Revenue and earnings also increased substantially.Total revenues for the second quarter grew 9.1% to$3.4 billion. The chain attributes the growth toincreased sales of fresh food, hot and cold beverages, cigarettes and services.

Specifically, non-carbonated beverage sales were up substantially, according to 7-Eleven president and CEO Jim Keyes. Nutritional drinks such as Gatorade were up 32%, he says, adding that new beverage introductions also kicked sales into high gear. In particular, the new Big Gulp Soda Float, which allows customers to add an ice cream topper to their Big Gulps to create an instant ice cream float, was a big hit. The chain is looking forward to introducing a new Big Gulp Soda in the third quarter, which will allow for the roll-out of a new Big Gulp mug.

"We're very pleased to report the continued and steady improvements of our financial performance," Keyes said during the chain's quarterly earnings call. Second quarter net earnings spiked 20% to $57.2 million, or 45 cents per diluted share, compared to net earnings of $47 million, or 38 cents per diluted share, in the same quarter a year ago. 7-Eleven reaffirmed its annual guidance of $1.12 to $1.16 per diluted share.