The 7-Eleven Vs. 11 Seven Rivalry Makes It To The Daily News

The 7-Eleven scheduled to open this Fall on the corner of Beverley Road and Coney Island Avenue has been an ongoing point of contention among locals. Comments here and on social media run the gamut from excitement over Slurpees to disapproval of chain stores and fast food, but only one neighbor has pointed out the irony of the 11 Seven Food Mart‘s location just across the intersection. Yesterday, the NY Daily News took on the flippy-floppy battle.

Mohammed Khan, owner of 11 Seven, tells the paper the bodega came with the name when he bought it in 2003. With the 7-Eleven soon to open its doors across the street, he says he’s concerned for his business, and the welfare of his employees.

Of course, as much fun as the writer from the Daily News has with the name swap, the name isn’t what the question comes down to. A business doesn’t fare well because of its name as much as its products and level of service–and probably, to an extent, its opening times. “There are not that many places you can go to late at night,” one neighbor tells the paper, but we’ve never seen 11 Seven closed, and Madina serves scrumptious hot food 24 hours across the way.

Another neighbor says, though she’s excited about the arrival of 7-Eleven, she plans to continue shopping at 11 Seven “because it’s really important to keep mom-and-pop businesses afloat.” It’s a good principle, but since commenters haven’t been shy so far with their opinions on the incoming chain, we wonder if they haven’t brought up 11 Seven before because, well, they’d just rather shop elsewhere.

What’s your take on the matter? Are you not pleased with the mom-and-pop shops in the immediate vicinity, or are you a small business devotee who’s concerned they’ll be pushed out? And if you’re looking forward to 7-Eleven’s arrival, is it because of opening hours, overall quality, particular items only the chain carries, or something else?