News Flash: Most 7-11s are franchisee-owned stores. Southland Corp, the parent company and franchisor of 7-11 is looking to sell off virtually all corporate-owned stores in the next few years. Chances are very good that any 7-11 you walk into today or in the future is owned by a local entrepreneur.

Which brings up a pet peeve of mine. People bitch that 7-11 isn't in the city. Same people could themselves set up a 7-11 in the city. Instead they complain that someone, be it corporate or franchisee, hasn't done it. You need roughly $100K - $150K cash to open a 7-11. Obviously many don't have this but rather than bitch about the lack of a 7-11, figure out a way to get one going, or open up an independent convenience store and run it however you like. The complainers can just suck on a Slurpee.