11 Controversies Involving 7-Eleven

For almost a century, the convenience store giant 7-Eleven has been satisfying thirsts with iconic beverages like Big Gulps and Slurpees. The brand’s name originated from its early hours of operation—7 a.m. to 11 p.m.—which began in 1946. Before that, it was called Tote’m Stores. Today, 7-Eleven operates over 71,100 stores globally, more than double the number of McDonald's locations, which stand at an impressive 34,000.

With that level of success comes its share of bumps along the way, and not just from too many Big Gulps. As 7-Eleven Day is celebrated on July 11, let's explore 11 moments when the company found itself at the center of controversy.

1. 7-Eleven’s Cold War with a Japanese Franchise Owner.

In 2019, 7-Eleven franchisee Mitoshi Matsumoto made the decision to reduce the operating hours of his Osaka location from the usual 24 hours to 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. This led to a legal battle between Matsumoto and 7-Eleven, with the conflict escalating further. The company even opened a second store in the parking lot of Matsumoto’s establishment, claiming to have surveillance footage showing him assaulting customers—once with a headbutt and another time by kicking a car. Additionally, 7-Eleven accused Matsumoto of failing to provide ‘commemorative mayonnaise’ to customers during his 2012 grand opening. The outcome of this court case could influence the balance of power between franchisees and the company regarding store operations.

2. 7-Eleven once found itself in the midst of a charity-driven 3-D glasses controversy.

The 3-D glasses debacle unfolded in 1982 when 7-Eleven stores in Montana were criticized for selling 3-D glasses for the movie, Revenge of the Creature (1955), which was airing on local TV. According to the Easter Seal Society, the problem arose because the glasses’ sales were intended to raise funds for the Society. However, 7-Eleven wasn’t one of the authorized retailers, meaning they kept the profits. Dave Bingman, an area sales manager for Southland Corporation, which owned 7-Eleven at the time, stated that the chain offered the Society 5 cents per pair sold, but the Society insisted on receiving the full amount. Eventually, 7-Eleven donated a portion of the proceeds to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

3. A 7-Eleven sandwich sparked an online uproar.

In 2020, 7-Eleven stores in Japan faced backlash on social media for what some customers claimed was a deceptive sandwich. The Atsuyakitamago Mix Sand (translated as 'thick omelet mixed sandwich') appeared to be a tasty breakfast option. However, the sandwich's egg filling was uneven—what looked like a hearty serving of egg in profile turned out to be much smaller in some areas. Critics quickly dubbed it a 'paper tiger sandwich,' and 7-Eleven responded, explaining that a manufacturing issue had caused the egg portion to be smaller than intended.

4. 7-Eleven found one competitor too close for comfort.

In 2019, 7-Eleven took legal action against Quick E Mart, a convenience store in Portland, Oregon, for allegedly infringing on its trademark. Quick E Mart, which took its name from the Kwik-E-Mart in *The Simpsons*, was using the green and red stripes from the 7-Eleven logo. Given that 7-Eleven has occasionally rebranded its own stores to resemble the Kwik-E-Mart for promotional events tied to *The Simpsons*, the company argued that this could confuse customers. As of now, there has been no announced resolution to the lawsuit.

5. 7-Eleven faced backlash over misleading drink packaging in Japan.

While Slurpees and Big Gulps are fan favorites, 7-Eleven in Japan also offers milk flavored with strawberry or banana. However, the design of the plastic containers led some customers to believe the cups were filled to the brim (in the case of banana) or packed with fruit (for strawberry). Once the drinks were consumed, patrons realized that these images were merely design elements, and there was actually less liquid than the packaging suggested. The complaints gained traction in early 2021, with one critic referring to it as the work of 'devious geniuses.' Nevertheless, most agreed that the drink itself was delicious.

6. 7-Eleven had to issue a directive preventing customers from filling toilet bowls or kiddie pools with Slurpees.

Slurpees, the iconic icy beverage, are often featured in various promotions. In 2015, 7-Eleven launched a special offer where customers could fill their own containers for just $1.50. However, some customers took advantage of the deal by bringing in large containers, including kiddie pools, toilet bowls, and even sleds. In response, the company implemented a new rule the following year: any container used for refills had to fit within a 10-inch opening in the store.

7. 7-Eleven became the target of ICE raids.

In 2018, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raided 98 7-Eleven locations across 17 states and Washington, D.C., in what ICE described as a coordinated crackdown on undocumented workers. A total of 21 individuals were arrested. 7-Eleven responded by stating that the stores were independently operated by franchisees who were responsible for hiring. This raid followed a previous investigation in 2013 that uncovered nine 7-Eleven managers in New York and Virginia who had employed illegal workers under false identities and siphoned off part of their wages. As a result, the franchise agreements of law-breaking franchisees were terminated.

8. 7-Eleven faced a proposed ban on Big Gulps.

Big Gulps serve their purpose clearly: offering up to 64 ounces of soda for thirsty customers. In 2019, California attempted to reduce excessive soda consumption by introducing a bill that would ban the sale of large unsealed drinks exceeding 16 ounces in stores and restaurants. The bill was ultimately rejected, but it caused concern for 7-Eleven, which argued that educational initiatives on diet would be more effective than limiting drink sizes. A similar attempt by former New York City mayor Mike Bloomberg to restrict sugary drinks was blocked by a Manhattan judge in 2013, but contrary to popular belief, the ruling would not have impacted Big Gulps; only businesses with health grade ratings would have been required to comply.

9. 7-Eleven was involved in an Australian wage theft scandal.

In 2015, The Sydney Morning Herald published a shocking investigation alleging that 7-Eleven managers in Australia were underpaying international student workers by up to 50%, while threatening them with deportation if they complained. Employees were also scheduled for more hours than their student visas allowed—typically no more than 20 hours a week—and were forced to cover losses if a customer left without paying for fuel. The report led to an investigation by Australia's Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO), and over the following five years, 7-Eleven was compelled to pay back more than $173 million in owed wages.

10. A 7-Eleven employee had to endure assault by Slurpee.

Slurpees are typically a cool and refreshing treat, but they became an object of aggression in 2020. In Pinellas Park, Florida, Brian Duffy was arrested after slapping a Slurpee from an employee’s hands in protest of what he believed to be an overcharge. His prior criminal record turned the incident into a felony case.

11. 7-Eleven was once a little too dirty for some customers.

In 1984, the National Federation for Decency led protests outside 7-Eleven stores, holding signs that read 'Slurpees yes, porno no,' in reaction to the chain’s sale of *Playboy* magazine. By 1986, under pressure from conservative groups, 7-Eleven removed *Playboy* from its 4,500 U.S. outlets. At that time, it was the largest single retailer of the magazine, and its removal caused a 5 percent drop in revenue. However, *Playboy* had a cheeky comeback: one of its subsequent issues featured a photo spread titled 'The Women of 7-Eleven.'