Convenience store chain 7-Eleven said it plans to convert about 100 company-operated stores in Florida into franchised operations.
The Dallas-based company said the change affects 7-Eleven stores in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, Indian River and St. Lucie counties. Existing 7-Eleven store managers were invited to apply for a 7-Eleven franchise before the company made its plans public.
So far, two Florida store managers have become franchise owners under the new plan: Afsana Lina Baig in Fort Lauderdale and Evelyn Lortie in Port St. Lucie.
Baig is to become the franchisee of a store on Las Olas Boulevard. The Bangladesh native came to the United States in 1998. Her uncle, a manager at another South Florida 7-Eleven, recommended the company to her. Despite her marriage to a doctor and having two sons, Baig became the first female member of her traditional family to have a career.
“It makes me feel good to have a sense of independence and self-sufficiency,” she said.
Sid Brockman, 7-Eleven vice president for Florida operations, said the company is moving more decision-making to the stores.
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