Discover Japanese Convenience Store Delights Now at Los Angeles 7-Elevens!

In recent news, Southern Californians are eagerly anticipating the arrival of Japanese-inspired food items at local 7-Elevens. This development marks a significant shift in the convenience store landscape, as America’s largest convenience store chain expands its menu to include Japanese food items. The news, first reported in June by the Wall Street Journal, has whetted the appetites of many who are familiar with the extensive offerings of 7-Elevens in Asia.

According to Jeff Lenard, spokesperson for the National Association of Convenience Stores, the U.S. invented the convenience store industry, but Asia has polished the concept to an unprecedented level. While paying electric bills at 7-Eleven may not be on the horizon for stateside stores, customers will soon be able to pair their Big Gulp with miso ramen, sweet chili crisp wings, and other ready-to-go Japanese fare.

The Rise and Fall of Famima!! in Los Angeles

For some Angelenos, this vision of Japanese convenience store food is not entirely new. In the mid-2000s, the upmarket Japanese chain Famima!! attempted to establish a foothold in Los Angeles. Famima!!, short for FamilyMart, is a popular chain of convenience stores in Japan. The first U.S. Famima!! opened in 2005 in West Hollywood, with plans to expand to 200 stores across America. However, this ambitious goal was never realized.

At its peak, Famima!! grew to 20 locations, including stores in Long Beach, Orange County, and eight in Downtown Los Angeles, such as Union Station. Jonathan Gold, a renowned food critic, once likened a visit to Famima!! to “an expanded version of a luxury hotel minibar,” offering gourmet popcorn, pricey bars of organic chocolate, and excellent Internet access.

Despite its initial success, Famima!! struggled to maintain its presence in the U.S. market. By 2015, the chain announced its sudden exit, shuttering all remaining locations across Los Angeles. Lenard noted that sometimes good ideas are ahead of their time, and the cultural fabric of L.A. life wasn’t as mainstreamed with Asian influences as it is now.

The Return of Japanese Convenience Store Food

Today, the embrace of Asian food in stores makes more sense than ever. This week, K-pop artists took the No. 1 and No. 2 spots on the Billboard 200 chart for the first time in history. Bringing new flavors and concepts to the U.S. is more likely to succeed now due to changes in how people think about food, entertainment, and media consumption.

7-Eleven’s U.S. arm is working with its international counterparts in Japan to introduce new items such as chicken teriyaki rice balls, miso ramen, and sweet chili crisp wings to stateside stores. Additional items include Mangonada donuts with Tajin, barbecue pork sliders, and chicken curry bowls. The famous Japanese 7-Eleven egg salad sando, which has permeated the internet, has also been spotted at local stores in Orange County.

The U.S. version of the egg salad sandwich, priced at $5.99, comes with egg salad mayonnaise and Dijon, served on milk bread with the crust still on. In contrast, the Japanese version, costing around 238 yen (approximately $1.55), has the crust trimmed off. This introduction of milk bread sandwiches is part of a shift to fresher food and tailoring options to the local market.

Challenges and Skepticism

Despite the excitement, there is some skepticism about the arrival of these viral sandwiches in the Southland. Earlier this year, a thread on X claimed that 7-Eleven stores in San Francisco started selling Mayor London Breed-branded onigiri, which turned out to be a hoax. This incident highlights the challenges of meeting the high expectations set by Japanese convenience stores.

Moreover, the American convenience store culture is often associated with lower-quality food and service. Many consumers are accustomed to 7-Eleven as a place for quick, greasy snacks rather than fresh, high-quality meals. However, the introduction of Japanese-inspired items could change this perception.

In Japan, 7-Eleven stores are known for their excellent food variety and quality. The challenge for 7-Eleven in the U.S. will be to replicate this success while navigating the different consumer expectations and logistical hurdles.

Our Advice on the City

For occasional travelers visiting Los Angeles, we recommend exploring the newly introduced Japanese convenience store items at local 7-Elevens. These offerings provide a unique taste of Japanese culture without the need for a plane ticket. Try the egg salad sando or the chicken teriyaki rice balls for a delightful culinary experience.

For expert travelers, consider visiting specialty supermarkets like Nijiya and Mitsuwa, which offer a prepared foods section similar to konbini but without the 24-hour access. Additionally, restaurants like Konbi Katsu Sando bring the Japanese convenience store tradition to life with upscale katsu sandwiches.

In conclusion, the introduction of Japanese-inspired food items at 7-Eleven marks a significant shift in the convenience store landscape in Los Angeles. This development reflects the growing influence of Asian culture in the U.S. and the evolving tastes of American consumers. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this new era of convenience store food offers an exciting opportunity to explore and enjoy the flavors of Japan.