7-11-12: Chill Out with a Free Slurpee

Man is it hot out there – just the kind of weather 7-Eleven managers hope for on its national free Slurpee day.

Known at what corporate officials call "the world’s first convenience store" as 7-Eleven Day, Wednesday is the day when the company marks 85 years since it was founded in Dallas, Texas.

Participating stores across America and Canada will serve millions of free Slurpee frozen carbonated beverages in special birthday cups on Wednesday (while supplies last). According to 7-Eleven headquarters, the convenience store chain has been celebrating its birthday with free Slurpee drinks since its 75th anniversary celebration in 2002.

Since the first store opened in 1927, 7-Eleven has grown into a major retailing chain with close to 8,200 stores in North America and more than 38,100 worldwide, according to figures from a company press release.