July 11 is the observed birthday of Oak Cliff-born 7-Eleven, and as every year, anyone can get a free small Slurpee while supplies last.
The original 7-Eleven store was the offspring of the Southland Ice Co. on Edgefield at Clarendon in Oak Cliff. In colder months, the ice house didn’t do much business, so in 1927, Southalnd employee John Jefferson Green had the idea to sell milk, eggs and bread off the dock. Eventually, that became the store’s main business. It became the first convenience store and was renamed 7-Eleven because it was open from 7 a.m.-11 p.m.
By 1950, there were 80 stores. Southland began building new stores and remodeling old ones throughout the ’50s. New stores were much larger, had wider aisles and bigger parking lots. Since then, 7-Eleven has gone on to have more than 57,000 stores on four continents.
July 11 marks the convenience store chain’s 97th birthday and what’s become known as National Slurpee Day, when 7-Eleven gives away free Slurpees to celebrate. There’s no purchase necessary for your free small Slurpee.
This year, the free small Slurpees come in special edition cup designed with the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Customers can also support the charity by making a donation when they come into stores.
