1927

Texas beginnings

The story of 7-Eleven Hawaii begins across the ocean in Dallas, Texas, with the opening of the world’s first convenience store, an ice house named Southland Ice Company. The core products include eggs, bread, and a gallon of milk for $0.56.

1928

Expanding assortment

Southland Ice Company changes its name to Tote’m Stores because customers tote their purchases away. Operators quickly learn that customers are also looking for everyday items such as staples, canned goods, and gasoline.

1946

Satisfying customers

The 7-Eleven name is coined after the expanded operating hours of 7:00am – 11:00pm. With 7-Eleven operating under Southland Corporation, the stores become mom-and-pop stores and supermarkets wrapped into one.

1963

Hours change again

Southland Corporation now reaches beyond Texas to Florida, Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania. One night after a football game in Austin, Texas, the store remains busy and stays open all night. It becomes the first convenience store to remain open 24 hours. Sales are so strong that this model expands to other stores in Texas, California and Las Vegas.

1965

The first signature offering

SLURPEE® is born! This iconic frozen beverage was named after the sound made when drinking it through a straw.

TIP: Check out Hawaii’s local flavor assortment! In the past, we have had favorite local flavors such as Haupia, Ube, Li Hing Gummy Bear, and many more!

1973

An agreement is made

Toshifumi Suzuki, a businessman from Japan working for Ito-Yokado Supermarket Chain, visits a 7-Eleven in the US, likes the concept, and pitches it when he returns to Japan. Southland Corporation allows them to be a subsidiary.

1976

The second signature offering

Next is BIG GULP® The first self-serve soda fountain. Other technological inventions help propel the self-service industry in this decade, including the microwave oven and hot dog roller grills.

1978

The first Hawaii store

In Hawaii, the 2nd Avenue Store opens on April 14th, 1978, and is still in operation today. Convenience stores are new to Hawaii and the local people welcome the 24-hour operation.

1989

Local operation

7-Eleven Hawaii, Inc. becomes a locally operated company under the direction of 7-Eleven Japan in December.

1992

Hawaii expansion

47 locations are operating Hawaii! The Hawaii team works closely with Japan to build an infrastructure that will grow the business.

1994

SPAM® Musubi is sold

This staple product has been winning awards such as Best Musubi for many years and is noted as a “must try” for residents and visitors alike.

1998

Bento is sold

2002

Sushi is sold

Just don’t call it gas station sushi.

2012

Hawaii’s Neighborhood Store

The concept of Your Neighborhood Store is established as the company’s guiding vision to provide localized offerings and add value for customers statewide.

2021

Continued global expansion & a new fresh food facility for Hawaii

Globally, 7-Eleven remains the largest chain in the convenience retailing industry, with 77,000 stores worldwide in 18 countries and regions.

7-Eleven Hawaii’s commissary partner, Warabeya USA, relocates to a new facility in Waipahu, Oahu.

2023

Local expansion and renovations

7-Eleven Hawaii opens its 66th location in Kaneohe Shopping Center on Oahu. The company continues its commitment to improved store environments with renovations to Nu’uanu I and Kapalama stores.