HARLEM — Slurpees are coming.
The first 7-Eleven in Harlem will open on West 116th Street in 2015, and it may not be the last, according to the global chain.
“We see growth opportunities for 7-Eleven in the Harlem area,” spokeswoman Margaret Chabris said in a statement.
The news was first reported by HarlemGal.
The convenience store, which will replace a restaurant at 256 W. 116th St., is expected to open by mid-2015, Chabris added.
Some Harlem residents did not think the global chain was a good fit for the neighborhood.
“It’s news to me,” said Howard Jackson, 60. “What do they think we need a 7-Eleven for? This ain’t the suburbs.”
Others had more mixed reactions.
“It’s good and it’s bad,” said Torino Washington, 21. “They have a lot of the same things other delis have but a little cheaper. On the other hand, some of the stores around here might be in trouble.”
The nearest 7-Elevens are on West 96th Street in Manhattan and on East 149th Street in The Bronx, according to 7-Eleven's website.