Happy Slurpee Day: A history of how Texas football fans made 7-Eleven a 24-hour store
Sixty years ago, University of Texas students and Longhorns fans had a hand in making convenience stores, well, much more convenient.
Dallas-based chain 7-Eleven expanded to Austin in 1950. At that time the stores received a somewhat frosty reception, even facing some initial boycotts, according to Allen Liles' book, "Oh Thank Heaven! The Story of the Southland Corporation," which chronicled the rise of 7-11.
By 1963, the company began experimenting with a 24-hour store in Las Vegas after initially trying 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. hours. At that same time, an Austin location stayed open for a full 24 hours just to meet demand.
More: $1 million Mega Millions ticket sold in Austin as jackpot climbs to $480 million
Texas football and a busy 7-Eleven in Austin
According to Liles' book, Vaughn Headly, then Southwestern Division manager for the company, said it happened by accident after a University of Texas football game.
"The store was so busy that at 11 o'clock they couldn't get it closed. They just continued to do business and never did get it closed that night," Headly said.
The store did the same thing after the next Longhorns game, and before long, "they started to keep it open every night and it did quite well."
From there, Headly says the company tried the approach in Fort Worth near Texas Christian University and Dallas near Southern Methodist University. It took off and the 24-hour store grew.
Fans of the Longhorns didn't just enjoy long hours at 7-Eleven that year. They also saw Texas football go undefeated and win their first national championship.
Stops at the store did not include Slurpees, though. The iconic drink wouldn't be introduced at stores until 1966. Ten years later, the "Big Gulp" was introduced.
Get a free Slurpee on 7-11 day before July 11
Since 2002, 7-Eleven has made July 11 a day for free Slurpees. According to the company, here's how you can reach VIP status:
Download the 7-Eleven or Speedway app
Visit a 7-Eleven, Speedway or Stripes store from 7/1 – 7/11
Fill up one of the special Slurpee Day cups with your favorite flavor (or flavors)
Scan your 7-Eleven or Speedway app at checkout
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: 7-Eleven open 24 hours because of Texas football fans
