The long-awaited 7-Eleven store finally opened its doors August 17 at the corner of Miami Lakes Drive and Fairway Drive. New customers were greeted by tents from the Florida Lottery and the radio station Hits 97.3. Free Slurpees as well as complimentary Monster Energy drinks or Coca-Cola products were also given to event-goers.
Mayor Manny Cid was also in attendance at the grand opening along with his two sons, who were also enjoying the Slurpees to beat the summer heat.
“It was the largest grand opening that I’ve experienced, and actually I think it was the largest that we’ve had in Miami,” said district manager and field consultant for Miami-Dade 7-Eleven stores, Edison Ingram. “We had one of the largest crowds, we had over 1,000 customers come in our store and make a purchase.”
The new store has many firsts for a 7-Eleven in South Florida. In addition to an innovative open ‘coffin-like’ freezer for ice cream, the store is the first in the area to have polished concrete floors, wood grain paneling and subway tiles to create a more modern look. A coffee bar is located next to the freezer with a variety of options including the traditional cup of joe and iced brews.
“You won’t find another 7-Eleven like this in Miami or anywhere in South Florida. It has the skylights for a more contemporary style. We’re also the first store in Miami with the company digital TV menu board. So come take a look at your beautiful 7-eleven!” chuckled Ingram.
A new self-serve roller grill with hot dogs and taquitos has also been introduced to the store. Starting September 26, the store will also be launching a new way to order through their 7-Now App. Healthier options are also available in their ‘better for you’ sandwich case that offers healthier alternatives like salads or protein packs.
The famous 7-Eleven Slurpee truck also made an appearance in the grand opening, traveling all the way from Texas for the special occasion. The most Slurpees ever given away in the state of Florida came in as a result. Although the store is considered to be run under corporate for now, the store will soon turn over their keys to a franchisee in October.
The 7-Eleven will also be making positive impacts to the community of Miami Lakes.
“We do school programs as far as grants. We’re really big into academics and sports, so the store will be donating as we build relationships with schools. We’ve actually reached out to schools within a two or five mile radius of the store, we used to grant up to $711, but we changed that, and now we can grant up to $2,000,” explained Ingram.
“We’re glad to be in the community, and we’re looking forward to a great partnership,” concluded Ingram.