7-Eleven Takes Fast Track to North Carolina Growth

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- 7-Eleven Inc. is expanding into the Forsyth County region of North Carolina through the purchase of 13 Fast Track convenience stores, reported the Winston-Salem Journal. Rebranding of the stores is expected to take place from December through February.

The c-store chain previously operated within North Carolina in the 1960s, but exited the state in 1988 as part of a leveraged buyout, according to the report.

"We re-entered the North Carolina area after a long absence earlier this year when we acquired 55 Sam’s Mart locations," said company spokesman Scott Drake. "Once we have re-entered a market, we will continue to look for opportunities to both grow our presence and to also locate local entrepreneurs who have an interest in becoming franchisees for us."

7-Eleven has accelerated its growth in recent years and expects to have 970 new stores in the U.S. and Canada, and more than 4,000 worldwide, this year, Drake said in an e-mail.

Some of the new North Carolina stores to be converted are located at 2375 Lewisville Clemmons Road in Clemmons; 1005 S. Main St. in Kernersville; 5076 Styers Ferry Road in Lewisville and 5916 University Parkway in Winston-Salem.

7-Eleven most recently completed an acquisition of 163 TETCO stores. It currently operates, franchises or licenses more than 9,400 7-Eleven stores in North America.