White Hen Changing to 7-Eleven Soon

Soon if you are looking for a convenience store, you can patronize the 7-Eleven store on Pleasant Street. Or if you prefer, you can buy a Slurpee at a second 7-Eleven store four blocks away in Village Plaza.

The White Hen Pantry that has served Marbleheaders for years will soon be converted to a 7-Eleven, much like the one being transformed on Lowell Street in Peabody.

The national convenience store chain said it plans to continue operating both stores, despite their close proximity. 

Al Barcamonte, who operates the White Hen franchise in Village Plaza, said he has heard nothing from 7-Eleven about its plans for his store. But he said he would like to stay on with 7-Eleven, after the conversion. "Who wouldn't?" he said.

7-Eleven spokeswoman Margaret Chabris said the company has no timetable yet for the conversion, but plans to keep the White Hen Pantry location as part of its New England operations. She said if the White Hen franchisee qualifies, 7-Eleven would likely invite him to continue managing the converted store.

Bob Cozens, vice president for 7-Eleven's northeast division, said, "The acquisition of New England Pantry by 7-Eleven will provide our customers, franchisees and employees with additional opportunities by joining the leading convenience retailer's store network. Franchises will be able to capitalize on 7-Eleven's brand strength, extended line-up of proprietary and private label products, and proven business system."

The Dallas, TX-based convenience store chain first bought into the White Hen Pantry brand in 2006, and began to rename the White Hen stores in Chicago, IL. 7-Eleven maintained a master franchising agreement with New England Pantry in Norwood, which owned the White Hen franchises in New England.

Then 7-Eleven acquired New England Pantry from affiliates of Houston investment firm Sanders Morris Harris Group. With the acquisition, 7-Eleven will operate or franchise more than 170 stores in the Greater Boston market.

New England Pantry CEO Andy Brothers joined 7-Eleven's management team and will "support the transition" of the New England operations, the 7-Eleven press release said.

Chabris said 7-Eleven will remodel the White Hen stores. "Nothing is changing right at the moment," she said. "It's going to take time to do the conversions."