7-Eleven Inc. is celebrating a milestone achievement of 60 years as the originator of fresh-brewed coffee in to-go cups. To kick things off, the retailer is bringing something extra special to the location where the brand sells the most coffee–Long Island, New York.
From April 7 to April 11 between 4 a.m. to 7:11 a.m. local time, Long Island coffee baristas who work at rival retailers can visit any participating 7-Eleven to enjoy a free large coffee before their morning shift, at participating Long Island locations. The press release states that the brand sees and appreciates those who trek to work at 4 a.m. to fuel all our commutes.
In 1964, 7-Eleven began selling coffee by the cup, a move that revolutionized the 7-Eleven brand and entire coffee industry by introducing the concept of coffee to-go cups to customers nationwide, the retailer said. Over the years, 7-Eleven has expanded its coffee offerings such as specialty coffee and most recently unveiling the brand’s first flavored cold brews and self-service coffee stations.
"Since the introduction of our iconic to-go coffee cup six decades ago, 7-Eleven has provided customers with hot, fresh coffee around the clock," said Dennis Phelps, senior vice president, merchandising (vault and proprietary beverages). “As we celebrate this anniversary, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our loyal coffee customers who have made us a part of their daily routine over all these years—as well as the baristas who fuel us daily. We look forward to continuing to serve our customers and communities for many years to come."
The retailer stated that this is just the beginning of the anniversary celebrations. 7-Eleven is inviting customers to join in on a year-long celebration of all things coffee—including a new campaign, a new cup design commemorating the 60th anniversary and exclusive coffee blends.
Wawa will mark its 60th anniversary by offering customers free coffee on April 16, "Wawa Day," and hosting two events in Philadelphia, reported CBS News.
On “Wawa Day,” customers will be able to get a free hot coffee of any size all day. Additionally, the stores are set to feature vintage décor, cups and hoagie paper. Special tumblers will also be on sale.
The company expects to give away nearly 1.5 million free cups of coffee.
CBS News reported that Wawa will host two special events in Philadelphia, at a Wawa located at 6th and Chestnut streets in Center City and at the National Constitution Center.
At the Center City store, “the day will begin with a ‘ceremonial coffee pour’ by former Penn State and NFL star Devon Still. Wawa will then recognize three Day Brightener customers who make Wawa ‘a special place filled with heart-warming moments,’” CBS News said.
At the National Constitution Center, admission will be free all day, thanks to Wawa. Wawa will also unveil a special exhibit "about American business through the lens of Wawa's innovation, growth and ability to connect communities" at the museum, according to CBS News.
Still and positive psychologists from the University of Pennsylvania will educate guests about the science behind the magic of Wawa and the "Wawa Ties" that are strengthened each day in all Wawa stores.
Wawa's first store opened in Folsom, Pennsylvania, on April 16, 1964, and the Wawa Foundation launched on that day in 2014.