DALLAS — 7-Eleven opened its first and only lab store as a way to test products – and it’s right here in Dallas.
The 7-Eleven Lab Store opened on March 22 on Sylvan Avenue, north of Interstate 30.
“This new lab store will serve as a place to test, learn and iterate new platforms and products to see what really resonates with customers and how we can use those learnings to influence future store designs," 7-Eleven executive vice president and chief operating officer Chris Tanco said.
The lab store offers organic slurpees, several beers on tap, loose-leaf tea in bulk, soft-serve ice cream, dry snacks by the ounce and a variety of hot food items.
There’s also an extensive makeup and medicine selection, as well as assorted pantry items.
“You get a wide variety,” customer Tess Salazar said. “A lot more options than just a regular 7-Eleven. It’s pretty cool.”
There are 450 regular 7-Eleven stores in the DFW area. The lab store on Sylvan Avenue is the only one of its kind in the United States.
“I love that it’s so clean and upscale," customer Julie Ho said. “I mean, there’s a whole wine cellar.”
“The Cellar” is an alcove in the lab store that’s dedicated to an expanded selection of wines and craft beers. One of the bottles of wine goes for $239.99.
Customers have noticed the difference between today’s cleaner and more organized convenience store and the one that used to sit in its place.
“Before, you might come and then you might not come back,” Edward Yaipes said.
Today, customers are coming back for the gasoline, various sundries and the tacos from Laredo Taco Company, a taqueria inside the lab store.
“I got the shrimp and a beef brisket [taco],” Dwayne Rohlf said. “They’re really good. Probably the best around.”
7-Eleven acquired Laredo Taco Company in 2018. The Sylvan Avenue location is the first Laredo Taco Company location in Dallas.
The store is located at the Sylvan | Thirty retail and restaurant development on Sylvan Avenue, north of Interstate 30.