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The Classic Slurpee Is Getting A Cool Makeover At 7-Eleven This Summer

Author Phil Harris
Singer Austin Mahone takes a selfie and enjoys a Slurpee during 7-Eleven's kickoff for Slurpee All Access Chill on May 6, 2015 in Boca Raton, Florida. (Photo by Larry Marano/Getty Images for 7-Eleven)

It has been cooling off overheated Americans since 1966. Who doesn’t love a Slurpee? Like most people, I tried my first one when I still a kid. I don’t think I’ll ever outgrow it. I can’t say that about all the things I loved when I was young.

A lot has changed in the 57 years since 7-Eleven introduced the iconic brain-freezing treat. More changes are coming to the Slurpee itself. According to Ad Week, the country’s most-widespread convenience store is revealing a rebranded Slurpee.

It’s still basically the same frozen slushy soda but with with a whole new look and vibe in the form of an updated Slurpee logo on the cups and a hip ad campaign called “Anything Flows.” USA Today reports this will be the seventh Slurpee cup redesign since 1966. Don’t worry, you’ll still be able to get your favorite flavors. I’ve always been partial to Pina Colada with a Cherry topper.

Did you know the Slurpee was invented out of the need to keep an ice cream shop in business? Omar Knedlik got into the ice cream business after serving in World War II. Knedlik owned a Dairy Queen in Coffeyville, Kansas and it was there that he first put glass bottles of Coca-Cola in the freezer in lieu of a working soda fountain.

Knedlik’s slushy Cokes caught on and he started making them with an ICEE machine of his own invention. 7-Eleven purchased 100 of those machines in 1965, signed a licensing deal with ICEE, and began selling the Slurpee the following year. The rest is refreshing history.

One thing that isn’t changing is that 7-Eleven will still be hosting National Free Slurpee Day on July 11 (7/11, get it?), just as they have been for over 20 years. Simply visit one of the convenience stores on that day and you’ll be able to get a free 12 oz. Slurpee in any flavor available at that location.

Phil Harris is 50% of "Phil & Mel in the Afternoon" on K104.7. He has been with the station since 2013 and on the air in Charlotte since 2000. Before coming to the Queen City, Phil worked for radio stations in Pittsburgh, Austin, and Seattle. In addition to the weekly "Throwback Threesome" music video feature, Phil writes about things that matter to Charlotte sports fans and pet owners. He happens to be both.

6 Must Try Ice Cream Shops in North Carolina For This Summer

It’s summertime and we all know what that means. Cold desserts! Now, I enjoy a good dessert any time of the year. But, that is just me. Whenever I am craving something good, sweet, and cold, obviously ice cream is the best bet. But since this will be my first summer in Charlotte and North Carolina in general, then I need to decide what ice cream spots are worth me taking a trip to.

So, what does that mean? Means discovering new ice cream spots worth giving a try. I decided my best bet would be to look into some ice cream shops that I have never heard of or heard of and have never been and compile a list. That way it’s sort of like my ice cream guide but can share with you all as well. These are some of (what I think to be) the best must-try ice cream shops in North Carolina. If you’re not from North Carolina, then either you should plan a visit just for some of these bad boys. Check out the list below.

  • Golden Cow Creamery

    Okay, so this is a newbie that I never heard of until I started looking into doing this list. The Golden Cow Creamery is a local ice cream shop in Charlotte, North Carolina with some great ice cream options. Their homemade from scratch ice cream is home to 14 different flavors. There are 6 standards and 8 rotating ice cream flavors. Enjoy flavors like Salted Oreo, Lime Sherbet, Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake, and more!

    @goldencowcreamery

    I scream, you scream, we all scream for ICE CREAM!! See what is scooping at our Uptown location!!!🍨🍨 #fyp #charlotte #nc #northcarolina #clt #trending #icecream #local #localbusiness #viral #uptown #foodie #foodtiktok #food

    ♬ Ice Cream (with Selena Gomez) - BLACKPINK & Selena Gomez

  • S & T's Soda Shoppe

    Here is another newbie that I have discovered for myself. S & T’s Soda Shoppe is located in Pittsboro, NC and has that old fashioned creamery feel. Not only are they serving ice cream, but other American classic foods that you could enjoy before your dessert. Ice cream flavors include black walnut, bubble gum, orange pineapple, death by chocolate, praline pecan, and more!

  • Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream

    Of course, we had to add Jeni’s to the list. Now, although I have been here fro some months I still have never given them a try. Unfortunately, I have not experienced the hype quite yet but I do plan on it this summer for sure. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is one of those places that people truly CRAVE about. The menu includes ice cream flavors such as everything bagel, gooey butter cake, high five candy bar, Boston cream pie, powered jelly donut, and more!

  • Two Roosters Ice Cream

    We’re heading to Raleigh, North Carolina at this spot. Two Roosters Ice Cream is serving up fresh ice cream made by hand. They have multiple rotation flavors such as banana walnut, brownie rocky road, lemon ginger tea, sea salt chip cookie dough, strawberry and honey, blackberry hibiscus, and more! All of that sounds like it’s worth the trip for me for sure.

  • Coastal Creamery OBX

    Coastal Creamery OBX is located in Nags Head. So, if you’re heading to the beach this summer then this might be the perfect place for you to try. They are serving up hard scooped, soft served, and Italian ice. Sounds pretty good to me!

  • Boombalatti's Homemade Ice Cream

    We’re off to Wilmington now! Boombalatti’s ice cream has no artificial flavors or colors to help your ice cream experience get even better. Every batch of course is made locally in Wilmington and you can taste the love that is within. I cannot wait to visit Wilmington just to give this one a try! Flavors include those such as cannoli, salted caramel and peanuts, key lime pie, honey lavender, blueberry basil, and tons of vegan options.

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