Couple Sues 7-Eleven For Race Discrimination

“A black couple, whose application to buy a 7-Eleven franchise was denied, filed a federal lawsuit claiming race discrimination. The lawsuit alleged that 7-Eleven systematically excludes nonwhite franchisees from operating franchises "in affluent neighborhoods" and only allows them to operate franchises in "economically disadvantaged locations." The couple wants more than $20 million in compensatory damages and more than $150 million in punitive damages.” NBC San Diego News

7-Eleven, Inc was founded in 1927 in Dallas, Texas. It is one of the largest franchisors of convenience stores, with over 25,000 units worldwide and more than 3,300 units in the United States. It is also the nation's largest independent gasoline retailer. 7-Eleven has been listed among Hispanic Magazine's Top 100 Companies that provide the most opportunities for Hispanics. It is ranked second in Convenience Store News’ Top 200 Franchise Chains of 2003.

7-Eleven corporate spokeswoman Cynthia Baker declared that 7-Eleven, Inc. had not yet been served with the law suit.

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