Illinois quick hits: 7-Eleven to close 444 stores; Injured trooper honored

7-Eleven to close 444 stores

7-Eleven’s parent company has revealed that it plans to close 444 underperforming locations by the end of this year.

The company said the underperformance was due to slowing sales fueled by inflation, along with a decrease in foot traffic and decline in spending on cigarettes and convenience items.

The list of closures was not given, but there are 318 7-Eleven locations in Illinois.

Injured trooper honored

An Illinois State Trooper has been awarded the Illinois Law Enforcement Medal of Honor.

According to Illinois State Police, Brian Frank was seriously injured in February 2021 due to a driver not complying with the move-over law. Frank had responded to a crash on Interstate 55 in Will County and parked his squad car behind the crashed vehicles. A driver hit the back of his car leaving Frank severely injured.

Evanston hot dog stand enters hall of fame

A popular Evanston hot dog stand this week was honored by being inducted into the Vienna Beef Hot Dog Hall of Fame.

D & D Dogs and Finer Foods earned the accolade during a ceremony inside the restaurant. According to the release, the shop, which opened 51 years ago, has now grown into a “neighborhood cornerstone.”