7‑Eleven is celebrating its 98th birthday today - July 11 - with its annual Free Slurpee Day, offering customers a complimentary small Slurpee at participating 7‑Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes locations across the U.S. (while supplies last).
But this chill celebration traces back to Dallas: the first store opened in 1927 as the Southland Ice Company dock in Oak Cliff, selling everyday staples from an icehouse. By 1946, it was renamed 7‑Eleven, reflecting its extended hours from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. - a radical idea in mid-century retail.
Slurpees themselves were introduced in 1966 when 7‑Eleven licensed the ICEE frozen-drink machine under the catchy name “Slurpee,” derived from the sound the drink makes.
Today’s celebration also features fun extras: loyalty members can scan their 7Rewards or Speedy Rewards apps to snag a coupon for a second free Slurpee redeemable through July 31, and select stores are handing out “Tongue‑Toos” - temporary tongue tattoos that reveal the iconic Slurpee “S.”
From its humble Dallas roots to a global convenience empire, 7‑Eleven’s Free Slurpee Day is more than a sugar rush - it’s a hometown tradition gone national.
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