One in every 25 7-Eleven employees in the U.S. has a direct military connection, a company spokesperson told NACS in “Veterans Are Mission Ready for C-Store Leadership” in the October issue of NACS Magazine. Veterans, 7-Eleven said, “bring a mission-first mindset, a strong sense of service and a deep commitment to their neighborhoods,” values that strengthen both the business and the communities they serve.

7-Eleven offers its Veteran Franchisee Program, which gives qualified veterans fee discounts to help lower the cost of ownership, as well as dedicated support designed specifically for veterans to help with the franchise process.

The inspiration behind 7-Eleven’s Veterans Franchise Program “stems from a deep appreciation for the values veterans bring to the business world,” the spokesperson said. Veterans “are represented at every level of our organization, from the c-suite to mid-management to entry-level positions in stores and the field, and their contributions continue to shape our culture.”

Launched in 2009, the program was designed “to create meaningful franchise opportunities for transitioning service members.” It began with fee discounts and veteran-focused recruiting, and has since expanded into “a full suite of support, from personalized training and mentorship to internal recognition programs and community events.”

CEO Joe DePinto, a U.S. Army veteran, has been “one of the driving forces behind our commitment to veterans,” helping set the tone for veteran engagement across the brand.

Support is both financial and personal. “Qualified veterans receive a franchise fee discount to help lower the cost of ownership and make entrepreneurship more accessible.” A recruiting team made up entirely of veterans “guides candidates through every step of the process, from inquiry to store opening, with insight into both franchising and the military-to-civilian transition.”

The challenges of leaving the service aren’t limited to veterans alone. “Spouses and families are also impacted,” 7-Eleven acknowledged. To ease that shift, the program combines financial incentives, a proven business model and ongoing field support “so franchisees don’t have to start from scratch.”

Today, hundreds of veteran-owned 7-Eleven stores operate nationwide, with the most growth in Texas, Florida and California, the company said.

Continue reading “Veterans Are Mission Ready for C-Store Leadership” in the October 2025 issue of NACS Magazine.