## The Japanese Egg Salad Sandwich Craze is Coming to Canada!
For decades, the humble egg salad sandwich has been a lunchtime staple. But prepare to experience it like never before! Foodies have been travelling thousands of kilometers to Japan just to get their hands on a specific version: the *tamago sando*, or Japanese-style egg salad sandwich. And now, this culinary sensation is finally making its way to Canada on March 4th, courtesy of 7-Eleven.
### What Makes the Tamago Sando So Special?
This isn’t your average egg salad sandwich. The *tamago sando* is a masterpiece of simplicity and flavour. It features a generous filling of perfectly cooked eggs blended with creamy, rich [Kewpie mayonnaise](https://www.kewpie.ca/), nestled between slices of incredibly soft, crustless milk bread. Even the late, legendary food journalist Anthony Bourdain dubbed it “pillows of love!”
### More Than Just a Sandwich: 7-Eleven’s Expansion Plans
For 7-Eleven Canada, the *tamago sando* is more than just a delicious treat; it’s a key component of a broader, five-year strategy to strengthen its presence in the Canadian market. The convenience store landscape is evolving, with increased competition from grocery stores, discount retailers, food trucks, and delivery apps.
“The industry just generally has blurred,” explains Marc Goodman, Vice-President and General Manager of 7-Eleven Canada. “More and more we’ve been seeing the external environment trying to take a piece of our pie.”
### A Shift Towards Franchising and Fresh Food
To combat this competition, 7-Eleven is embracing a new approach, focusing on franchising and a revamp of its business model. Currently operating 550 corporately-owned stores in Ontario and British Columbia, the company aims to expand into the Maritimes and Quebec through franchising.
The goal is to transform 7-Eleven into a quick-service restaurant that *also* offers convenience store items. Many locations are already selling beer and wine, offering dine-in seating, and emphasizing fresh, high-quality food.
Think crispy chicken battered on-site, freshly baked croissants and cookies, and even imported samosas from India! 7-Eleven Canada operates four commissaries dedicated to producing fresh food for its stores.
### What’s Next for 7-Eleven Canada?
Goodman envisions a future where fresh and hot food sales, along with proprietary beverage sales, will take centre stage. While traditional convenience store items will still be available, they’ll take a backseat to the expanded food offerings.
And the Japanese influence doesn’t stop at the *tamago sando*. 7-Eleven Canada already sells *onigiri* (Japanese rice balls) and plans to expand its Japanese-inspired product line.
“Whatever is popular in Japan, we could hopefully find one day here in Canada in our 7-Elevens,” Goodman says.
Get ready to experience a taste of Japan – and a new era for 7-Eleven Canada!
