Game Changer for Shreveport: City Could Be Home to Louisiana’s First New 7-Eleven!

Did you know there are no 7-Eleven stores in Louisiana? That could soon change and Shreveport might be the first city in the state to bring back the giant convenience store chain. But there has been some opposition from residents in west Shreveport.

Why 7-Eleven Left Louisiana

Several decades ago there were 7-Eleven convenience stores all across Louisiana, but way back in 1988 Circle made a bold move by buying 473 stores from Southland Corporation. That company operated 7-Eleven stores at the time.

The stores sold in the deal included many across the south. Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, and South Carolina saw 7-Eleven go away and Circle K emerge. This deal was for nearly $150 million dollars and it included the stores and all the real estate involved.

7-Eleven Has Major Expansion Plans

But 7-Eleven is kicking off a major expansion plan according to Cstorediv.com.

The company plans to open 1300 new stores over the next five years, and more than 100 of those stores are expected to open this year.

The company has more than 13,000 locations across the United States.

Nation’s Restaurant News says 7-Eleven also operates several other food related businesses in retail complexes near the convenience stores. These include Laredo Taco Company and Raise the Roost Chicken and Biscuits.

Shreveport's Metropolitan Planning Commission got a glimpse into this big plan.

If the Shreveport City Council approves the zoning change, Shreveport would be the first city in Louisiana to bring 7-Eleven back to the Bayou State.

Where Is the 7-Eleven in Shreveport Planned?

The developers based in Houston have told the MPC they want to build the store at the corner of Pines and Greenwood Road. This would be on the northwest section of that intersection. The company owns 25 acres at that corner. During meetings earlier this year, there was no opposition from the neighborhood.  The MPC gave approval, but wanted a change made to ensure that there is no overnight 18-wheeler parking.

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During comments before the MPC, Justin Weathers told the panel the convenience store would be built on the corner and there is room for other businesses to the north along Pines Road. He specifically mentioned Chipotle along with the need for an urgent care center in the area.

Ever since that big deal in the 80’s Louisiana most of the deep south has been a 7-Eleven desert. South Carolina is the only southern state that has seen the chain return.