Slurpee Summit? 7-Eleven Seizes on Attention from President Barack Obama

Nov. 4, 2010— -- Could an icy, gas station staple be the magic elixir that brings the nation's divided politicians together?

Yesterday, 7-Eleven's iconic Slurpee brand got an unexpected moment in the national spotlight when President Barack Obama mentioned it by name during a news conference, and the convenience store company is moving quickly to seize on the presidential attention.

"The president invited us to this discussion, and we can bring the Slurpees," said Margaret Chabris, director of corporate communications for 7-Eleven, Inc.

The presidential mention came after a reporter asked the president if he'd invite Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio) over for a Slurpee, playing off Obama's use of the Slurpee as a punch line while campaigning for Democrats this fall.

"They're delicious drinks," Obama quipped. "The Slurpee summit," he added, picking up on another reporter's line.

It might have been a passing joke, but the folks at 7-Eleven tasted a real opportunity. The company has already offered to install Slurpee machines in the White House to cater a Slurpee Summit.

"We're such a part of pop culture," said Rita Bargerhuff, the VP and Chief Marketing Officer for 7-Eleven, Inc.,reflecting on the presidential mention of the company's product. "We are part of the nomenclature for the American public."

The White House laughed off the idea of an actual Slurpee summit today, but 7-Eleven representatives say they're pushing forward with the idea. They plan to drive Slurpee trucks from Dallas to Washington D.C., beginning Friday, giving free Slurpees to Americans along the way.

Slurpee also plans to create a new flavor called Purple for the People. It tastes like berry, and it's the color you get, of course, when you mix red and blue. 7-Eleven officials insist that Slurpee is non-partisan.