7-Eleven to Close Over 600 Stores in 2026, Including Potential Arizona Closures 7-Eleven, the global convenience store chain, has announced plans to close 645 gas stations and convenience stores across North America in 2026, marking the most significant round of store closures in its history. This decision follows a trend of gradual closures over the past few years, with the company shuttering 444 stores in 2024 and approximately 500 stores in 2025. The closures are attributed to declining performance in specific regions and a long-term decline in cigarette sales, which once constituted a major revenue stream for the company. The strategic shift comes as 7-Eleven aims to reposition its North American operations by emphasizing fresh food offerings and expanding delivery services. These changes were outlined during a second-quarter earnings call in 2024, where the company highlighted its focus on adapting to evolving consumer preferences and market demands. The closures are part of a broader effort to streamline operations and prioritize locations with higher profitability potential. While the company has not disclosed a specific list of stores slated for closure, the decision to target underperforming locations suggests that areas with low foot traffic or declining sales are likely to be affected. This approach aligns with the company’s efforts to optimize its store network and allocate resources more effectively. Arizona, which currently hosts around 140 7-Eleven stores, remains a potential area of impact. Most of these locations are concentrated in Phoenix and Tucson, but the company’s focus on low-traffic areas implies that closures could occur in less densely populated regions. However, without an official list of affected stores, it is difficult to determine the exact number of closures in Arizona.#arizona #tucson #7eleven #north_america #phoenix
Sidharth Bharadwaj Reflects on Challenging Experiences Abroad and His Journey in Stand-Up Comedy Sidharth Bharadwaj, a 50-year-old comedian, shared emotional insights about his struggles during his time abroad, highlighting the difficulties he faced while pursuing his passion for stand-up comedy. He recounted the challenges of working in the United States without proper documentation, emphasizing how he had to take on menial jobs like driving a taxi or working at a 7-Eleven to make ends meet. Despite these hardships, Bharadwaj remained determined to perform on stage, stating that he never let his circumstances define his career. Bharadwaj spoke about the release of his show Aafat, which marked a significant milestone in his career. He described the moment with a mix of nostalgia and pride, recalling how he was “pocha maar raha tha” (literally, “running around like a madman”) during its launch. The show, which he created during his difficult phase, became a turning point for him, allowing him to share his unique perspective on life and culture. He also mentioned that his ex-girlfriend once told him he would never achieve anything, a statement he now sees as a reflection of the challenges he overcame. The comedian emphasized his resilience, noting that he never followed others or tried to mimic anyone’s success. Instead, he focused on his own path, even when faced with obstacles like language barriers and cultural misunderstandings. Bharadwaj’s experiences resonate with many Indian stand-up comedians who perform in English, as they often joke about their accents and cultural identity while navigating the global comedy scene. Despite the struggles, Bharadwaj remains grateful for his journey, acknowledging the sacrifices he made to reach his goals.#united_states #7eleven #sidharth_bharadwaj #aafat #indian_stand_up_comedians
Upstate NY Wegmans sells 2 second-prize Lotto tickets in 1 drawing Three second-prize lottery tickets worth $53,897 each were sold during Saturday’s New York Lotto drawing, with two of the winning tickets purchased at the same Wegmans supermarket in Upstate New York. The third second-prize ticket was sold at a 7-Eleven in Smithtown, Long Island. The winning numbers drawn were 6, 11, 19, 22, 28, and 50, with a bonus number of 45. To qualify for the second-prize payout, ticket holders must match five of the six main numbers plus the bonus number. The $5 million jackpot for Saturday’s drawing remained unclaimed, with an estimated cash value of $2.6 million. The jackpot had not been won since December 20, 2025. New York Lotto drawings occur twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Additional lottery winners from New York include a resident who claimed a $1 million prize from the Cash4Life lottery ticket sold on New Year’s Eve. Another New York resident won $1 million in the Erie Canal raffle, while an Upstate New York man claimed a $1 million Powerball prize purchased on Christmas Eve. A second Upstate resident also won a $1 million jackpot in the Erie Canal raffle. A man in Upstate New York secured a lifetime payout of $1,000 per day from a lottery ticket bought there. The lottery results highlight the ongoing activity in New York’s gambling sector, with multiple winners across various games. The state’s lottery system continues to generate significant payouts, attracting players seeking substantial rewards. The unclaimed jackpot underscores the competitive nature of the lottery market, as well as the challenges in securing the top prize. Further details about the winning tickets and their distribution will be provided by the New York State Lottery, which manages the draw and distributes prizes.#wegmans #new_york_state_lottery #7eleven #new_york_lotto #erie_canal_raffle
