7-Eleven's new 'Lab Store' features taqueria, craft beer station
7-Eleven became the latest retailer to experiment with a new convenience store format this month, unveiling a “Lab Store” in Dallas, Texas that features everything from street tacos to a craft beer refilling station.
Dubbed an “experimental testing ground” by 7-Eleven officials, the lab store debuted on March 22. The location features indoor and outdoor seating and a streamlined checkout process that allows customers to pay through their phones.
The store’s food and beverage options include a coffee and smoothie bar, a station called “The Cellar” selling wine and craft beers, a frozen yogurt and ice cream bar and various baked goods that are made on site. In addition, the experimental format includes alcohol beverages on tap and a Laredo Taco Company counter, featuring handmade tortillas and various Tex-Mex offerings.
![](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxbusiness.com/foxbusiness.com/content/uploads/2019/03/931/523/7-11-tacos.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
“Convenience retailing is light years away from the days of bread and milk being sold from ice docks in 1927, and the industry is changing at a faster rate than ever before,” said Chris Tanco, 7-Eleven executive vice president and chief operating officer. “7-Eleven stays at the forefront by pushing the boundaries and being unafraid to try new things. This new lab store will serve as a place to test, learn and iterate new platforms and products to see what really resonates with customers and how we can use those learnings to influence future store designs.”
![](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxbusiness.com/foxbusiness.com/content/uploads/2019/03/931/523/7-11-coffee.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
The store’s launch came as Amazon explores an entry into the convenience store marketplace. The e-commerce giant has experimented with several cashier-less “Amazon Go” convenience stores, with plans to open as many as 3,000 locations by 2021, according to a Bloomberg report.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX BUSINESS APP
A 7-Eleven representative said the chain has plans for a nationwide launch of its experimental store format, though it’s unclear how many locations will be opened.