The annual NRN Power List is the definitive list of people setting foodservice trends today and shaping them for tomorrow. See the full list >>
The Convenience King
7-Eleven is taking convenience to the next level with the introduction of mobile ordering, one of several initiatives that have made the chain a more formidable foodservice competitor under the leadership of Joseph DePinto, president and CEO. The move comes as the Dallas-based retailer, a division of Tokyo-based Seven & I Holdings Co., implements a restructuring effort designed to facilitate expansion. This includes the agreement to acquire 1,100 stores from Sunoco, which would give 7-Eleven more than 10,000 locations in the U.S.
Known for: A West Point graduate with a degree in engineering management, DePinto has been guiding financial and operational improvements at the chain. He’s also on the board of directors at Brinker International Inc.
Power move: 7-Eleven in December began testing mobile ordering for delivery and pickup, available through its loyalty app, at 10 Dallas locations. Customers can choose from prepared foods such as pizza and packaged snacks and other grocery items, including beer and wine.
What’s next: Expanding the rollout of mobile ordering and continuing to emphasize higher quality fresh foods and foodservice offerings.