7-11

Since May 2001, Jay and Vena Singh have been helping people who live and work in Water Street District begin and get through their day. The owners of the 7-Eleven store at the corner of Water Street and Basic Road have greeted customers with a smile and provided that morning cup of coffee or donut, soda or any number of snacks and sundry items for the perfect “pick-me-up.” Of course, the famed 7-Eleven Slurpee is still a top-seller.

Though the store has been open for more than 35 years, the Singhs purchased it in May 2001. Both had managed 7-Elevens in Southern California but wanted to be their own bosses with the respected franchise. They took advantage of a great opportunity to buy the company-owned Water Street franchise and made the move to their new home that forever changed their lives. The success of the Water Street location allowed them to purchase two more 7-Eleven stores (84 Pacific Ave. and 901 N. Rancho Dr.) and bring more of their family to the United States from their native India. Several relatives are now part of their 7-Eleven management team and staff.

“Working in Water Street District has been good to us and our family,” said Jay. “We’ve got a great location near City Hall, Nevada State College, the courts and other businesses, and we get a lot of traffic with all the downtown events. We really enjoy all the people who come in and out of our store every day. Because we have so many regular customers, it’s great getting to know everyone on a more personal level.”

The Singhs have become part of the Water Street District community fabric. Jay is a member of the Water Street District Business Association. Not only do they know most everyone in the area, they participate in local school and organization fundraisers and special events. Most recently, their 7-Eleven housed one of the new beer gardens for the annual Super Run Auto Show, which added a welcome new “sit down” component to the popular event.

The Water Street 7-Eleven is also known as the site of one of the City of Henderson’s historic murals, a Redevelopment Agency program. The Indian-themed First Residents Mural by Brad Giles is on the building’s north exterior wall.

The Singhs are proud of their stores. The City of Henderson’s Economic Development Department awarded the Singhs with the Outstanding Partner award in 2004 for their active participation and activities in the Redevelopment District. It and the Pacific Avenue location also have been lauded by 7-Eleven for service leadership.

While all three 7-Elevens are dear to the Singhs, the Water Street store has a special place in Vena’s heart. “It was our first and the catalyst for our new life here,” she said of the one she also manages.

“We’ve seen a lot of improvements to the area since moving here 10 years ago and appreciate the Redevelopment Agency’s efforts in this Redevelopment District,” said Jay, adding the store has benefitted from a grant to improve vehicle access. “We look forward to continued development and being a part of it.”

The Singhs’ 7-Eleven stores – like all 7-Elevens – are open 24 hours, seven days a week, and offer monthly specials. Visit www.7-eleven.com for details.