7-Eleven in Japan it is known for its high quality Fresh foodwhile its American counterpart is more associated with gas stations, Slurpees, hot dogs and pizza. But later this year, the world's largest convenience store chain, with more than 13,000 locations in North America and more 83,000 worldwideplans to introduce Japanese-inspired menu offerings to the US

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7-Eleven, which ranked #25 IN 2024 Franchise 500 Ranking, has been owned by Japan's Seven & I Holdings since 2005. Japan's 7-Eleven franchise stores excel at data-driven operations, offering fresh food tailored to local tastes. That contrasts with U.S. stores, which have historically made most of their money from gas and cigarette sales — revenues that are declining, according to Wall Street Journal.

Now, the focus is shifting more towards food: the company's goal is to grow it food sales from 24% to a third of total sales, according to WSJ.

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To do this, 7-Eleven is improving its U.S. commissaries—17 “hub”-type locations across the country that produce food for all of its U.S. stores—and partnering with Japanese suppliers to offer a wider range of fresh food options. While you'll still be able to get a Big Gulp at your local 7-Eleven, you'll also be able to get some fresh sushi — or or new type of snack.

“Our team draws inspiration from around the world to introduce new items like Mangonada Donuts with Tajin, BBQ Pork Sliders, Chicken Curry Bowls and all things breakfast sandwiches,” said a spokesperson for the brand. today.

The company also plans to use data and targeted advertising to bring the fresh, high-quality atmosphere of Japanese stores to the US market.

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7-Eleven would not be the first major US-founded corporation to inject Japanese thinking into its operations. of the philosophy of kaizenmeaning “continuous improvement”, combines the Japanese words “kai” (change) and “zen” (good) and was popularized in the West by Masaaki Imai's 1986 book. Kaizen: The Key to Japan's Competitive Success. Trader Joe's started practicing kaizen in 2007, when then-CEO John Bane, who retired last year after 22 years of driving, the specialist dealer approved it to drive company expansion.

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