7-elevens To Franchise In South Florida

(Thursday, June 21, 2007) - Convenience store chain 7-Eleven said it plans to convert about 100 company-operated stores in Florida into franchised operations.

The Dallas-based company said the change affects 7-Eleven stores in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, Indian River and St. Lucie counties.

Existing 7-Eleven store managers were invited to apply for a 7-Eleven franchise before the company made its plans public.

So far, two Florida store managers have become franchise owners under the new plan: Afsana Lina Baig in Fort Lauderdale and Evelyn Lortie in Port St. Lucie.

Baig is to become the franchisee of a store on Las Olas Boulevard. The Bangladesh native came to the United States in 1998. Her uncle, a manager at another South Florida 7-Eleven, recommended the company to her. Despite her marriage to a doctor and having two sons, Baig became the first female member of her traditional family to have a career.

"It makes me feel good to have a sense of independence and self-sufficiency," she said.

Sid Brockman, 7-Eleven vice president for Florida operations, said the company is moving more decision-making to the stores.

"Franchisees truly have a vested interest in knowing their customers and communities," he said. "We believe they are in the best position to understand and respond to their local retail needs, which, in turn, builds customer loyalty and sales."

7-Eleven provides the land, building, equipment and a turnkey operation for its franchisees.

The company said the average upfront, total investment for a 7-Eleven franchise in Florida is about $180,000. However, that number can vary by location and the store's sales history.

About 3,650 of 7-Eleven's almost 5,400 U.S. stores are now franchised.

The company shares in franchises' gross profits.