Winnipeg’s Slurpee crown at risk from thirsty Calgarians

Winnipeggers’ love of Slurpees is legendary.

For 20 years running, the city has been 7-Eleven’s biggest Slurpee market in the world.

But another Canadian city could put Winnipeg’s crown at risk.

Calgary, the international convenience store chain’s second-largest market, is catching up in terms of Slurpee sales.

“That title of being the Slurpee capital in the world is in jeopardy, so I’m hoping the Winnipeggers can ante up and come visit our stores a little more often to have some more Slurpees to drink, because Calgary is knocking right on the door,” Marc Goodman, 7-Eleven Canada’s vice-president and general manager, said Monday.

George Sagriotis, standing outside a 7-Eleven on Portage Avenue with a medium Slurpee in hand, said a string of 7-Eleven closures across the city may have resulted in fewer people drinking Slurpees, allowing Calgary to slowly catch up.

Winnipeg has seen at least eight of the stores close due to theft and safety concerns since the company told city council in August 2025 that 10 of the locations were at risk.

Sagriotis said more security is needed to stop crime in 7-Elevens across the city.

“I think it’s sad that a lot of the stores are closing,” he said. “I think the city needs to do better with how they’re dealing with the problem. Closing its doors isn’t the answer.”

Sagriotis was surprised that Calgary could move into first place in the Slurpee market as he said he doesn’t see many people with Slurpees when he visits that city.

“Everybody loves Slurpees, it’s a Winnipeg thing.”

He said while he tries not to consume too much sugar, he can’t help but quench his thirst with the frozen drink now and then. He says people often want to cool down during Winnipeg’s hot and humid summers, which adds to the drink’s popularity.

Leslie Campbell, found sipping a large Slurpee at the same location, says Calgary potentially dethroning Winnipeg as the Slurpee capital “is what it is.”

“Hats off to Calgary — if they’re going to win, they’re going to win,” he said.

Campbell has been a frequent Slurpee drinker since he was a kid and enjoys them even when temperatures hit as low as -40 C. Even if the city loses its title officially, he feels Slurpees are engrained in Winnipeg culture.

“I’m a Winnipegger born and bred, and this is my pastime and it’s not going to stop anytime soon,” he said.

When Campbell was younger, Slurpees were much cheaper, and drinking them was an affordable activity to do with family and friends. The price has gone up, but still he said, nothing beats going for a sweet slushy drink with friends.

“Everybody loves Slurpees, it’s a Winnipeg thing.”

While Calgary has the advantage of a much larger population, Winnipeg can still hang onto its title, said 16-year-old Miguel Garcia.

“If we put in the effort, we can for sure make good competition for Calgary,” he said outside the Portage outlet.

Miguel said while he doesn’t necessarily plan on drinking more Slurpees to help Winnipeg stay in the lead, he will continue to enjoy them with friends year-round, even in freezing temperatures.

The syrupy frozen drink will be the star of the show on 7-Eleven Day, July 11.

In addition to the free small Slurpees that are offered as part of the annual celebration, 7-Eleven is launching a Slurpee Soda beverage and Slurpee candies in a nod to the iconic beverage.

Slurpees were officially launched in 1966. The first Canadian 7-Eleven location opened in Calgary in 1969.

tiago.resko@freepress.mb.ca