Dive Brief:
- Electra Consumer Products, a franchisee for 7-Eleven, opened the chain’s first store in Israel on Wednesday, according to a press release.
- The new store, located in the Dizengoff Center Mall in Tel Aviv, will sell well-known 7-Eleven products like Slurpees and Big Gulp drinks, alongside popular Israeli items.
- The store also plans a fresh food menu featuring kosher items including Zaatar Pita, Kube and Fatayer.
Dive Insight:
7-Eleven is taking its cues from the dining culture of the area in designing its food service. In addition to the array of kosher offerings, which include green and legume salads, sandwiches and sausage, the store will feature locally sourced sauces and toppings.
“With its thriving economy and growing population, Israel offers an excellent environment for 7–Eleven’s first retail venture in the region,” said Ken Wakabayashi, 7-Eleven International co-CEO. “Our entrance into the country brings Israeli customers a one-stop-shop solution with quality fresh food and convenience needs, via a store format not currently prevalent in the market.”
Electra Consumer Products initially signed its franchise agreement with 7-Eleven in October 2021. The plan is for dozens of 7-Eleven stores to quickly open in Israel, and the overall agreement is for 20 years, with the option to extend it for 50 more years.
The Tel Aviv store is not only the first for the chain in Israel, but the first in the entire region. The countries that 7-Eleven calls home are concentrated in Asia, northern Europe, Australia and North America. The country has about 10,000 convenience stores and kiosks already, according to The Jerusalem Post.
“With its growing and vibrant population and continued economic expansion, Israel presents an ideal location for the growth of 7-Eleven stores,” said Joe de Pinto, president and CEO of 7-Eleven, in the 2021 press release.
Dallas, Texas-based 7-Eleven owns or franchises over 83,000 stores in 19 countries, making it the largest c-store brand in the world.
