services like 7NOW, 7Rewards, and 7-Eleven Fleet. As of 2026, 7-Eleven operates 13,000 stores in the US and Canada, with 86,000 globally. Team size is not publicly disclosed beyond corporate employees at headquarters in Irving, Texas. Adjacent vehicles include the Trans@ct prepaid card and the Skipcart delivery platform, both serving as operating businesses. The firm was ranked #2 in Franchise Times Top 400 in 2023 and named one of the Top 20 Most Valuable Global Retail Brands by Kantar. 7-Eleven's structural differentiator is its franchise-heavy operating model, where nearly all stores are independently owned, providing capital-light expansion. Its ownership structure, split between a Japanese parent company and franchisees, allows it to maintain a local focus while leveraging global supply chains. The company has introduced digital innovations like mobile checkout and 24/7 delivery, yet its core business remains rooted in physical retail.