7-Eleven Brings New Retail Concept To D.C., Plans Nationwide Expansion

7-Eleven is planning a nationwide expansion for a new retail concept that features a Mexican restaurant and several other new offerings. 

The retail chain announced Wednesday it opened the second location of its Evolution Store concept in D.C. at 504 K St. NW. 

The D.C. opening comes after 7-Eleven opened a store in Dallas last year in what it says was a successful beta test. The company plans to open a third location in San Diego at 3504 El Cajon Blvd. in the coming months and then expand across the country this year. 

The Evolution Store locations include Mexican food from Laredo Taco Co. that 7-Eleven says will be made from scratch in store every day. The retailer acquired Laredo as part of a 2017 deal with Sunoco in South Texas. 

The stores also feature touch-screen machines for ordering custom drinks such as flavored lattes, cold brew coffee and kombucha. Customers can pay on their mobile devices using the 7-Eleven app instead of waiting in line at the checkout counter.

The new offerings also include a cold bar with frozen yogurt and ice cream, fresh-baked pastries, and expanded beauty and electronics sections. Some locations will feature wines and craft beers in an alcove it calls "The Cellar," though that was not part of the D.C. store. 

"7-Eleven's mission is to give convenience customers what they want, when and where they want it," 7-Eleven President and CEO Joe DePinto said in a release. "Our evolution stores bring outstanding innovation to life through new food and beverage platforms as well as through digital experiences."

The convenience store chain has 50 locations in D.C., according to its website, but 7-Eleven has not said how many of the Evolution Store concept it plans to roll out. The company's expanded offering comes as Wawa, a popular convenience store chain, is growing its presence in the District.