Dive Brief:
- The world's largest convenience store chain has primarily been known as just that—a place to grab a quick bite and run. Known for its slurpees, hot dogs, and glazed doughnuts, 7-Eleven has never been a place that catered to the health nuts.
- But as more and more brands aim to make themselves more health conscious, 7-Eleven doesn't want to be left behind. So 104 stores across Southern California are testing out good-for-you foods like fresh sandwiches, wraps, salads, even cold-pressed juices.
- The new healthy foods are sold under the banner of 'Tony Horton Kitchen,' who is also the founder of the popular exercise series P90X.
Dive Insight:
Healthier food options are the second most requested item for the chain across social media, Internet, and phone calls, Raja Doddala, senior director for innovation at 7-Eleven, told USA Today. Not only that, but the store sells seven times more bananas than Snickers, its most popular candy. Doddala also admits that "fitness-oriented Millenials" are a large reason for the healthy food push. If successful, Horton's line of fresh sandwiches and juices could be extended throughout Southern California with a chance of going national.