News Summary
The Shreveport City Council has voted unanimously to approve the development of a new 7-Eleven store at the intersection of Pines and Greenwood roads. This marks the chain’s return to Louisiana after 35 years. The council’s decision reflects the company’s strategy to expand across the U.S., with plans for 1,300 new locations. While the development brings hopes for economic growth, local residents and businesses express concerns over increased competition and potential job losses in the area. Construction is expected to begin soon, promising new job opportunities.
Shreveport – The Shreveport City Council has unanimously approved the development of a new 7-Eleven store at the corner of Pines and Greenwood roads. This marks the return of the convenience store chain to Louisiana after an absence of 35 years.
The council’s decision to authorize the new store reflects the company’s expansion efforts, as 7-Eleven plans to open 1,300 new locations across the country in the next five years, with over 100 openings expected in the current year. The once-familiar brand left Louisiana in 1988 following the acquisition of its stores by Circle K from the Southland Corporation, impacting several states in the South.
The proposed 7-Eleven will occupy land on the northwest corner of the intersection, where developers from Houston have indicated that they own 25 acres. The plan includes future development of additional retail businesses, such as restaurants and possibly a quick care facility alongside the convenience store.
Despite the excitement surrounding the return of 7-Eleven, concerns from local residents and rival convenience stores have arisen. Employees from nearby gas stations expressed apprehension regarding potential job losses due to increased competition. Local business owner Connie Walker cautioned that the number of existing gas stations on Pines Road is sufficient and warned of possible negative impacts on local businesses and increased traffic as a result of new competition.
Additionally, Melissa O’Brien, a local employee, shared her worries about job security. She highlighted the risk of her current workplace closing should the new store draw away customers.
The city council’s approval followed modifications to the original plan, which included removing overnight parking for 18-wheelers to alleviate concerns raised by residents living in west Shreveport. This change was made to address community feedback regarding the implications of a convenience store in the area.
The return of 7-Eleven to Shreveport marks a significant milestone, as the city becomes the first in Louisiana to welcome the brand back after its long absence. With more than 13,000 locations currently operating across the United States, the company has diversified its offerings, featuring food-related businesses including the Laredo Taco Company.
Construction on the new 7-Eleven store is anticipated to commence as soon as possible, bringing along hopes of revitalization for the intersection and potential job opportunities for local residents, despite the concerns expressed by competing businesses.
The decision by the Shreveport City Council signals a willingness to embrace new developments and encourage economic growth, while also balancing the worries of existing businesses regarding competition and community impacts.
As Shreveport gears up for the changes ahead, the community awaits the next steps in the development of the new convenience store and its associated retail spaces, keeping a close eye on how this move will affect the local market and resident livelihoods.
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport Times: City Council Approves 7-Eleven
- Wikipedia: Shreveport
- 710 KEEL: Shreveport Growth
- Google Search: Shreveport 7-Eleven development
- MSN: West Shreveport Residents Support New Business Development
- Google Scholar: Business Development Shreveport
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate: Mudbugs Playoffs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Louisiana
- 710 KEEL: Shreveport At Home Closing
- Google News: Shreveport Business News
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
