What Are C-Stores Doing for Independence Day?

CHICAGO — Convenience-store chains aren’t letting the coronavirus pandemic halt their Independence Day celebrations and marketing campaigns. From sandwich deals and beverage specials to music festivals and military discounts, c-store brands nationwide are sporting their pride in America this weekend.

Here’s how four c-store chains are recognizing the Fourth of July …

Through its partnership with public benefits corporation Veterans Advantage, 7-Eleven, Irving, Texas, will offer a free coffee or Big Gulp beverage to military members and veterans on July 4. Participants must have signed up for the retailer's 7Rewards loyalty program and belong to the Veterans Advantage military discount program to receive the deals.

7-Eleven’s coffee varieties include sustainable bean-to-cup drip coffee, cold brew, nitro cold brew, lattes, mochas and more.

Alltown Fresh, a division of Global Partners LP, Waltham, Mass., has created a July Fresh Fourth Fest in Plymouth, Mass., to celebrate this year’s Independence Day. Running from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 1-3, the Alltown Fresh event will provide fresh food made on an outdoor smoker and from the brand’s Fresh Meal Prep Kits. Daily specials include:

• July 1: Smoked Heritage pork ribs, black bean and roasted corn salad with corn bread
• July 2: Grass-fed Joyce Farms burgers with lettuce, tomato, bread and butter pickles with rosemary and sea salt heirloom potato wedges.
• July 3: Carolina-style pulled pork sandwiches with garlic pickles and mustard sauce alongside summer slaw with cabbage, carrots, green apple with poppy seed.

Alltown Fresh has also partnered with Trillium Brewing Co. to provide beverages at the event. Customers who fill up on gas while at the festival will receive $2 off their food order.

TravelCenters of America Inc. will offer all active military, veterans and reservists a complimentary meal at select quick-service restaurants and at Country Pride and Iron Skillet locations on July 4. Anyone who has served in the armed forces can receive a free meal of their choice by showing proof of service to their restaurant server prior to ordering.

“We are grateful for all the men and women who sacrifice their lives for our freedom and are proud to serve them every day,” said Barry Richards, president of TravelCenters of America, Westlake, Ohio. “We enjoy using America’s birthday as an opportunity to show our appreciation and remind them of the true heroes they are.”

Wawa, Wawa, Pa., is turning its annual Welcome America Festival into a week-long virtual event. The program, which began June 28 and wraps up on July 4, will focus on food, arts, culture, education, wellness, history and performance. It includes more than 50 concerts, online educational programs, cooking demonstrations, at-home crafts, virtual museum tours and more.

Part of the program includes Wawa’s National Hoagie Day celebration, where Wawa will donate more than 45,000 hoagies to donate to local organizations, including Philabundance, first responders, healthcare heroes, the USO and more. Click here for more information.