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Free Brain Freeze: 7-Eleven's Giving Away Slurpees Tuesday As Part Of 15-Year Tradition

Gus Contreras
/
KERA News
Allie Adamek and Joshua Vernon enjoy free Slurpees outside the 7-Eleven in Oak Lawn.

It's July 11, otherwise known as 7-Eleven. That means the Irving-based convenience store by the same name is giving away free small Slurpees. It's not only a tradition but also the company's 90th birthday this year.

7-Eleven is expected to hand out almost nine million Slurpees Tuesday. It's been giving away the iconic frozen drink every July 11 since 2002.

The beverage was introduced to consumers in 1966, and the following year, the company’s advertising director named it “Slurpee” because it described the sound the drink made traveling through the straw. 

The store's roots date back to 1927 in Dallas' Oak Cliff neighborhood. At that time, ice houses sold and delivered ice to customers. But Johnny Green, the original owner of what would become 7-Eleven, had the idea of also offering milk, eggs and bread.

Thus, the convenience store was born.

Today, 7‑Eleven operates more than 60,000 stores in 18 countries. 

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Gus Contreras is a digital producer and reporter at KERA News. Gus produces the local All Things Considered segment and reports on a variety of topics from, sports to immigration. He was an intern and production assistant for All Things Considered in Washington D.C.