WASHINGTON and BALTIMORE – Earlier this week, 7-Eleven announced that the company has significantly increased the percentage of franchise operations in the Maryland and Washington, D.C. markets and now provides more than 6,000 jobs through its stores in the region. Of the 781 stores in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C., markets, 85% are now franchise operations with the remainder company-operated and available for franchise.

“A 7-Eleven franchise provides an opportunity for individuals, couples or small corporations to open their own ready-to-operate convenience store with an industry leader,” said 7-Eleven Vice President of Franchise Systems Greg Franks, in a press release.

The company reports that its impact in the neighborhoods in which it does business is significant in the Baltimore and Washington metro areas. In 2013, local 7-Eleven stores paid $73 million to the Lottery for its share of tickets sold at store locations throughout the region. In addition, in 2013 alone, 7-Eleven stores paid almost $38 million in property, payroll, sales, use and excise taxes.

Currently, there are about 30 stores available for franchise in Maryland and the greater D.C. area.