By George Anderson
Jim Keyes, chief executive officer, 7-Eleven is looking to go home again, sort of.
Mr. Keyes, a favorite son of Grafton, Mass., has announced the company plans to add 60 Boston-area stores over the next three years.
The decision to build-up its presence in Boston is part of the company's larger plan for growth in key regions including the Chicagoland area and Florida.
Boston and Chicago were targeted for expansion because of the large numbers of high-tech and medical professionals in those areas. Mr. Keyes told the Boston Business Journal, "Industries that are populated by time-starved individuals needing convenience."
Florida was chosen because the state continues to attract new residents in search of warmer weather and jobs.
Moderator's Comment: Do you think 7-Eleven is looking for a foothold in areas (Boston, Chicago, Florida) that currently have too many stores or is it moving in to fill a consumer need that is not presently being met?
Based on his relative's response, Mr. Keyes and 7-Eleven have some work ahead, at least in New England. "It was very humbling because many of my family members don't even know what I do. They ask, 'Is it like Cumberland Farms?' " [George Anderson - Moderator]