One of my first observations here in Copenhagen was, “Wow, look at that 7/11. I love it.” Now, almost four and a half weeks later, my love for the Danish 7/11s persists. Before I am labeled as a weirdo (which some may already do), let me explain the reasoning behind my obsession.
First and foremost, the Danish 7/11s have freshly baked goods. Whether it be personal-size pizzas, blueberry muffins, or chocolate macadamia nut cookies, they have anything a professional late-night-snack-owl could desire. This is where I come into play.
Back in Lexington, I usually visit the 7/11 in the nighttime hours. Whenever I have hit a wall writing a paper or want to take a study break with friends, my favorite suggestion is getting some famous 7/11 Slurpee’s. Lexington’s 7/11 has pre-packaged snacks and some hotdogs rolling on a cooker, but nothing terribly appetizing.
However, here in Copenhagen, they have numerous displays filled with pastries and sandwiches. There are ovens behind the cashier counter, allowing customers to watch the employees as they pull out treys of cherry pastries and brownies. The store offers healthier options too. Yogurt parfaits and cold-meat sandwiches fill the refrigerated shelves. There is also a fresh pasta-salad bar right when you walk in the door. You grab your own bowl, fill it to your liking, pay, and you are on your way! These options are great for people in a time crunch who want to have something decent for lunch (i.e. not fast food) and want something at a below-average price.
As I converse with my fellow classmates, they say this “upscale” style of 7/11s is quite common in Europe and Asia. Honestly, if I had the means to, I would travel the world just to see the different 7/11s. A lofty goal? Sure. Does it make much sense? Nope, which is why I will not endeavor on that adventure. Nevertheless, the difference between the 7/11s in the United States and Copenhagen fascinates me. In Copenhagen, the stores are more than convenience stores used to buy junk food and soda. The stores have more substantial food options; one could purchase an actual meal and not simply an on-the-go snack. Back in the States, it seems as though 7/11 has a reputation for being a quick-stop shop for cheap, unhealthy snacks and mega-large sodas and Slurpee’s. I am not saying that is a bad reputation to have, but it seems to vary quite a bit from the perception of the 7/11s in Copenhagen.