As the largest convenience store operator in the world with stores all over the globe, from the United States to Europe to Asia, tailoring foodservice and offerings to regional preferences and local markets is a critical part of 7-Eleven’s strategy.
“Catering to local tastes is key to delivering a great customer experience,” said Brandon Brown, senior vice president, fresh foods at 7-Eleven Inc. “Offering local and regional specialties is a meaningful way to connect with customers by reflecting the unique tastes, traditions and preferences of communities. By incorporating local flavors and regional favorites into our foodservice offerings, we not only meet specific customer demands but also demonstrate that we understand and value the communities we serve.”
7-Eleven empowers its franchisees and store owners to merchandise on an item-by-item basis. Its Retailer Initiative program combines consumer and sales data with the local knowledge of store owners who have relationships with their customers, enabling them to customize merchandise and optimize the product mix to meet the specific needs of their communities, Brown explained.
7-Eleven stores in Dallas, for example, focus on offering Hispanic snacks as well as beer from local breweries, and other Texas locations serve Lone Star Pulled Pork Sliders and brisket tacos. Meanwhile in Virginia, the Old Bay Chicken Sandwich, Jalapeno Steak Sandwich and Spicy Chicken Biscuit are popular. 7-Eleven Hawaii serves unique items such as Spam musubi, sushi and bento boxes. “The introduction of these items stems from the high demand for convenient, ready-to-eat versions of beloved local dishes,” Brown said.
The retailer also draws inspiration from international destinations for new or LTO food items—last year it introduced mangonada donuts with Tajín, and has also offered barbecue pork sliders, chicken curry bowls and everything breakfast sandwiches. Taking note from the success of its Japanese stores, 7-Eleven has added popular Asian staples to its U.S. locations, including chicken teriyaki rice balls, miso ramen and sweet chili crisp wings.
7-Eleven partners with Warabeya commissary to have fresh food items in stores daily, which Brown said helps the company offer both national staples across the U.S. and tailor additional foodservice items to regional preferences and flavors. “Through our nationwide network of commissaries and bakeries, we develop a wide range of high-quality, craveable and convenient food items, both for our national menu and regional specialties,” said Brown.
“Staples such as pizza, wings and Big Bite hot dogs remain customer favorites everywhere, while regional hits such as the Nashville Hot Chicken Slider or the Cuban Grilled Press Sandwich reflect local culinary preferences,” said Brown. “This dynamic combination of staples and localized options ensures we can delight customers while making every 7-Eleven store feel connected to its community.”
Continue reading this excerpt and more about global foodservice trends in the November 2025 issue of NACS Magazine.