The Land of Lincoln will soon have more places to get baked treats and drinks when 7-Eleven, Inc. converts 14 northwestern Illinois Mother Hubbard's Cupboard (MHC) stores to 7-Eleven stores and offer them for franchise.  

As part of the company's growth strategy, 7-Eleven purchased these stores in 2010. Currently, there are 360 7-Eleven outlets in the state, 92% of which are franchised.  

All 14 MHC stores offer motor fuel service and operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"We plan to remodel these outlets to become 7-Eleven convenience stores and offer the franchising opportunity to people in the community that want to run their own business. 7-Eleven has a proven, successful system along with the support of the world's largest convenience retailer," said Bill Engen, 7-Eleven's east region senior vice president.

7-Eleven is investing in a remodel of these stores, which includes adding new coffee bars, hot foods equipment and its iconic Slurpee beverage with six-barrel machines. The stores already have a roller grill but will receive a second one as part of the conversion program to accommodate the product assortment of Big Bite hot dogs, Buffalo chicken rollers, and breakfast and other taquitos.

In addition, the stores will introduce their customers to 7-Select, the retailer's private brand of products that meet or beat the quality of name-brand food and beverages on 7-Eleven shelves, but at a price 10 to 20 percent less.

These stores will benefit from 7-Eleven's distribution network that provides fresh food delivery on a daily basis which includes bakery items and hand-prepared sandwiches, salads, cut fruits and vegetables.  

"7-Eleven provides an attractive business opportunity," said Engen. "Our franchise model supports the local business owner with infrastructure and consulting which enables them to operate great stores and make product assortment decisions that meet neighborhood needs. Franchisees from the local community are in the best position to know and respond to their local retail needs, which, in turn, builds customer loyalty and sales."

Qualified MHC store managers will be given the opportunity to apply for a 7-Eleven franchise.

7-Eleven provides the land, building, equipment and a turn-key operation for its franchisees. The franchise fee for these stores is based on each MHC store's sales history and whether the facility includes a laundromat. The fee is expected to range from around $60,000 to $460,000 with six of these stores offering laundry services. Other franchisee start-up costs include the store's inventory, supplies, business licenses, permits, bonds and cash register fund.

7-Eleven's franchise model is based on a gross profit split rather than a percent of total sales unlike most franchise companies. This increases the focus on co-prosperity and the franchisee's success because each shares in the profits. More than 5,100 of 7-Eleven, Inc.'s 6,200 U.S. stores are now franchised.

MHC locations that will become 7-Eleven convenience stores include: