7-Eleven

Convenience store known the world over for its grab-and-go needs and slushy-sweet Slurpees.

by Katie Heffernan

In Short
Forget about asking the neighbor for a cup of sugar--this corner store aims to sell all those last-minute necessities and more. Milk, magazines, home cleaners, cigarettes, lottery tickets and seasonal items like firewood fill the all-hours, florescent-lit aisles. The store also serves prepared foods, from grilled hot dogs to bakery-fresh cookies, while famous frozen drinks called Slurpees and 32-ounce Big Gulp sodas have made loyal customers out of occasional patrons.