Offering more than gas and snacks, a 7-Eleven in Cochrane can now serve alcohol to legal drinking age customers, with the launch of their newly launched licensed restaurant at their 19 West Side Drive location.
The program first started in Edmonton in 2021, where restaurant-format stores allowed customers to purchase meals with beer and wine for dine-in, takeout, and delivery.
Since then, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., customers of legal drinking age who visited these restaurant-style locations would have the option to add a single alcoholic beverage to their order. Alternatively, customers can also have their orders delivered to their homes between 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. via participating food delivery apps and services.
“We’re excited to be launching another licensed restaurant format in Cochrane which will expand our offerings and provide our adult customers with even more convenience,” said Marc Goodman, Vice President and General Manager, 7-Eleven Canada. “Fresh and prepared food and drinks are an important part of our business and we’re proud to be investing in new jobs and strengthening Alberta’s economy.”
In email correspondence from a spokesperson from 7-Eleven, all alcohol in the store is kept under lock and key, alongside specific guidelines. They outline a strong age-restricted policy, with proper training and controls are in place, adding that staff will also receive foodservice training.
“When purchasing beer or wine, anyone who looks 30 [years old] or younger must present their ID to one of our ProServe trained employees who use a scanner to verify the customers age,” they said. “After they’ve made their purchase, guests can enjoy their drink with a meal either in-store, or take it to go.”
Currently, there are 20 7-Eleven licensed restaurant-format locations in Alberta, including in Calgary, Edmonton, and Red Deer.
“We’ve gotten a lot of great feedback on the licensed restaurant program from customers in other communities, and we thing that people in Cochrane will like it, too,” they said.
Looking to the future, 7-Eleven believes that this will be a welcome addition to the community.
“Based on the feedback we’ve received in other communities; we expect people in Cochrane will appreciate the opportunity to purchase their favorite beer and wine at their local 7-Eleven and making their lives a little more convenient,” they said.
The Texas-based company opened their first Canadian location in Calgary back in 1969. Currently, there are more than 243 locations open across Alberta.
