AUSTIN, Texas — You've likely driven by many 7-Eleven stores and seen the familiar orange, green and red striped signs. But the one that sits on the corner of South Mays Street and Gattis School Road in Round Rock just passed a small milestone.
Kim Eboreime is the owner.
"We opened the doors here June 23, 2014," she said.
Eboreime said the well-known brand is good for business.
"Oh, thank heaven for 7-Eleven," she recited.
But competition is always looming in Austin-Round Rock's bustling economy.
"There's a big competitor that came in and they're big – they're a big brand. They're big and shiny," she said.
That's why Eboreime focuses on customer service, which may sound like something she's supposed to say until you meet one of those customers, like Donna Slawson.
"I walk in, 'Good morning, ladies! How you doing?' Walk over, get me a drink. Come over here, pay for it. 'Ya'll have a blessed day,'" she said.
Slawson comes in every day.
"If I'm off, two to three times a day. If I'm on, two to three times a day," she joked.
Slawson said the reason is simple.
"The spirit is so high here. It's the best place to come. They have great employees. They're all friendly. We love each other here. I feel like I'm part of the family," she said.
7-Eleven said Eboreime is the only female African-American franchisee in the Austin-Round Rock area.
"My community is very proud of me," said Eboreime.
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To celebrate, she is throwing a party at the store on Thursday, the same day as Slurpee Day, when all 7-Elevens give away small Slurpees.
"It's been five years? C'mon here!" cheered Slawson, who will be there.
It's Eboreime's way of thanking community members, like Slawson, for all their support.
On July 11, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Eboreime will give away free small Slurpees as well as prizes and raffles.
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